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Stone Harbor council approves application for Green Acres grant to fund Jake’s Place playground
Summary
At its Jan. 21 meeting, Stone Harbor’s council heard presentations and public input on Jake’s Place and voted to add and then approve a resolution authorizing application for an NJDEP Green Acres grant estimated at $500,000–$750,000 with a 25% local match; the application deadline is Feb. 5, 2025.
Stone Harbor’s mayor and council on Jan. 21 approved a resolution authorizing the borough to apply for an NJDEP Green Acres Program grant to help build Jake’s Place, a playground project presented during a public hearing.
Borough Engineer Marc DeBlasio told the council that, with the Green Acres opportunity, "the Borough is eligible for funds in the amount between $500,000-$750,000 with a 25% match and the grant application deadline is February 5, 2025." The grant would require a 25% local match; DeBlasio said a preliminary playground design is posted on the borough website and the borough is working preliminarily with a playground manufacturer to meet program requirements.
Advocates and consultants addressed the council during the hearing. Arthur Aston, who presented the history of Jake’s Place and described his personal involvement and employment through the program, filed a detailed presentation with the clerk. Norris Clark of Princeton Strategic Communications summarized a public survey and outreach used to shape the proposed design and encouraged continued public feedback; full survey data are on file with the clerk.
Public commenters urged design elements to draw visitors and improve usability. Colleen Begley presented kindergarten students’ design ideas and said the council had "a great opportunity to create a unique tourist destination playground" and suggested considering a water feature and imaginative elements. Parent Alex Haralampoudis praised the survey and "urged Council to consider bathroom options in this design as the public restrooms are lacking throughout Stone Harbor."
Council first moved to add Resolution 2025-S-47, authorizing the borough to apply for the Green Acres grant; the motion passed on a roll call. The council then moved to approve Resolution 2025-S-47 and recorded a unanimous vote in favor.
Next steps: the borough’s grant application will be prepared for submission ahead of the Feb. 5, 2025 deadline; detailed presentations and the survey results are on file with the Borough Clerk.
