Beach Haven council authorizes application for Jake’s Law all‑inclusive playground at Nelson Avenue Park

BEACH HAVEN, N.J. — On Jan. 9, the Beach Haven Borough Council authorized an application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres program for an all‑inclusive “Jake’s Law” playground at Nelson Avenue Park, advancing a project the borough says would broaden play access for children and adults of all abilities.

Don (presenter) told the council the project grew from Parks and Recreation outreach and a community survey with more than 500 respondents that the presenters said showed roughly 99.5% support. “Nothing is more enjoyable than watching children laughing and playing together,” Don said as he introduced the design and community outreach effort.

The estimated project cost is $858,507. Presenters said the Jake’s Law grant would provide about 75% of the total (approximately $644,000) and the borough’s 25% match — roughly $214,596 — could be financed as a 20‑year, zero‑interest loan, per the application materials presented to council members.

Allison, a municipal engineer with Little (the borough’s engineering consultant), outlined design and accessibility features required by the Jake’s Law application and the ADA: a roughly 6,700‑square‑foot play area with a poured rubber ADA‑compliant surface, wide ramps and pathways, quiet "cozy" spaces, at least 20% shade provided by canopies and new trees, accessible restrooms (one family/assisted‑use room and an all‑gender room), fencing on four sides, and ancillary features such as benches, musical chimes, a sensory wave wall, inclusive swings and a grade‑entry spinner that can accommodate wheelchair users.

Allison said the design reduces the playground footprint and will restore about 1,300 square feet of new grass area. She also described site permitting and the environmental assessment: because the site is already developed and the proposal decreases impervious coverage, the team’s review found no significant environmental impact. Expected approvals include local building permits and a permit from the Ocean County Soil Conservation District because proposed disturbance exceeds 5,000 square feet.

Residents who spoke during the public‑comment period voiced broad support. Sally Poete, a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee, reiterated that the playground aims to serve Beach Haven and visitors across Long Beach Island and called the proposal a “wonderful opportunity.” Other commenters cited safety, increased visitation and community benefits; Charles Flores, a physician and parent, said the playground would “enhance what LBI already offers.”

Council members and residents asked whether the rubber surfacing becomes hot in summer and whether recycled materials pose health hazards. Allison said the surfacing specified is used on other state projects and is certified; she said she would follow up with manufacturers about surface temperature and confirm any health‑safety certifications. A resident noted the proposed surface color and added shade should mitigate heat concerns.

At the meeting the council introduced Resolution No. 40‑2025 authorizing the Green Acres application asking for $858,507. A motion to approve the application was made and seconded; the record shows recorded 'yes' votes from Miss Anderson, Mr. McCaffrey, Miss Snider and Mayor Colleen Lambert. Presenters said, if awarded, construction would not be immediate: the state would likely approve funding in June, and the borough would have two years from the funding date to complete construction, placing likely construction in 2026 or early 2027 rather than the 2025 summer season.

Next steps listed at the hearing included completing the grant application and signatures from the borough CEO and CFO, finalizing construction drawings with an architect, securing the necessary county and local permits, and preparing bid documents for procurement. The council closed the hearing and adjourned after the vote.