Mayor Ras J. Baraka, South Ward Council Member Patrick Council, Director of Recreation, Cultural Affairs, and Senior Services Donnell Redding, and Nassan’s Place, Inc. President Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr today cut the ribbon to open Ridgewood Park. The park is located at 189-193 Ridgewood Avenue (at the corner of Ridgewood Avenue and West Bigelow Street) in the South Ward.
“Creating inclusive outdoor environments for our city’s children to play in is critical to support their growth,” said Baraka. “We are proud to be opening the city’s first park designed for children with autism and special needs. This is a welcoming place, which will bring families together and enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood. We will continue to find innovative ways to create parks and recreation opportunities that support the well-being of all of our city’s children.”
The new park is the renovation of a pre-existing, but outdated playground. It will provide new equipment for youth aged 2-12, as well as a separate section with sensory play equipment, for children with autism and special needs.
The Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund Local Aid Program provided a $150,000 grant for the project in June 2020.
I wonder if it has any spinning wheels in it. That’s therapeutic for autism.
I appreciate you sharing this wonderful suggestion with everyone who wants to design their outdoor play area, which is a smart idea to keep kids occupied and expose them to the sun.