TOMS RIVER – Ocean County officials have opened a new fully accessible playground at Cattus Island County Park, marking the completion of a project aimed at expanding recreation opportunities for children of all abilities.
Commissioner Robert Arace, who oversees the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation, joined Commissioners Jennifier Bacchione and Virginia Haines, County Administrator Michael Fiure, Parks Director Mary Jane Bavais and parks staff for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Cattus Island Boulevard park.
The playground, a $786,698 investment, includes ADA-accessible walkways, cushioned rubber surfacing and a variety of ground-level play features. A signature slide tower uses reflective panels to cast shifting light patterns on the play surface, adding a sensory component for children. It is also the first playground in the county park system to incorporate a dedicated sand play area.
Officials said the project was supported by federal American Rescue Plan Act funding, which has helped advance upgrades across Ocean County parks since 2021. Kompan Inc. designed the playground, and Turf Trek handled installation.
The addition at Cattus Island is the latest in a series of park improvements countywide, following new playgrounds in Jackson, Little Egg Harbor, Point Pleasant, Tuckerton, Lakewood, Berkeley Township and Lacey Township. Another playground is planned for the recently acquired Matthews McKinley Park in Lakewood.
