A Major Step Towards Inclusive Play in Ridgewood
photos courtesy of Village Manager Keith Kazmark
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, exciting changes are underway at Habernickel Park! Starting today, the demolition of the old playground structure will commence, marking the start of a highly-anticipated project to install a brand-new, ADA-accessible playground. This move is a huge win for the community, ensuring that children of all abilities in the Village of Ridgewood, will soon have a safe and inclusive place to play.
What’s Happening and Why it Matters
The old, existing wooden structure at Habernickel Park is being taken down to make way for modern, inclusive play equipment. The goal is simple: to create a recreational space that truly accommodates children with disabilities—something the prior structure lacked.
This vital upgrade reflects the Village’s commitment to improving local amenities and promoting accessibility for all residents.
The New Vision: ADA Playground Concept
The Village of Ridgewood first unveiled the concept plan for the new ADA playground back in March. The new design promises a significant upgrade in terms of safety, durability, and most importantly, accessibility features.
The Village Council and the Parks & Recreation Department have championed this project, recognizing the need to modernize facilities to meet current accessibility standards.
Funding the Future of Play: Grants and Budgets
This important capital project is being supported by a combination of grant money and local funds, showing a strategic approach to funding community improvements:
- State Grant Funding: A significant portion of the project, $68,000, is being covered by a dedicated State grant focused on recreation improvement.
- Capital Budget: The remaining balance required for the installation will be allocated from the Village’s proposed 2025 capital budget.
Special thanks are due to the Ridgewood Parks & Recreation Department for their diligent work in planning, securing the funding, and driving this crucial project forward!
Timeline and Impact on Habernickel Park
With demolition starting today, the project is officially in motion. Residents can look forward to the subsequent installation phase, which will ultimately deliver a state-of-the-art playground.
This initiative is more than just replacing wood; it is about investing in inclusive community infrastructure and the well-being of Ridgewood’s families. Stay tuned for updates on the installation and the official opening!
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Great news!
FOP … Friends of Peewee.
The old playground is NOT wood. More lies and favors for the HB lady.
Why is Habernickel get such special treatment while graydon and other parks look like poop. I wonder….i guess maybe this is where the missing 4 mill is going. Hahaha
Who received the food distribution funded by NJEDA grant money of 4M $$.
They money was funneled by the Murphy administration to Paul Vagianos and his buddies (only a handful of restaurants qualified for this grant in CBD). Healthbarn and Stacey acted as the intermediary to channel this money to Paul and Company.
Was Jeannie Johnson part of this too?
How is there NO trace of the money handed over to Healthbarn the private business in Habernickel park? 4 million of your money tax payers. Where do it actually go? Why NO trace of it?
The Village has been spending money that they don’t have. That’s the first problem, they keep on borrowing money because they have excellent credit AAA bond rating, which is all well and good but you can’t keep on borrowing money floating bonds sooner or later it’s gonna catch up and when it does Watch out. Just remember a few years ago they were talking about furloughs what do you think that’s off the table, and the price of everything is going up. Yes I did a great job replacing trucks and equipment which they had no choice. But now village buildings are in disrepair you’re talking about on top of millions and repairs or replacing. More bonding the taxpayers are getting killed. I told you five years ago watch out no one’s retiring in Ridgewood everyone’s selling their homes after their kids are done with school and they downsize it’s a revolving door.
Evan likes to bond. He thinks it’s free money.
Can we PLEASE change the name to Hillcrest park.
Irene did not give this property to the town. She SOLD IT at full market value