Verona's new playground and fitness area is now open!!!!

Mayor Tamburro and members of the Township Council gathered for a ribbon cutting Monday evening (10/7/24) to commemorate the opening of the new fully inclusive playground and fitness area located at the Verona Community Center. 

For some time now, the playground at the Verona Community Center (VCC) has been outdated and non-compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).Fortunately, the Verona administration has been working diligently to obtain grant funding to help revive this recreational space.

This new playground which is slightly larger than the previous space, encompasses approx. 5,000 square feet and features both a children's play area and an adult fitness section. This new community space also includes a newly added ADA accessible bathroom with a water bottle filing station.

Inclusivity was an essential factor in the playground's redesign, ensuring that families and children of all abilities can play and socialize together. From sensory panels to adaptive features every detail encourages social interaction and fun for everyone!  Specifically selected playground elements promote inclusivity and cognitive learning. All playground components, including the adult exercise equipment, are wheelchair accessible.

The slopes within the playground area meet ADA requirements, and the poured-in-place (PIP) rubber surface is a durable, cohesive surface that is ideal for anyone with mobility issues, not to mention adds a little pep to your step!

We look forward to this playground and fitness area having a lasting positive impact for years to come. A special thank you to everyone who helped bring this project to fruition, especially our contributors:
Essex County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs
Essex County Division of Housing Community Development and Block Grant
Partners for Health Foundation
Greenfields Fitness