Play for All

A long-held vision for Divine Park has become a reality in Spring Lake, where a newly completed inclusive playground is now welcoming children and families of all abilities. Funded primarily through New Jersey’s Green Acres Jake’s Law Program, the project transforms the current playground into an inclusive area designed to ensure every child can have the opportunity to play.

Jake’s Law is named after Jake Cummings-Nasto, a young boy with a congenital heart condition who enjoyed going to playgrounds for his occupational and physical therapy. The law was signed by former Governor Murphy and passed in 2018 to encourage the construction of inclusive playgrounds designed with standards exceeding those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“The law encourages towns to build these completely inclusive playgrounds so that all children, including those with disabilities, can play together safely,” said Councilwoman Syd Whalley during the planning stages of the project. “The playgrounds are designed with features such as accessible ramps, sensory-friendly equipment, and soft surfaces.”

MRC Recreation, a leader in commercial playground and design equipment located in Sea Girt, collaborated with Borough officials, residents, engineers, and advocates throughout the planning process. The goal was to create a space that takes traditional playground standards and combines them with the needs of children with varying physical, sensory, cognitive, and social abilities.

A Playground Designed for Everyone

Community input played a critical role in shaping the final design, particularly regarding accessibility features, parking, drop-off areas, playground circulation and overall usability for families. One of the most notable aspects of the playground is its designation as a PlayCore National Demonstration Site for Inclusive Play. National Demonstration Sites are recognized for creating meaningful play opportunities that encourage social interaction, independence, physical activity, and engagement among children of all abilities.

The playground was intentionally designed around the Seven Principles of Inclusive Play: being fair, included, smart, independent, safe, active, and comfortable. These guiding principles informed every aspect of the project, from equipment selection to site layout. This includes mobility-friendly surfacing, improved access points, shaded areas, and thoughtfully designed spaces that support physical and sensory needs. Many of the ideas came from the members of the Blue Dot Community, an organization that provides immersive services and events around inclusion that enhance a sense of purpose. These members brainstormed ideas, pulling from their childhood experiences on a playground. They presented them at a Town Council meeting, where their ideas and input were valued and validated. Chrissy D’Amico, co-founder of Blue Dot Community, says, “As an occupational therapist and someone who was born and raised in Spring Lake, seeing the prioritization of accessibility and inclusion makes me so happy and proud.”

Innovative Features that Promote Inclusive Play

Serving as the centerpiece of the playground is the Aventus Tower, one of the first fully accessible elevated tower experiences of its kind. Ryan Stewart, New Jersey Design Consultant for MRC Recreation, says, “Traditionally, elevated play structures have been difficult for many children with mobility challenges to access. The Aventus Tower allows children of all abilities to experience the excitement of climbing to dramatic heights and exploring elevated play spaces together.”

The accessibility begins with the Sensory Wave Ramp, which integrates tactile, visual, and auditory experiences directly into the route leading into the structure. Rather than simply serving as an access point, the ramp itself becomes part of the play experience. Throughout the playground, interactive sensory components encourage exploration, creativity, and engagement. These features provide opportunities for children with a variety of sensory preferences and abilities to participate in meaningful play experiences.

Other design elements include slide transfer platforms, which allow children who use mobility devices to transfer safely onto play structures and independently enjoy slides. While less visible than some of the larger features, these platforms are considered a critical component of truly inclusive playground design. The playground also features a communication board that supports children and adults who use alternative methods of communication, helping foster interaction and participation.

Building Connections Through Play

Integrated throughout the playground are numerous sensory and interactive play components designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and engagement. These experiences support children with varying sensory preferences and abilities while providing meaningful opportunities for all children to learn through play.

Motion-based play was another key focus of the project. Zero-G accessible swing seats provide additional support while allowing children to experience the developmental and sensory benefits of swinging. The playground’s Game-Time Expression Swing further promotes inclusion by positioning a caregiver and child face-to-face, encouraging eye contact, communication, and bonding through shared movement. Research has shown that these types of interactions can support social, emotional, and cognitive development while strengthening relationships between children and caregivers.

Another unique attraction is the Spin-With-Me spinner, a multi-generational play feature designed to bring children, parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends together. By creating opportunities for shared play experiences, the equipment reinforces one of the central goals of inclusive playground design, which is to bring people of all ages and abilities together.

Stewart emphasizes that the success of Divine Park extends beyond any single piece of equipment. “Beyond the individual pieces of equipment, what makes Divine Park special is the overall experience it creates,” he says. “The layout encourages interaction, exploration, and shared experiences among children and families of all abilities.”

The vision and ultimate completion of this playground was a group effort. Stewart emphasizes, “We would like to recognize Syd Whalley, Brian Dempsey, the entire Spring Lake Council, Sam Avakian of Avakian Engineers, the Spring Lake Department of Public Works, and the members of the Blue Dot Community for their dedication, support, expertise, and commitment throughout the planning and construction process. It was truly our pleasure to work alongside such an engaged and passionate group of people, and we are proud to have played a role in bringing this important project to the Borough.”

Now complete, the reimagined Divine Park stands as a model for inclusive recreation, ensuring that children and families of all abilities can enjoy the benefits of play together for years to come.