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Somers Point council approves Green Acres applications for JFK inclusive playground and bike-path upgrades
Summary
The council approved two Green Acres grant applications — a Jake’s Law inclusive playground at JFK Park and improvements to a qualifying segment of the city bike path — after a public hearing where residents voiced support. Both resolutions were approved by voice vote.
The Somers Point City Council approved applications for two Green Acres grants on motions approved by voice vote: one to build an inclusive (Jake’s Law) playground at JFK Park and another to fund improvements to a qualifying portion of the city bike path.
City engineer Greg Snyder said the first project would replace the existing playground at JFK Park with all‑inclusive equipment and add an ADA walkway from the playground to restrooms, a grant requirement. “The grant is a 75% grant with the city would have to cover 25%,” Snyder said, and council members were given a cost estimate produced with GameTime Playground Equipment.
Snyder said a short environmental review was expected because the work replaces equipment in a developed park and that no additional permits should be required. He also described required consideration of alternative sites and said the city had already evaluated alternatives and considered the existing playground the best location.
On the bike path application, Snyder told the council that the award for that grant would cover only 25% of the project and “the city would be responsible for 75.” He described proposed work as replacements and upgrades to existing rail‑style interpretive stations, new interpretive signage, landscaping and invasive‑tree removal (noting species such as tree‑of‑heaven and black walnut), and the addition of exercise stations. Snyder said the grant window limits eligible work to the path segment by Groveland Avenue North because of census‑block eligibility.
Council members asked about schedule and costs. Snyder said the projects would need to be built within two years of an award and that grant awards typically take roughly six to nine months to announce. He confirmed there is no penalty if the city chose not to accept an awarded grant.
During the public hearing portion tied to the Green Acres items, residents voiced support. Rob Hopkins (123 East Myron) thanked Snyder and encouraged council to review Jake’s Place materials online; “They give up to a million dollars to municipalities now 75%,” he said, and urged the council to pursue the playground grant. John Helbig, chairman of the city’s Environmental Commission, said he supported both applications and called the bike path “our most significant recreation amenity.”
Council then approved Resolution 61 (Green Acres application for the bike path improvements) and Resolution 62 (reentry application for the JFK inclusive playground) by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
Next steps: Snyder asked residents to complete the public survey available via QR code to strengthen the application packet. The council authorized staff to file the Green Acres applications and proceed with required grant documentation.
