The Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation has received two statewide awards recognizing its work to expand accessibility in public spaces and preserve local history.
The honors were presented during the 2026 Awards Program hosted by the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association, which recognizes leaders, employees, volunteers, and agencies across the state for excellence in parks and recreation programming, facility design, innovation, and public service.
Members of the Ocean County Parks Department accepted the awards alongside Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, the board’s liaison to the department, and Commissioner Deputy Director Jennifer Bacchione.
The department received the Excellence in Playground Design Award for the Inclusive Playground at Eno’s Pond County Park in Lacey Township. It also earned the Gregory A. Marshall Parks and Historic Resources Award for its stewardship of the Cedar Bridge Tavern Historic Site in Barnegat Township.
“These awards highlight the incredible work our Ocean County Parks Department does every day to serve our residents and preserve the places that make our county special,” Arace said. “Whether it’s creating inclusive spaces where every child can play or protecting historic sites like Cedar Bridge Tavern, our parks continue to enhance quality of life and connect our community to both nature and history.”
The Inclusive Playground at Eno’s Pond County Park was funded through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection under Jake’s Law, which supports playground projects designed to exceed the accessibility standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The playground includes a pour-in-place rubber surface, a sensory play area, accessible swings designed for a child and caregiver, a slide, and other equipment intended to accommodate children with mobility challenges or other disabilities.
The Gregory A. Marshall Parks and Historic Resources Award recognizes initiatives that protect natural and historic resources through environmental stewardship, education, and preservation.
Cedar Bridge Tavern Historic Site, which dates to around 1816, stands near the location of the Affair at Cedar Bridge—one of the final engagements of the American Revolutionary War. Today, the site functions as a cultural and educational destination, offering visitors a look into early life in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens.
The Ocean County Board of Commissioners praised Parks and Recreation staff for their dedication to maintaining safe, accessible, and educational spaces throughout the county.
County officials said the department’s ongoing efforts ensure that both residents and visitors can enjoy Ocean County’s natural landscapes, recreational facilities, and historic landmarks.
More information about the county’s parks and recreation programs can be found at www.oceancountyparks.org.