97 Inclusive Playgrounds coming to New Jersey: is your town getting one?

Alright South Jersey families (or all of New Jersey) — grab a cup of coffee (or reheat the one you already forgot about in the microwave), because this one’s a big deal.

New Jersey is moving full speed ahead with a plan to build 97 inclusive playgrounds across the state — that means 97 new places where our kids can laugh, slide, climb, swing, and explore together in a space that truly works for everyone. That includes kiddos with mobility challenges, sensory needs, or developmental differences — and their siblings, friends, and cousins too. Some of these playgrounds are already up and running, while others are just getting started, which basically means more excuses for us to say, “Let’s go try a new playground today,” instead of, “Please stop climbing the furniture.”

Jump to: Is Your Town Getting an Inclusive Playground?

This incredible push is happening because of Jake’s Law, a statewide initiative inspired by Jake Cummings-Nasto — a little boy from South Jersey whose love of play helped spark a movement to make playgrounds welcoming for every body. Jake’s Law gives counties and towns priority funding through New Jersey’s DEP Green Acres Program for playgrounds that meet special inclusivity standards beyond the basics.

A huge shoutout goes to Our View, the nonprofit many of us originally knew as Build Jake’s Place. They were the heart behind the first fully inclusive Jake’s Place playgrounds right here in South Jersey — and they didn’t stop there.

Their voice and expertise have helped shape the standards and conversations behind New Jersey’s plan to build all 97 inclusive playgrounds, making sure these new spaces aren’t just “ADA compliant,” but designed for real, joyful, barrier-free play for all kids.

✔ Fully fenced play areas

You know that moment when your toddler makes a beeline for the parking lot? A playground with a fence all the way around gives us that extra peace of mind. It turns, “Wait, where did they go?!” into, “Okay, at least they’re still inside the fence.”

✔ Accessible ground surfacing & ramps

No wood chips that swallow wheelchairs or strollers — we’re talking smooth, safe surfaces and ramps so kids of all mobility levels can actually get into the fun. Plus, fewer twisted ankles for parents trying to chase a kid in flip flops. Win-win.

✔ Access to bathrooms

Yes, real, accessible bathrooms close by — not “maybe if you walk really far.” Bathrooms are a game-changer for families with younger kids and kiddos with special needs. Because nothing tests your core strength quite like sprinting across a park with a preschooler yelling, “I have to go NOW!”

Is Your Town Getting an Inclusive Playground?  

So Below is a list of the counties and towns awarded Jake's Law Green Acres Grants to build inclusive playgrounds — a major win for families. These parks must include full fencing, bathrooms, and accessible surfacing/ramps so all children can play together safely. 

Please Note: some of the playgrounds listed below may already be completed while others have only recently been awarded funding and are still in the pipeline. 

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