TOMS RIVER, NJ – Toms River Regional Schools is celebrating the recent approval of a $71,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. The grant, awarded through the Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) program, will support the installation of a brand-new playground at Walnut Street Elementary School.
The LRIG program is a competitive initiative that provides funding for the improvement and repair of public recreation facilities, including parks, playgrounds, municipal recreation centers, and local stadiums.
The decision to secure funding for a new playground at Walnut Street Elementary came after the previous playground had suffered irreparable damage and was subsequently dismantled and removed earlier this year. This left the densely-populated community, which includes nearby apartment buildings, without a public space for children to play.
The significance of this project is further emphasized by the high eligibility rate for free and/or reduced meals at Walnut Street Elementary, indicating that the school community faces socio-economic challenges. The need for a replacement playground quickly became a priority for the school and district as they sought to provide students with a safe and engaging play environment.
The district’s facilities team will collaborate with MRC Recreation and GameTime, experienced contractors who have worked on previous playground projects as part of the 2019 referendum, to ensure the successful installation of the new playground during the summer months.
Superintendent Mike Citta expressed his excitement about the grant, stating, “This is terrific news for our Walnut Street students, who need and deserve a place to play.” He also acknowledged the support of Toms River Township, which collaborated with the district to secure financial backing for new turf athletic fields at three schools, including Walnut Street.
In response to the award announcement, New Jersey Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver sent a letter to the district, extending her best wishes for the project’s successful completion. Her letter emphasized the importance of creating valuable recreational spaces for students, further highlighting the significance of the grant.