Lavallette Finalizes Plans for ‘Inclusive’ Playground, Releases Final Renderings

Renderings of the forthcoming ‘Jake’s Law’ inclusive playground at Chandler Field, Jan. 2026. (Credit: Borough of Lavallette)

Lavallette officials this week took a major step toward beginning construction of a unique, “inclusive” playground at Chandler Field, choosing a design and appropriating funds for the effort that will be reimbursed by the state. Borough officials also unveiled the latest renderings of what the playground will look like, which are interspersed within this article.

The playground has been planned for the better part of a year at Chandler Field, with the borough having decided to participate in the lengthy application process with the help of Morgan Engineering, one of the borough’s engineering firms. Last summer, Lavallette was awarded $489,000 the construct the playground, with a local contribution of $163,000 that will come in the form of a 20 year loan at zero interest.

Renderings of the forthcoming ‘Jake’s Law’ inclusive playground at Chandler Field, Jan. 2026. (Credit: Borough of Lavallette)

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Renderings of the forthcoming ‘Jake’s Law’ inclusive playground at Chandler Field, Jan. 2026. (Credit: Borough of Lavallette)

Chandler Field, Lavallette, N.J. (Photo: Shorebeat)

The idea behind an “inclusive” playground is to combine attractions that are fun for all children, but still accessible to those with disabilities. Historically, general-use playgrounds were largely inaccessible to children with handicaps, while those that were accessible usually had purpose-built equipment that did not appeal to typical children, effectively keeping the two groups from playing together. The law was inspired by the story of Jacob Myles Cummings Nasto, a boy who passed away due to a heart condition, and the park named for him in Cherry Hill.

On Monday, the borough council unanimously awarded a contract to Ben Shaffer Recreation for the purchase of the inclusive play structure at a cost of $381,667. The contract funds the equipment itself, with another contract expected to be awarded to a construction firm that will physically build the playground. The council decided to purchase the equipment first due to what is expected to be a forthcoming increase in the cost of playground equipment, said Councilman George Shenewolf.

Renderings of the forthcoming ‘Jake’s Law’ inclusive playground at Chandler Field, Jan. 2026. (Credit: Borough of Lavallette)

Renderings of the forthcoming ‘Jake’s Law’ inclusive playground at Chandler Field, Jan. 2026. (Credit: Borough of Lavallette)

The playground will include:

• Improved safety fencing.
• Quiet play areas for neurodiversity.
• Shaded areas.
• Rubber Safety Surfacing.
• Accessible playground equipment.
• Sensory playground equipment.
• ADA Parking Spaces.
• ADA Curb Cuts/sidewalks/sitting areas.

Borough officials also unveiled the latest renderings of what the playground will look like, which are interspersed within this article.