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Trenton seeks up to $1 million in Jake’s Law funding to rebuild Franklin Park playground; public hearing held
Summary
Interim Parks Director Paul Harris presented a grant application under "Jake’s Law" to expand and rebuild the Franklin Park playground to higher ADA standards; the council held a required public hearing, heard two speakers in support, and limited public comments to three minutes before closing the hearing.
Interim Director Paul Harris told the City Council on Jan. 28 that the city plans to apply for Jake’s Law funding from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to rebuild the Franklin Park playground to an enhanced accessibility standard.
Harris said the project footprint is about three acres. The city will seek a package that he described as up to $1,000,000 total, structured as approximately $750,000 grant and a $250,000 loan. The application timeline Harris gave: a public meeting was held earlier with neighborhood residents, the formal public hearing took place at the Jan. 28 meeting, the application will be submitted in early April, the city expects a spring decision and — if funded — hopes to begin construction in the fall.
The proposal calls for a larger playground (about 57,100 square feet), unitary surfacing suitable for wheelchairs, sensory equipment, a 25-by-25 pavilion, an expanded basketball court and improved sidewalks and curb access. Harris said no trees will be removed and that construction will include dust-suppression and soil erosion controls.
Public comments and security: Two members of the public spoke during the hearing in support. Roland Pott of 113 S. Montgomery Street read remarks from the Trenton Downtown Association and said he supported the plan. Edward Livingston of Grand Street asked whether the park will include security cameras and staff; Harris replied the plan includes security cameras and that park security staff “roam” the parks and that the cameras will be linked directly to the Trenton Police Department.
The council limited speaking time for the hearing to three minutes per person. After the hearing, the council moved to conclude the public hearing on the Franklin Park application; no formal vote on the grant resolution was recorded separately at that moment on the hearing transcript. The item later appeared on the council’s consent agenda list for consideration.
Why it matters: The Jake’s Law program encourages playgrounds that exceed the minimum ADA standard; Harris said the design emphasizes accessibility so children with physical and sensory disabilities can use play structures alongside nondisabled peers.
Next steps: Harris said city staff would submit the application on the indicated timetable and return to the council with updates. Residents who asked about safety were told cameras and on‑site security patrols will be part of the park’s operations if the project proceeds.
