Newly Renovated Pennington Park Playground Now Open

PATERSON, NJ - The City of Paterson celebrated the official opening of the newly renovated Pennington Park Playground . The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of a $500,000 renovation project funded by the City of Paterson through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Supplemental Transition Aid.

The Pennington Park Playground, had long been in need of improvements due to heavy usage and safety concerns. Over time, wear and tear resulted in hazardous conditions, including holes in the playground surface. The recent renovations addressed these issues, ensuring that the playground is now a safe, engaging, and welcoming space for children and families.

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"When we were designing this playground, we focused on making it accessible for everyone," Dacil Tilos, Paterson Communications Director and member of the Friends of Paterson Parks said. "We considered the surfacing so that all children could play safely, and we added shade to protect kids from the sun while they’re up in the playground area."

Tilos also mentioned that Public Works Director Rodriguez is planning to add benches around the playground so that parents can comfortably watch their children play, while also enjoying the nearby Fitness Zone.

"The sun is shining on our city today, and we’re celebrating both our senior citizens and our children," Mayor Andre Sayegh said. "This playground was once unsafe, but today we’re declaring victory for our children who deserve better," the mayor said. "Pennington Park has been transformed into one of our flagship parks. We've renovated the baseball field, the soccer field, and built a new Fitness Zone for adults. Today, we’re proud to unveil the final piece of the upgrades: a new and improved playground that will accommodate children with special needs."

This playground is the fifth inclusive playground built in Paterson, joining similar spaces at Roberto Clemente Park, Lou Costello Park, Garrett Mountain, and Buckley Park. The mayor also announced plans for additional inclusive playgrounds, including a forthcoming one at Eastside Park, with equipment soon to be ordered for 21st Avenue Park by the Boys and Girls Club.

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The renovation of Pennington Park Playground was designed with community input in mind, officials said, pointing to the.adjacent fitness zone that offers parents an opportunity to exercise while their children play in a secure and revitalized environment. The upgrades to Pennington Park are part of a larger effort by Sayegh which has led to $100 million invested in improving the city's parks, playgrounds, and pools.

"We have been advocating for autism and developmental disabilities in Paterson for the past 12 years, and we are so happy to see our leaders making these playgrounds a priority," Guerlina Perez, an advocate for children with autism, said. "Playgrounds like this one help our children develop physical, cognitive, and emotional skills while providing a space for fun and socialization."

"Recreation is a big part of why I took the job in public works," DPW Director Billy Rodriguez said. "We let our work speak for itself, and now the children are back here playing in the park. This playground is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved."

Longtime Paterson resident Annette Jackson, who grew up in the Grand Street projects and frequented Pennington Park as a child, expressed her appreciation. "I played here at Pennington Park, and it’s beautiful now," she said. "I thank everyone for their efforts in making this park a place where future generations can continue to enjoy."

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