The first round in 2006 helped fund 20 projects across the county
LAWRENCE -- Following the success of the county's "Mercer at Play" program that helped fund parks and recreational projects that might have never come to fruition otherwise, officials on Friday announced that another $6 million would be made available to towns.
The second round comes 10 years after the program was first unveiled in 2006 when, Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes said, recreation projects were often the first to get cut from municipal budgets.
"We wanted to see municipalities step up to the plate and produce and provide active places in their communities where kids could go and play and have the recreation," Hughes said.
"We wanted to see if there was a way we could spur that development again. ... The program was such a success that we are ready and willing to once again make a commitment."
In the first round, the county contributed $6,498,000 toward 20 projects across the county, ranging from new playing fields and courts to pool upgrades and a skate park.
Under the program, interested municipalities must submit a proposal for a recreational facility detailing the scope of the work, the projected costs and a rough construction schedule.
Towns must contribute at least half of a project's total cost. If approved, the county will match the municipality's contribution, dollar-for-dollar: up to $500,000 for townships and up to $300,000 for boroughs.
Leslie Floyd, the county's planning director, said there are benefits to boroughs who choose to partner with neighboring townships on projects. Doing so would make them eligible for up to $500,000, while the amount they need to match drops.
Towns, she said, can also choose to complete a series of smaller projects.
"They can break it up any way that it works for them as long as it's being used for an appropriate purpose," Floyd said.
Friday's announcement was made in Lawrence's Central Park, where Mayor David Maffei laid out the township's vision for an all-inclusive playground that would be accessible to everyone whether they have a disability or not.
"What I'm truly excited about is that all the children will be able to visit this playground and there will be equipment to play on that will meet all needs," he said.
The township is still in the early planning stages, but Maffei said the spot was chosen because of the area's flat ground and its proximity to handicapped-accessible restrooms.
For its portion, the township has set aside some capital improvement funds, but also hopes to solicit contributions from private donors. Township Manager Richard Krawczun said Lawrence doesn't anticipate spending its full $500,000 on the playground, which would leave money available for other projects.
Towns have three years from Friday to apply to the "Mercer at Play" program.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.