Released May 4, 2024
Small Local Non-Profit’s Efforts
Produce All-Inclusive Playgrounds State-wide
Build Jake’s Place (BJP) a small, all volunteer non-profit, located in Pennsauken NJ, has seen its slogan and goal of “Playgrounds for Every Body” come true. New Jersey Governor Murphy has announced $40 million in Green Acre funding for all-inclusive playgrounds in 49 locations throughout the state.
The organization began in 2009 as a tribute to “Baby Jake” Nasto, a two-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 on any near him.
His parents, Kate Cummings and Joe Nasto, along with Jake’s grandparents, Jim and Lynn Cummings, formed a non-profit to erect a playground in his honor. In 2011 after intensive grass roots fundraising and in cooperation with Camden County Commissioners, Jake’s Place in Cherry Hill opened. This nationally recognized playground hosts thousands of children of every ability each year. In 2019 they built Jake’s Place Delran, an equally successful play space which includes a play area aimed at toddlers of every ability. Recognizing the great need for these playgrounds, a member of BJP’s Board suggested BJP work towards promoting a law which would allow construction of all-inclusive playgrounds through the state’s Green Acres program. It was an ambitious goal and took four years to come to fruition.
Senator Jim Beach was the first legislator to champion Build Jake’s Place cause followed by Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald, Assembly members Pamela Lampitt and Gabriela Mosquer with Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez.
In 2018 the law was passed unanimously in both State houses, and last year the Governor announced $8 million in grants to build all-inclusive playground in 8 counties. This year the eligibility has been expanded and $40 million in Green Acre grants were announced for 49 Counties, Townships and Municipalities state wide. These locations have not yet been announced.
Joe Nasto, Jake’s Dad stated “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.” Jake’s grandmother, Lynn Cummings says “so many times a dream just remains a dream but 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 the BJP organization, Pennsauken, Jake’s home town, has applied for a grant for a new all-inclusive playground tentatively called “Welcome Home Jake’s Place.” The official awards and their locations are expected shortly.
BJP continues to offer free consulting services for communities erecting all-inclusive playgrounds and
also operates the very successful Camden County New Jersey Miracle League, on the County’s Boundless Field, next to Jake’s Place, Cherry Hill, where those with disabilities, of all ages, can play baseball in the Spring and Fall.
Released April 22, 2023
Local Non-Profit's Law Creates All-Inclusive Playgrounds Statewide
Build Jake’s Place, a small South Jersey non-profit, formed in honor of a little boy who loved playgrounds yet couldn’t play on any near him, is proud to announce construction of all-inclusive playgrounds throughout all of New Jersey.
The organization was founded after the death of 2 ½ year old Jake Cummings-Nasto from a rare heart condition. Jake’s parents knew the joyous sounds of children having fun at local playgrounds would encourage Jake with his daily physical and occupational therapy; despite the fact none of the play apparatus could accommodate him or other children with a disability.
The organization opened Jake’s Place playground in Cherry Hill in 2011. It has been recognized nationally as an exemplar of all inclusive play and is a “destination” playground for families near and far. The second Jake’s Place playground opened in Delran, NJ in 2019. Along with Camden County Commissioners, Jake’s Place also built Boundless Field, home to the Camden County NJ Miracle League managed by Jake’s Place and sponsored by the Commissioners. The Miracle League allows children with disabilities to play baseball.
Experiencing how hard it was to build a playground with small donations (there is little corporate or foundation support), the organization’s founders, Joe Nasto and Kate Cummings with Jim and Lynn Cummings were advised to attempt getting a law passed, enabling all-inclusive playgrounds all over New Jersey. Learning the political ropes and building state house support took four years.
Nonetheless, they persisted. A first effort, supported by all NJ legislators, died on Governor Christie’s desk by pocket veto. Bill A3612 was reintroduced again with then new Governor Murphy’s enthusiastic support. It was signed into law in 2018 and by the time the rules and logistics of “Jake’s Law” were being set, the pandemic arrived.
The law says any county accepting Green Acres money must build at least one all inclusive playground. These playgrounds have unique features - so every child, of every ability, can play together. Some special features include ramping to accommodate wheelchairs and assistive devices; special surfacing and apparatus designed to accommodate any child.
In April, on Earth Day, the statehouse announced these playground projects recommended for funding by Governor Murphy:
Riverside County Park South in North Arlington Borough and Lyndhurst Township in Bergen County will receive $1 million to replace the old playground with accessible play equipment for all abilities and various age groups in a more central location within the park. The project also includes safety surfacing, lawn and landscaped areas, seating, and fencing around the playground perimeter.
Long Bridge Park in Hainesport, Burlington County will receive $1 million to replace the current playground with one that includes nature-themed playground equipment built with primarily natural materials. The design also includes a range of spaces for interaction, socialization, education, and discovery opportunities.
New Brooklyn Park in Winslow Township, Camden County will receive $1 million to install inclusive swings, freestanding play areas, and wheelchair-compatible equipment such as merry-go-rounds. A new drop-off area and sidewalks and new trailer restrooms also will be constructed.
A $1 million award will help fund construction of a playground next to the library in Bridgeton, Cumberland County. The first accessible playground of any kind west of Vineland and Millville will have a pour-in-play surface, fencing, seating, and a perimeter walkway.
James J. Braddock Park in North Bergen, Hudson County will receive $1 million to replace the existing playground with one featuring play equipment for children ages 5-12 as well as a new turf safety surface.
Camp Hope in West Milford, Passaic County will receive $903,375 to build accessible paths, parking areas, ramps, climbing structures, ground-level play structures, and safety fencing.
Eno’s Pond County Park in Forked River, Ocean County will receive $771,750 to replace the existing playground.
David B. Crabiel Park in North Brunswick Township, Middlesex County will receive $750,000 to install new play equipment, fencing, and ADA-compliant curb and ramp improvements. This will be the first Completely Inclusive Playground in the county.
Jake’s Place Executive Director, Art Aston is gratified by the support of Governor Murphy and legislators. “We have worked so long and so hard to make this happen. I am so pleased New Jersey has chosen to be a leader in this effort. All-inclusive playgrounds are now being built world wide as government and citizens understand every child has the right to a great place to play, alongside every other child, of any ability.
Joe Nasto, Jake’s father and co-founder commented, “I wondered if I would ever see the day when communities throughout New Jersey would recognize play facilities were off limits to more than 10% of their children. Communities now will quickly understand the benefits for their families and their children. I like to say they will receive thousands of dividends of laughter and joy.”