Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci and the Nutley Township Department of Parks and Recreation were proud to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the newly-installed inclusive playground at Father Glotzbach Park on Wednesday, May 13. 

The new playground is designed to remove barriers and obstacles so that children of all abilities and needs can play together. The space will not only promote physical education for all, but also empathy, community, compassion and understanding for all Nutley children.

“This is a park for everyone,” stated Commissioner Tucci in his opening speech. “Here in Nutley, we leave no child behind. Special needs or otherwise.” 

The playground was funded through Jake’s Law, a New Jersey law that helps fund fully inclusive playgrounds for children of all abilities. It was inspired by Jake Cummings-Nasto, a young boy from South Jersey whose family advocated for accessible play spaces. The funding comes primarily through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Green Acres program. Municipalities, counties, and townships can apply for grants to build or renovate inclusive playgrounds that exceed standard ADA requirements.

“Our Parks Department, who are second to none, worked hard and did what we came here to do, from the top all the way down to the bottom of this park,” said Commissioner Tucci. “We’re doing whatever we can to take care of our people here in Nutley. We don’t just talk a good game and put up signs; we provide real-life options.”

The new Glotzbach Park playground includes:

• Wheelchair-accessible surfacing and ramps

• Sensory-friendly and quiet play areas

• An inclusive swings and equipment

• Shaded seating and fencing

• Accessible restrooms and parking

The new inclusive playground at Father Glotzbach Park is now open and available to all Nutley residents. As Commissioner Tucci said in his speech’s conclusion, “Now, let’s enjoy our park!”