Ocean County is taking major steps to ensure that its parks are welcoming to every child, regardless of ability. Over the past year, the county has been upgrading playgrounds across multiple communities to include more inclusive equipment and accessible design features, allowing children of all abilities to play side by side.
The work has already transformed a number of county parks, with several more projects underway or nearing completion. Among the upgraded playgrounds are:
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Lake Shenandoah County Park (Lakewood)
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Freedom Fields County Park (Little Egg Harbor)
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Tip Seaman County Park (Tuckerton)
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Eno’s Pond (Lacey Township)
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Beaver Dam County Park (Point Pleasant)
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Ocean County Park (Lake area, Lakewood)
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Ocean County Park “Slide City” (Lakewood – near completion)
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Mill Creek County Park (Pine Beach)
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Patriots Park & Sports Complex (Jackson)
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Matthews Mckinley Park (Lakewood)
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Cattus Island County Park (Toms River – under construction)
Each site is being fitted with equipment that accommodates children with physical, sensory, and developmental needs, including ramps, adaptive swings, and multi-sensory play stations. Many of the renovations also focus on improving surfaces, seating areas, and pathways to ensure they are safe and accessible for children, parents, and caregivers.
Parents and advocates for children with disabilities have long called for more inclusive playgrounds, saying that they create opportunities not just for play, but for community and friendship.
Officials noted that while some playgrounds are already open, work continues at others, including the under-construction project at Cattus Island County Park. Additional improvements are expected to follow in the coming months as part of the county’s ongoing effort to strengthen its park system for all residents.
