News

July 11, 2022

MAYOR BARAKA CUTS RIBBON TO OPEN PARK THAT INCLUDES PLAYGROUND FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND SPECIAL NEEDS AT 189-193 RIDGEWOOD AVENUE

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Newark, NJ –- July 11, 2022 — 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 Mayor 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The new park is the renovation of a pre-existing, but outdated playground.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.

“An ongoing priority of my administration has been to modernize our parks and recreation facilities to meet the changing needs of our communities. Projects such as this not only improve our residents’ quality of life but also enhance property values and promote economic development. I am pleased to partner with the City of Newark to provide a $150,000 grant from our Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund to help update Newark’s Ridgewood Park. Modernizing the playground is a welcome addition to the City’s South Ward and will provide places where our children can play, build social skills, and exercise,” said Essex County Executive DiVincenzo, Jr., in a statement.

“As an autism mom, I am very excited and grateful to Mayor Baraka, the Newark Municipal Council, and the City of Newark for their ongoing endeavors to support families impacted by autism. This sensory-friendly park is an example of their commitment of ensuring children and families living with an autism diagnosis have access to environments that can help them thrive and have fun in their community,” said Ms. Arbubakrr. “Nassan’s Place looks forward to continuing our partnership with the City of Newark in helping to enrich and make a difference in the lives of children and families affected by Autism.”

The new playground offers a rubber safety surface, colored concrete sidewalk within the park, backless and circular benches for seating for parents, planted shade trees, and ornamental trees. Ridgewood Park will further Mayor Baraka’s vision to provide high-quality inclusive recreation facilities for every neighborhood.

As the event closed, it was announced that the City will create a second park for children with autism and special needs on Hunterdon Street between Avon and Madison Avenues, next spring.

For photographs of the event, click https://flic.kr/ps/2Vsa1G

-NEWARK-

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