FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – Freehold Township Officials have announced that a new playground is underway that will be accessible for all children.
Titled “My Playground 2,” this new playground is currently under construction but is planned to open at Opatut Park just in time for the summer.
According to the township, this new playground will be very similar to the “My Playground” at Michael J. Tighe Park which is universally integrated and is designed for children of all ages and abilities.
“As you can tell from the pictures this playground is enticing, bright and screams ‘fun,’ but it is not yet completed,” Freehold Township Recreation wrote on their Facebook page.
Freehold Township received a Monmouth County Open Space Grant for $190,000 to subsidize the cost of the new playground project.
With the playground still under construction, the township is waiting for the delivery of the pavilion, picnic tables and rubber tile surface, according to Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Sue McGough.
So, what can you expect from “My Playground 2?” Some features include a Game Time Custom unit for ages 2 to 5, a Game Time Custom unit for ages 5 to 12, three Bay Prime Time Swing Sets with two belt seats, two enclosed tot seats, one expression swing and one tandem expression swing.
Additionally, there will be an ADA-compliant wide ramping, adaptive switch-capable sensors, musical play, gizmo panels and activity panels on the 5 to12 unit, as well as a freestanding sensory dome, two spinning sensory wave seats, RoxAll seesaw, merry-go-all and GT stockcar.
There will be a 30-foot octagon pavilion that will cover four ADA-compliant in-ground picnic tables. Four in-ground benches have also been included in the design.
“Your help is needed as we await delivery of the pavilion, picnic tables, and rubber tile surface. Please help us help you! Keep your child safe by refraining from using Freehold Township’s newest playground until it is completed and open for use. Thank you for your cooperation,” the Recreation Department said.
Opatut Park is located at 458 East Freehold Road and is a total of 130 acres, with 46 acres developed. According to the Township’s website, “This recreation complex contains several multi-purpose fields, a softball field, basketball courts, playground, restrooms, parking lots and an open pavilion. The remaining 84 acres will remain undeveloped, and serve as wooded and open areas preserved for open space and passive recreation.”
