Realizing the importance and necessity for children to have active and healthy lifestyles, Jackson Township Mayor Michael Reina and the township council have approved funding to purchase new playground equipment at the township’s six elementary schools.
In light of significant state aid cuts by Trenton, which would have left the district unable to pay for these new playground structures, the township has agreed to spend the money needed to purchase and install the new equipment.
“Our school district and our children are being robbed of opportunities inside and outside the classroom under the state’s new flawed funding formula,” said Mayor Michael Reina. “My administration has always been committed to providing recreational opportunities to the residents of Jackson, and the township is in a fortunate position this year, where we can lend a hand to help our school district and our students in their time of need.”
Crawford, Elms, Holman, Johnson, Rosenauer, and Switlik Elementary Schools will all receive new playground equipment, a historic first, paid for by the township.
“In the past, our schools and our town have always been treated as two non-cooperating and sometimes competing entities,” said Council President Jennifer Kuhn. “If we can help the district, it is in our best interest to work together with the school board to ensure the students have all the opportunities they deserve no matter what. This year, we are working closer with the district than ever before.”
“These parks will be open to the public after school hours under this agreement with the district,” said Councilman Mordechai Burnstein. “This will increase the total inventory of park space for all residents in our town.”
The equipment will be purchased through a state contract,, free to use by the public, and maintained by the district under a joint agreement between the township and the Jackson School District.
