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.”

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.

For those of us in towns like Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Marlton, Haddonfield, Voorhees, and beyond? This isn’t just policy talk — it’s about real community spaces that will change the way our kids play together. It’s the difference between scouting the park ahead of time like a secret agent and actually being able to say, “Let’s invite everyone, they can all play here.”

Families in Moorestown just celebrated being awarded a Green Acres grant to build a completely inclusive playground at Wesley Bishop Park — thanks to a partnership between the township and local community supporters. If you’ve ever tried to explain to your child why they can’t use most of the equipment at a playground, you know how huge it is to finally be able to say, “Just wait till you see the new one they’re building.”

And in Gloucester Township, groundbreaking has begun on a Jake’s Law playground at Valleybrook Sports Complex — complete with sensory-friendly equipment, shaded seating, accessible paths, and restrooms designed for families and caregivers. In other words: a place where you can actually stay long enough for your coffee to cool down before someone needs a snack, a bathroom, or a break.

Some of the playgrounds, like the newest Welcome Home Jake’s Place in Pennsauken across from the new Pennsauken Library, opened to the public in December 2025. They named this park “Jake’s Home” because the little boy, Jake Cummings-Nasto, who inspired the parks, is from Pennsauken. If you haven’t checked it out yet, consider this your sign to add it to your weekend list right between “laundry” and “finally clean out the car.”