Media Release
CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kevin
C. Rabago
Development
& Planning
(856)
451-3407
KELLY AND PARTNERS SET TO REOPEN
JOHNSON REEVES PLAYGROUND AUGUST 20TH
It’s been a long time in the
making, but Johnson Reeves Playground is ready to become again what it had once
been for several generations of kids around East Avenue and York Street; namely
a neighborhood park for families and kids to enjoy.
On August 20th
between 4:00pm and 6:00pm, City officials, along with area nonprofit Revive
South Jersey will be inviting residents throughout the neighborhood to join
friends and partners for the reopening of Johnson Reeves Playground.
For Bridgeton Mayor Albert
Kelly, the return of Johnson Reeves Playground takes him back to his days as a
child playing baseball there on summer days; breaking away for lunch and then
coming back to play until dinner.
“I have a special feeling
for that playground and a lot of fond memories; it’s time for a new generation
of youngsters to enjoy the playground and build their own memories of the
place” said Kelly.
Over the years, tight
budgets and less staff meant few resources were available for improvements. But
over the last 2 years the City in partnership with Revive South Jersey joined
forces to restore the playground.
Initially focused on the
clubhouse and installing playground equipment, the project expanded to include
an adjustable basketball hoop, lighting, a youth soccer field, and handicap
parking. Future phases include new fencing.
The project got big assists
from Lowes of Millville donating materials and labor for the roof; R & S
Construction of Bridgeton donating a portion of labor and materials for building
renovations, and a $15,000 grant from KaBoom and Dr. Pepper/Snapple for the
playground apparatus.
Support came from business
and private interests as well including; Century Savings Bank, Susquehanna
Bank, Bethany Grace Church, Cumberland Dairy, Whibco, Bridgeton Rotary, Greater
Bridgeton Chamber of Commerce, Crestwood
Midstream Partners, and Helmer, Conley, & Kasselman.
Support in terms of on-site
labor came from Ranch Hope and the Pascale Sykes funded collaborative “Unidos
para la Familia”. The final piece of the puzzle was provided by Bridgeton’s own
Public Works Department which handled much of the installation for basketball
and soccer.
“We had a
strong group with us and I am grateful to each and every one who provided
materials and labor to make this project possible; without them this doesn’t
happen” said Kelly.
The short term goal
according to Revive South Jersey Director Jonathan Cummings is to turn over a
solid park and playground space to the families and in the surrounding
neighborhood. Longer term, they hope to provide structured programs and
activities for neighborhood children.
Both goals fit well with
Bridgeton Recreation Director Melissa Hemple’s concept of an “under12” focus
for the park where younger children are the main audience. While there is more
to be done in future phases, those involved feel good about what they’ve
accomplished to date.
“Neighborhood
revitalization starts with a sense of community pride. We wanted Johnson Reeves
to be viable and ultimately a source of pride for residents” said Kelly.
# # #
To learn
more about the City of Bridgeton please visit www.cityofbridgeton.com
Use anonymous TIP411 Text
Service to report crime by texting
“Bridgeton” plus your tip to 847411