Monroe Township Council hosted a literal groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 28 at the site of Finn’s Friends Park, an all-inclusive play area for kids with mental and physical disabilities behind the Pfeiffer Community Center.
The park will be one of the first of its kind in the county, according to Mayor Greg Wolfe. A few dozen people were in attendance at the groundbreaking to see the first grass and dirt be shoveled out.
“This is an important, special day for us,” said Wolfe. “This is a project that has been developing over the last year or so, and it all began when a local business leader – a lifelong resident, a friend, of Monroe Township – came to us and wanted to do something different and create an all-inclusive park.”
That “lifelong resident” is Anthony “Tony” Iovino, owner of REMAX Community and Cocaboni’s Cafe. His idea for the park was inspired by his 7-year-old son, Finn, who was diagnosed with autism at 2 years old. Iovino pitched the idea to council in the summer of 2023.
“Going through all the different avenues of therapy, play is such an essential part of therapy for kids with autism and other special needs,” he explained. “Traveling around during COVID, there’s not a lot of places specific towards children with special needs. So, I did some research and I wanted to make a proposal to Mayor Wolfe and his staff.
“Before I was finished, Greg stuck his hand out and said, ‘Let’s do it.'”
According to Wolfe, the park is being financed by a $750,000 grant from the state’s Green Acres program. Iovino also helped raise money through his autism awareness charity, Finn’s Friends, as well as events hosted by the Monroe Township Women’s Club.
“This has been an all hands-on-deck project,” Wolfe noted. “Today we have our engineering firm RVE (Remington and Vernick Engineers), … the project management for this project. Our Gloucester County Commissioners are here. Mr. Jim Jefferson, he’s our county deputy director of the commission; Mr. Matt Weng; and Ms. Joann Gattinelli.”
The township hopes to have the park completed by Saturday, April 25, Monroe’s annual Autism Awareness Day. Finn, whom Wolfe referred to as the future mayor, spoke briefly at the groundbreaking.
“Thank you, guys, for the support,” he said. “I really want this park to be one of the best parks in the universe. I hope you guys love it. Thank you for all the business. Thank you for the money to raise this park. Thank you.”
“(The township) has been amazing,” said Finn’s father. “I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this venture.”
