Construction begins at new inclusive playground in Camden

The newest Jake’s Place Playground, featuring ramps and multi-sensory equipment, will be built in New Camden Park on 1601 Pine Street, the third of its kind in the county.

The park is named after Jacob Myles Cummings-Nasto, a child who passed away from a rare cardiac condition.

The Cummings family attended Wednesday’s announcement, along with Mayor Victor Carstarphen, Camden City Council, and Camden County Commissioners.

“The board members of Build Jake’s Place and I are extremely excited for this new Jake’s Place all-inclusive playground to be built in the city of Camden, a city where according to the American Community Survey, 16.4% of the population under the age of 65 has a disability,” said Arthur Aston, executive director of Build Jake’s Place. “This new inclusive playground will provide an accessible play space for all to play regardless of their disability diagnosis. We look forward to hearing stories for years to come of all the laughter that takes place, and the friendships that will be formed on this playground.” 

The first Jake’s Place was built in 2011 at Challenge Grove Park, now the John Adler Park in Cherry Hill Township. According to officials, it is one of the most utilized playgrounds in the Camden County Park System.