The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce the award of “Level the Playing Field” grants to all 21 municipalities in the County.
Level, The Playing Field, is a new grant program designed to help every municipality provide inclusive playgrounds to children with disabilities, as part of the Freeholder's Board 2018 Union County HEART initiative for community outreach and advocacy.
“Every child should be able to enjoy a playground in or near their neighborhood, and participate in enriching sensory experiences with friends, family, and neighbors from all walks of life,” officials said.
Letters to all 21 municipalities announcing the availability of Level the Playing Field funding were mailed last fall, and all 21 responded.
A total of $500,000 in Level the Playing Field awards was funded through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.
The following amounts were awarded to each municipality:
Berkeley Heights $25,470.00
Clark $25,470.00
Cranford $25,470.00
Elizabeth $25,470.00
Fanwood $15,000.00
Garwood $25,470.00
Hillside $20,000.00
Kenilworth $25,470.00
Linden $25,470.00
Mountainside $25,470.00
New Providence $25,470.00
Plainfield $25,470.00
Rahway $25,470.00
Roselle $25,470.00
Roselle Park $25,470.00
Scotch Plains $25,470.00
Springfield $25,470.00
Summit $25,470.00
Union $17,010.00
Westfield $15,000.00
Winfield Park $25,470.00
Total: $500,000.00
Many Union County parks already feature playgrounds with inclusive features. In 2016 the County also opened its first fully accessible playground, located in Mattano Park in Elizabeth.
In another recent project focusing on people with disabilities, last fall the Freeholder Board broke ground on Union County’s first all-inclusive Sensory Trial.
The new 0.3-mile loop in the Watchung Reservation includes a Braille trail with rope guides and nature-themed play structures, designed to be enjoyed by all ages and abilities.
Other Union County programs for people with disabilities include the Sensory Friendly Theatre series sponsored by the Freeholder Board at the Union County Performing Arts Center, and programs at the County’s Ulrich Swimming Pool, Watchung Stables and Trailside Nature and Science Center.
The Freeholder Board also provides funding for special events such as annual fishing derbies, ice skating socials, summer carnival and barn dance, as well as programs for popular activities including golf, karate, yoga, and volleyball.
UC HEART stands for “Empowering, Advocating for, Reaching and Teaching others.” In addition to the new Level the Playing field grant program, UC HEART includes the creation of the first Office for People with Special Needs in New Jersey.
The new office is charged with improving recreational and social opportunities, reaching out to community groups and other stakeholders, and identifying new opportunities for engaging people with special needs.
More information about the Office for People with Special Needs is available on the County website, ucnj.org.
Photo Caption (photo attached): Members of the Freeholder Board gathered last year with the Elizabeth community to celebrate the County’s first all-inclusive playground, located in Mattano Park. (Photo by Jim Lowney/County of Union)