Jake’s Place Playground opens at New Brooklyn Park

Camden County officials, members of the Build Jake’s Place nonprofit and members of the local community unveiled a new Jake’s Place Playground at New Brooklyn Park in Gloucester Township on Dec. 20.

The event marked the opening of the county’s second all-inclusive playground, designed to provide children of all abilities a space to play and connect.

Build Jake’s Place – a small, all-volunteer nonprofit in Pennsauken – has seen its goal of “Playgrounds for Every Body” come true. Gov. Phil Murphy recently announced $40 million in Green Acres funding for all-inclusive playgrounds throughout New Jersey.

The organization began in 2009 as a tribute to “Baby Jake” Nasto, a 2-and-a-half-year-old who passed away as the result of a rare heart disorder. Though little Jake loved playgrounds, with their joyful noise and happy chaos, his condition prevented him from playing them.

Jake’s parents, Kate Cummings and Joe Nasto, along with Jake’s grandparents, formed Build Jake’s Place to erect a playground in his honor. After intensive grassroots fundraising and in cooperation with county commissioners, the first area Jake’s Place opened in Cherry Hill in 2011. The nationally recognized playground hosts thousands of children of every ability each year.

The nonprofit built Jake’s Place Delran, a space that includes a play area aimed at toddlers of every ability, in 2019. Recognizing the need for more of the playgrounds, a member of Build Jake’s Place board suggested the organization promote legislation that would allow construction of all-inclusive play areas through the state’s Green Acres program. It was an ambitious goal that took four years to come to fruition.

The law that allows construction of the playgrounds was passed unanimously by state legislators in 2018, and last year, Murphy announced $8 million in grants to build more in eight counties. This year, the eligibility has been expanded with the $40 million in Green Acres grants announced for 49 counties, townships, and municipalities state-wide, though the locations have yet to be announced.

“It is so gratifying to see what was a great idea become a great accomplishment and, better, allowing children of every ability the joy of playing together,” noted Jake’s dad, Joe.

“So many times, a dream just remains a dream,” said Jake’s gandmother, Lynn Cummings, of the playground’s opening this month. “Today our dream, and Jake’s, is coming true for thousands of children.”

Playgrounds funded by Jake’s Law do not have to be called “Jake’s Place,” though some are. Particularly gratifying to Build Jake’s Place is that Pennsauken, Jake’s hometown, has applied for a grant for a new all-inclusive playground tentatively called “Welcome Home Jake’s Place.” Official awards and their locations are expected shortly.

Commissioner Jeffrey Nash emphasized the importance of creating inclusive spaces for children during the New Brooklyn Park opening.

“We are thrilled to welcome children and their families to the newest Jake’s Place Playground,” he said. “The board of commissioners is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our residents. No child should be deprived of the opportunity to play with their peers, and Jake’s Place makes sure children of all abilities can have fun.

“We want to thank all of our partners who made this possible, especially the Cummings family for all of their advocacy and hard work.”

The $1.8-million project was a collaborative effort between the county’s parks department and the state Department of Environmental Protection. The state’s Green Acres Program allocated $1 million for the project, which included demolition of existing playground areas and related structures, installation of a cushioned, synthetic surface to accommodate wheelchairs and assistive devices, sensory and tactile play activities to support learning and specialized areas for children with autism.

For more information about Jake’s Place and its mission, visit BuildJakesPl