Burlington County has approved $5 million in grants for 37 municipalities to support improvements and development of local parks. The decision was made during a recent meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, with the funds aimed at enhancing outdoor recreation facilities across the county.
The grant program allows municipalities to apply for up to $250,000 to construct, repair, or improve park facilities or acquire open space for future parks. Funding is sourced from the county’s dedicated open space preservation tax, which does not require towns to provide matching funds. The awards focus on construction and renovation costs rather than design or engineering expenses.
“Burlington County strives to be a destination for all people and these grants help make sure there are quality parks in all communities,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “No matter where you live, you should be able to enjoy our county’s beautiful outdoor spaces and the health benefits of outdoor recreation.”
All 40 municipalities within Burlington County were eligible to apply; however, Riverside, Washington Township, and Woodland did not submit applications this round. All 37 applicants received funding, with individual awards ranging from $75,000 to $175,000.
According to the official website, Burlington County is New Jersey’s largest county by area at 827 square miles and consists of 40 political subdivisions including three cities, six boroughs, and 31 townships.
Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel emphasized that the grants benefit communities throughout the county without raising local property taxes. “Burlington County is home to more acres of preserved open space and farmland than any county in New Jersey. We’re proud of that record and our investments in parks and trails development to ensure residents from all communities can access and benefit from our spaces we save,” said Commissioner Eckel. She added that “without these grants, many of these park improvements would not be possible, and they provide direct local property tax relief since these are dollars municipalities won’t have to borrow or raise from their property taxpayers.”
The funded projects include splash pads in Mount Laurel’s Marne Highway Park; pickleball courts at Chesterfield’s Fenton Lake Park; Legion Fields in Palmyra; Riverton Memorial Park; Woodlawn Sports Complex in Maple Shade; trail developments in Beverly (connecting Riverfront Park with a planned segment of the Delaware River Heritage Trail), Fieldsboro (Delaware River walking trail), and Springfield (Juliustown Road Trail as part of Kinkora Trail expansion); inclusive playgrounds or adaptive equipment in Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Delanco, Evesham, Florence; ADA-compliant restrooms at Mill Dam Park (Mount Holly) and Green Acres Park (Burlington Township).
“Children of all abilities deserve to have inclusive spaces where they can play and interact with other children and their families,” said Commissioner Randy Brolo. “Awarding grants for towns to create inclusive playgrounds is a sound investment that will make sure all residents and families can access and enjoy these spaces. It sends a message to families that Burlington County does more than just talk about becoming more inclusive. We are taking actions and making changes to make sure people of all abilities feel welcome.”
Among other awarded projects: Bass River will receive funds for North Maple Avenue Recreation improvements; Bordentown City will replace playground equipment at Carslake Park; Medford Lakes will enhance Ballinger Park with a boardwalk and pier; Willingboro will install docks at Crystal Lake Park near Willingboro Lakes Park.
The full list details each municipality’s project focus—from lighting upgrades at sports fields in Bordentown Township or Medford, restroom facility improvements across several towns such as Lumberton Village Green Park or North Hanover Schoolhouse Park—to basketball court conversions in Southampton.
The Board comprises five members serving at-large across the entire county according to its official website.
Burlington County includes sites such as Historic Smithville Park—a 312-acre location featuring forests, meadows, streams, and wetlands—and operates programs like Outstanding Women of Burlington County awards recognizing community contributions by women (source).
For more information about Burlington County government structure or its public amenities such as libraries intended for learning opportunities (source), visit their official site.
