WESTAMPTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Officials in South Jersey broke ground Monday on a new state-of-the-art, inclusive playground at the Burlington County Special Services School District’s Westampton campus.
The new 12,500-square-foot playground will be constructed behind the school, replacing the existing one that was built decades ago.
The current playground is not ideal for individuals of varying disabilities to play.
“I approached the powers that be with the money and said, look, we got to do something,” recalled Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Tom Pullion. “We got to give these children something bigger and better. And I’m so glad to see that three, four years down the road, we finally did it.”
The $1.1 million project is funded through a cost-share agreement with the Burlington County Commissioners.
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The playground will feature accessible and barrier-free equipment for children and adults with varying disabilities, including an adaptive swing, a sensory-friendly wall, and calming chimes. It was designed to cater to all levels of sensitivity, with bright red and blue hues.
“Students who may have cognitive issues or neurological issues will be able to go through the sensory playground,” said Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ashanti Holley. “We have a piece that will be good for people who utilize wheelchairs. So every single student will be able to utilize our playground.”
“This new playground will allow all the students, no matter the exceptionality, to be able to participate, to play and to be part of something very, very special. This truly is our ‘Field of Dreams,’” added Superintendent Christopher Nagy.
The playground will also be open to the public when school is not in session.
“The children of the Special Services School District have such special abilities and neighbors, and having a place where they can feel welcomed and have fun and be like every kid you can see, I think it’s a special thing,” state Sen. Troy Singleton added at Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony.
Construction is expected to be completed in June.
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