Rutherford council approves Green Acres, local grant steps to pursue inclusive Tamlin Field playground

The Borough of Rutherford’s Mayor and Council on Tuesday authorized submission of a Green Acres "Jake’s Law" grant application to build an all‑inclusive playground at Tamlin Field and approved a separate local recreational grant application for related retaining‑wall and site work.

Council President McGowan said the project followed months of community input and a borough survey of about 640 respondents, adding that the responses represent the entire borough. “So every quadrant of the borough responded to this. So we can say with certainty that this is representative of our community as a whole and not just 1 cluster,” McGowan said.

Why it matters: Jake’s Law funding (the Green Acres accessibility program) and a companion local recreational improvement grant would together fund site grading, accessible connections to the Civic Center, and play equipment designed for children and adults with disabilities. Borough staff told the council the proposed playground would replace an aging structure at the southeast corner of Tamlin Field and be relocated closer to the Civic Center and Woodland Avenue to take advantage of an existing ADA ramp and newly installed family restroom access.

Borough Administrator Bob Zemkiewicz opened the public presentation: "the borough is in the process of applying for a grant through Green Acres, for the submission of an all inclusive playground at Tamlin Field, located at Block 102, Lot 34." He said the borough prepared a concept plan with its engineer, an environmental impact study, and an estimated budget “a little bit under $750,000,” which places the proposal within the Jake’s Law grant range.

Brian, identified in the meeting as the borough engineer, described the site layout and how the project would tie into existing ADA ramps at the Civic Center: "this layout incorporates a wheelchair friendly, accessible playground. . . . were gonna cut a section out that will tie right into the ramp system, for the new playground." He told the council the plan shows no wetlands or constrained flood areas in the proposed work zone and that construction would follow normal demolition-and-build sequencing.

Public comment raised parking and access concerns. Resident Denise Corradini asked whether the proposed location was a parking lot; Zemkiewicz replied that the paved area does not meet standard parking design and that the project team would formalize at least one van‑accessible ADA parking space tied to the ramp grades. Council members and staff said the town hall and survey responses informed a design direction that emphasizes functional, quiet spaces and proximity to the community, not only bright colors.

Votes at a glance: - Resolution 54 — Authorize submission of a NJDCA FY25 local recreational improvement grant for Tamlin Field infrastructure improvements, including retaining wall rehabilitation: motion carried on roll call; tally recorded as unanimous yes in the meeting record. Note: mover and seconder recorded as Council President (motion) and Councilwoman Del Raycon (second). - Resolution 56 — Authorize application to NJDEP/NJ Green Acres (Jake’s Law) for an inclusive playground at Tamlin Field: motion carried on roll call; tally recorded as unanimous yes. Note: mover recorded as Council President; second by Councilman Guzman. - Resolution 61 — Award (cooperative contract) for Wolfs/Walls Field playground improvements (separate park): motion carried on roll call; tally recorded as unanimous yes.

Next steps and caveats: Council members and staff emphasized the competitive nature of Jake’s Law funding and said there is no guarantee the grant will be awarded. Council President McGowan said the community response, town‑hall feedback, and the Access for All committee involvement guided the application. Borough staff said if the Jake’s Law award is not secured, the project scope and funding strategy would be revisited, and staff will pursue pairing additional funding sources to improve value for residents.

Background and context: The presentation noted the borough previously rehabilitated “Kid Spot” in 2018, and staff argued that visible, functional park improvements attracted sustained community use. The proposed Tamlin work includes site grading, formal ADA parking (including a van‑accessible space), an accessible route tying to the Civic Center ramp, new play equipment designed for multiple ages and sensory needs, and related site work. The borough prepared an environmental impact study and a concept plan to support the Green Acres application.

What council members asked staff to do: refine design and formalize ADA parking, confirm site grades and utility impacts, assemble grant application materials, and pursue the local recreational improvement grant in parallel. Officials also noted they will continue community engagement while the application is pending.