New Seaside Heights Playground Construction Will Be Delayed

Renderings of the planned ‘inclusive playground’ in Seaside Heights, N.J. (Credit: Borough of Seaside Heights)

The “inclusive playground,” complete with new restrooms and aesthetic enhancements along the bayfront in Seaside heights, will have its construction delayed due to an issue with a contractor’s bid.

The project, which costs just under $1 million, is nearly funded in total by state grants under Jake’s Law, a program that sets aside funds for inclusive playground across New Jersey. The playgrounds built under the law are intended to combine equipment that appeals to both typical children as well as children with disabilities, with the goal of having the two groups play together in one space. The playgrounds must also include quiet space as well as accessible restrooms.

The long-awaited playground in Seaside Heights was initially planned to be built by the July 4 holiday, however bids received after a solicitation last month were unable to be awarded this week, said Borough Administrator Christopher Vaz.

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“The low bidder did not bid on the bollards that were added as an addendum,” said Vaz. “The high bidder was well in excess of our budget for the project.”

That means the borough must re-start the bidding process with the hopes of attracting a bid that will land within budget and tick all of the requirements.

“We have to reject the bids and go out for a second round,” said Vaz, with new bid packages going out June 10. “It’s a little bit of a delay, but it’s also a bit out of our hands. It’s something that you think is so simple, and then you go through the bureaucracy.”

The playground will be constructed near the Stewart’s Root Beer stand at Sunset Park, the borough’s bay beach. A major part of the project beyond the playground itself is the addition of new, modern restrooms, landscaping enhancements and general cleanup that will come as part of the building process.

A new municipal dock is completed in Seaside Heights, N.J., 2023. (Photo: Shorebeat)

Equipment proposed for a new ‘inclusive playground’ at Sunset Beach in Seaside Heights. (Photo: Seaside Heights Borough)

Renderings of the planned ‘inclusive playground’ in Seaside Heights, N.J. (Credit: Borough of Seaside Heights)

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Renderings of the planned ‘inclusive playground’ in Seaside Heights, N.J. (Credit: Borough of Seaside Heights)

Renderings of the planned ‘inclusive playground’ in Seaside Heights, N.J. (Credit: Borough of Seaside Heights)

“We weren’t comfortable with the restrooms that exist at Stewart’s,” said Vaz. “For the cost in the bid of that family restroom, you could build a small house in some towns.”

If the pricing of restroom construction remains unreasonably high, Vaz said, the borough’s Public Works Department will look into acquiring the materials and building it. Vaz said Public Works Superintendent William Rumbola told him that his crew would likely be able to construct the small building in short order.

Vaz said he would prefer not to promise a potential opening date for the playground since the borough has hit a few snags on the way to construction, but the current delay is expected to be measured in weeks rather than months.