December 9, 2008 – (Medford, NJ)  After being closed since February 2008, Medford Township was able to re-open the Fort Medford Playground to the public on October 17. 

This past September, the Medford Township Council committed $175,000 towards the purchase of new playground equipment and safety improvements to Fort Medford. 

The Council reached out to some of the original Medford Playground Committee volunteers to propose a vision for an addition to Fort Medford that is 100% handicapped accessible, made with 100% recyclable materials, completely eco-friendly made with “Trex” material.

After purchasing all new playground equipment, additional funds are needed for amenities such as a newly poured recycled surface in both existing and new playground areas, paved handicapped parking spaces, “Trex” guardrails, expanded fencing, and installation costs.  In order to realize this dream, the Fort Medford Playground Committee’s goal is to raise $100,000.  The success of this project depends on the help of generous donors to bring this dream to its completion so that the new playground area is opened by the first day of spring, 2009.

The improvements of Fort Medford are a part of a 13-year story that began in the early 1990’s when a group of new mothers in Medford had a dream for a playground created, funded and built by the community.  In the spring of 1995, that dream was realized with the help of many generous donations and the hard labor of community volunteers to build Fort Medford in five days.

The new vision for Fort Medford which has already begun with the initial playground equipment improvements includes Fort Medford becoming 100% accessible, made with 100% recyclable materials, completely eco-friendly made with “Trex” material.  The rubberized surfaces in all accessible playgrounds accommodate wheelchairs and walkers and include unique and specialized features. Children or adults in wheelchairs can also use the wide ramps to get to the top of all climbing structures.

The new Fort Medford will provide an opportunity for children of all abilities to play together, thus providing a place of unity for the community. Accessible playgrounds are also important for adults with special-needs, allowing them to take part in these playground activities with their children and grandchildren and interact with them whereas in many typical playgrounds they are unable to due to the lack of amenities for those with special-needs.

If you would like to join the efforts in continuing to uphold our township as a leader in the provision of quality parks and recreational facilities by making this 100% accessible and “green” playground a reality for everyone, please contact the Fort Medford Playground Committee at (856) 988-1552.

CONTACT:
Beth A. Portocalis (frmr. Richmond), Director
Medford Recreation Department
Cranberry Hall
17 North Main Street
Medford, NJ  08055-2411
PHONE: (609) 654-2512
FAX: (609) 654-6536
E-MAIL:  bportocalis@medfordtownship.com