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Michael J. Joy, 86, Gloucester City
HOME COUNTRY: “This is ‘bout the best time of year,” said Steve

Cold Weather Delays Construction of Proprietors Park Playground

William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews

 

 

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(GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ)(February 5, 2025)(CNBNews)—The City of Gloucester City is excited to share the news of a significant achievement: a $385,000 grant has been awarded to develop a new playground at Proprietors Park. This scenic location, perched along the banks of the Delaware River, can be found at the intersection of King Street and Jersey Avenue, offering a beautiful backdrop for outdoor activities.

 

The journey to bring this playground to life began three years ago when the City submitted a detailed proposal to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD). The vision for this project is not just to create a playground but to build a fully accessible play area that accommodates children of all abilities. This ambitious endeavor will involve extensive improvements to the site, including the installation of a larger, thoughtfully designed playground that features a variety of equipment suitable for different age groups. Additionally, the park will be enhanced with inviting picnic tables and comfortable benches, creating perfect spots for families to gather, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding them. While the foundation for the playground is already in place, completion is patiently awaiting the arrival of warmer weather to ensure a safe and enjoyable construction process.

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Lori Ryan, the City’s Community Development Manager said, “In 2022, we applied for a Community Funded Project (CPF) from the Office of Community Planning and Development of the USHUD.  We were awarded the grant to continue the previous playground upgrade and provide a fully accessible playground in the amount of $385,000.  This project would include site improvements and the installation of a larger, more accessible playground to allow for different aged children to play, together with a few picnic tables and benches. 

 

For site improvement the project was processed under public contracts law and the project was awarded to LGP Contracting, LLC in the amount of $36,962. The equipment vendor, an approved state vendor, Martaurano Recreation, was awarded for a playground package of $214,826.  The flooring company Rubber Recycle has a total contract of $75,467.  

 

“It was discovered on the first week of site improvement work that an old swimming pool (2 ft area) was still underground and at the exact location of the then-planned playground.  The location was moved across the driveway, and the site work is just about completed.  In order to keep the tree canopy, we changed the design some. 

 

“The adjusted contract for site improvements is $63,129.17.  The playground installation cannot be completed until there is consistent weather in the 50-degree area.  This project was advertised as required and put out for public bid, and we had a display sign-up during our Pack the Park event with a graphic of the playground design.” 

 

 

In a notable recognition of her hard work and commitment, Ryan was named Employee of the Month in 2023. She joined the City in 2019 as the Community Development Manager and has made a profound impact on the community ever since. The 2023 press release celebrating her achievement highlights her multifaceted role, where she serves not only as a manager but also as the newsletter editor, community projects coordinator, and both the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) and Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) Coordinator. In her capacity, Ryan is instrumental in coordinating local celebrations and overseeing the home improvement program, making her a vital force in community engagement.

 

Equipped with a robust background in mechanical construction and business finance, Ryan brings a diverse skill set that is invaluable in propelling the Department of Community Development forward. As the liaison to the Gloucester City Brooklawn Business Association, she passionately works to cultivate a business-friendly environment that fosters growth, innovation, and success for local enterprises, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

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