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LAKEWOOD - From slides and swings to a dual zipline and outdoor fitness stations, the newly remodeled "Slide City" playground at Ocean County Park offers something for everyone to enjoy.
With ceremonial scissors in hand, Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, Chairman of the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation, was joined with Ocean County Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione, Ocean County Commissioner Deputy Director Frank Sadeghi, Ocean County Administrator Michael J. Fiure, Lakewood Township officials, and Mary Jane Bavais, Director of the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 6 for the new playground at Ocean County Park, 659 Ocean Avenue, here.
"Ocean County Park is one of our most loved and historic parks, and a place that families have been coming to for generations," said Arace. "The enhancements we're celebrating today build on that legacy, ensuring that this park continues to meet the needs of the families who use it every day."
The new "Slide City" features twice as many slides as before, plus a dual zipline that lets riders glide nearly 1,000 feet in a safe and thrilling way. In addition, a large outdoor gym area adds opportunities for exercise and recreation, making the space inviting for all ages to enjoy healthy, active fun together.
The playground also includes rubber surfacing, ADA-accessible walkways, and ground-level play features, creating an inclusive and accessible environment for children and adults of all abilities.
Ocean County secured funding for the playground through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed into law in March of 2021 to aid the nation's recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic. ARPA funds have been used across Ocean County to support economic growth and improve public spaces, making them more inclusive, more accessible and more enjoyable for everyone. The cost of the new facility at Ocean County Park was $1.59 million.
The playground was designed by Kompan Inc. and installed by Buzz Burger Construction.
"This is part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing, expanding, and modernizing our parks to ensure they remain vibrant and meaningful spaces for the community," said Arace. "Our Parks Department has done an outstanding job putting these opportunities to good use for the benefit of our residents."
The Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation has been upgrading facilities across the County, with new playgrounds at Patriots County Park in Jackson Township, Freedom Field County Park in Little Egg Harbor, Beaver Dam Creek County Park in Point Pleasant, Tip Seaman County Park in Tuckerton, Lake Shenandoah County Park in Lakewood, Mill Creek County Park in Berkeley Township and Eno's Pond County Park in Lacey Township. In addition, there are still upgrades in progress at Cattus Island County Park in Toms River and a brand new playground is planned for the newly acquired Matthews Mckinley Park in Lakewood.
"The staff in the Ocean County Parks and Recreation Department does a tremendous job maintaining the 4,000-acre park system operated by the County," said Arace. "Thank you again to Mary Jane and to our Parks team for their outstanding work, and thank you to our residents for your continued support and appreciation of these spaces."
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