Home Care In Spring Lake, NJ

With only a limited number of grants issued statewide, Spring Lake secures major funding to transform Divine Park into an all-abilities destination.

SPRING LAKE, NJ — Months after Spring Lake began laying the groundwork for a complete reimagining of the Divine Park playground, the Borough has officially secured a major state grant under Jake’s Law — positioning the town to move forward with one of its most significant recreational upgrades in decades.

The grant award, which will cover 75 percent of the total project cost, caps off a planning process that began earlier this year as Spring Lake officials sought to modernize the aging playground, last rebuilt more than 30 years ago and partially updated 16 years ago. The funding arrives at an ideal moment, following momentum from recent upgrades at Marucci Park and Lake Como and the launch of Phase III planning for expanded green spaces across town.

A Rare Funding Window Under Jake's Law: This year’s limited-time grant opportunity comes from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs as part of Jake’s Law, legislation adopted in 2018 that establishes strict standards for Completely Inclusive Playgrounds. The Green Acres program is providing 75 percent matching grants — up to $750,000 for municipalities — specifically to encourage communities to build playgrounds that exceed ADA requirements and ensure universal accessibility.

Earlier in the year, Council Member Syd Whalley stressed the importance of applying during this window. “The playground is more than 30 years old and overdue for modernization,” Whalley said. “We’re applying not only to replace outdated equipment with all-inclusive features but to redesign the entire park so it complements this incredible setting around Spring Lake.”

Community Input Helped Shape the Vision: To prepare for the application, Spring Lake partnered with MRC, a consulting firm specializing in inclusive play environments, and convened residents with diverse needs and experiences. Whalley said their insights directly informed the design. “One major theme the community emphasized was accessible parking and drop-off areas. MRC really nailed what residents asked for.”

Jake’s Law also requires accessible surfacing suitable for mobility devices, fencing for safety, shaded areas, quiet zones, and optional restroom requirements — many of which Divine Park can incorporate naturally because of its existing tree canopy and layout.

A Park Designed for Everyone: At the public presentation, Borough Engineer Sam Avakian unveiled early renderings and emphasized the park’s purpose. “It’s critical everyone understand — this playground is designed not just for children with disabilities, but for everyone. It is truly all-inclusive.”

When asked about the grant’s competitiveness, Avakian noted that demand is growing, but Spring Lake’s project fits the program’s intent. “This is only the second year of Jake’s Law funding. Dozens of municipalities applied last year, and they’re trying to fund everyone. Because our plan is fully inclusive, it strengthens our position.” According to NJDEP records, 49 towns submitted bids under Jake's Law, but only two others have been pubically announced - Maplewood, NJ and Evesham Township, NJ that they received Jake’s-Law grants. It's possible the number could be higher.

A Perfect Location to Maximize Community Use: Business Administrator Bryan Dempsey called Divine Park one of the strongest sites in the region for an inclusive playground, pointing to its connectivity and visibility. “What the renderings can’t show is the perfect location — walking distance to trains, buses, downtown, nearby parks, and even the beach and pavilion. It’s already one of the most visited areas in town.”

Dempsey also clarified at the time how the grant aligns with Spring Lake’s financial planning. “If we secure the full $750,000, our $250,000 match fits into this year’s budget because we weren’t awarded open-space funding. We always plan for the maximum — so those dollars shift directly here.”

The Council unanimously approved the grant application and at the November Council meeting approved the grant. With the award now confirmed, the Borough can advance into final design and pre-construction phases.

In terms of what comes next and when the project is expected to begin, Borough Engineer Avacian said, “The next steps include refining the final design based on community feedback, completing state contracting and compliance requirements under Jake’s Law, and developing a clear construction timeline with regular public updates. The Borough will also prepare for the 25 percent municipal funding match and continue coordinating with MRC and project engineers to finalize bid documents before the project moves forward." In terms of the project start date, Avacian said, ”We expect to kick off the project in early Spring 2026, and depending on weather, we expect to have the project completed in late Spring or early summer."

A Major Win for Spring Lake Families and Surrounding Towns: For parents, educators, and longtime residents, this project represents more than new equipment — it reflects the town’s long-standing commitment to welcoming families of all ages and abilities.

Once construction begins, Divine Park will join a growing but still rare group of officially inclusive playgrounds in New Jersey, offering meaningful play opportunities that families from across the region can enjoy.

Seeking a beautiful town in New Jersey to visit with natural beauty won't be hard.

Depending on the season, travelers will find some of nature's earthly wonders, or historic buildings and homes along the Jersey Shore.

These towns exude a welcoming vibe and leave an everlasting impression on everyone visiting them says WorldAtlas.

The website publishing content about resources and entertainment on geography, revealed 11 Prettiest Towns in New Jersey that are worth a day trip or weekend getaway.

Two towns on the list reside in Monmouth County. Here's why writer's choose these towns below:

Spring Lake

Spring Lake is a charming coastal resort town on the Jersey Shore in Monmouth County, about 65 miles from New York and Philadelphia. With just 2,789 residents, the town is known for its stunning natural scenery and pristine sandy beaches, as well as the cozy boutiques, restaurants downtown and many historic homes that date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Visitors can stroll along the tree-lined streets and see landmark buildings such as the Martin Maloney Cottage, Audenried Cottage, St. Catherine Roman Catholic Church, and the Sea Girt Lighthouse.The town’s 1.5 mile, non-commercial boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean is an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the area’s scenic beauty.

Red Bank

Red Bank is the charming borough on the southern shores of the Navesink River in the northern part of Monmouth County. Red Bank’s lively downtown features numerous cultural attractions, along with specialty shops, independently-owned boutiques, cozy cafes, breweries, and eateries. The town is home to many well-preserved historic buildings, including the impressive Count Basie Center for the Arts, the Two River Theater, and parks that provide various recreational activities.

11 Prettiest Towns in New Jersey

Holiday train rides are a staple this time of year, but have you ever taken the kids to an elaborate model train show? If your family loves all things trains, here are the most impressive holiday model train shows to check out this season:

Holiday Train ShowNew York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NYNovember 15 – January 11Either during the day or on select Holiday Train Nights, catch model trains as they zip through a display of almost 200 replicas of New York landmarks, each re-created from natural materials such as birch bark, pinecones, palm fronds and cinnamon sticks.

Farmingdale Craft Fair and Xmas Train Show Farmingdale Elementary School, Farmingdale November 22 Take a break from shopping for holiday gifts, and pop into the school’s library, where the train show will feature a combined fastrack O and S gauge layout, and a G gauge layout with continously operating trains.

Pacific Southern Railway’s Holiday Train Show Pacific Southern Railway, Rocky Hill November 22-23 Princeton locals James “Murr” Murray, star of Impractical Jokers, and his wife Melyssa Murray, owner of No. 95 Candles, purchased the home earlier this year, and are opening the 5,000-square-foot HO layout to the public. There will be family-friendly activities, light bites and drinks, music, and time to hang out with Murr himself.

Holiday Model Train ShowGarden State Model Railway Club, N. HaledonNov. 28-30, Dec. 6-7, 13-14The open house and model railroad shows feature two operating layouts, Thomas the Tank Engine, a special kids’ layout, and a play area.

Model Railroad Club Holiday Train ShowThe Model Railroad Club, UnionNovember 28-30; December 6-7, 13-14Every hour, a 15-minute performance runs the trains to a professionally narrated script. See how the track is hand-laid, how mountains and scenery are created, and ask about the engineering that goes into the club’s bi-level corkscrew loop.

Antique Toy Train ShowThe Museum of American History, DeptfordThurs.-Sun., November 28 – February 1 See toy trains from the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s, including Lionel, Marx and American Flyer engines. Plasticville buildings from the 1950s will give the platforms a vintage holiday appearance.

Train and Winter Show 2025NY Society of Model Engineers, CarlstadtNovember. 29-30; December 6-7, 13-14The New York Society of Model Engineers opens its doors to show off O-scale and HO layouts, with steam and diesel engines, Thomas and friends, freight and passenger trains, and working trolleys.

Christmas Train Village Duggan Hall, Spring Lake November 29 – December 31 The Duggan Building exhibits a re-creation of the beautiful town of Spring Lake via a train village.

Holiday Model Train ShowBarron Arts Center, WoodbridgeDecember 1-30 (closed December 24-25)Mike Gelesky designed and set up the entire display with lots of holiday cheer to celebrate the display’s 35th year.

Weihnachtsmarkt German Christmas Market of New Jersey Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta December 5-7 There will be a carousel, pony rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, a petting zoo, a wagon parade, visits with Santa in the courtyard gazebo, storytime with Mrs. Claus and her Elf, a Christmas tree lighting on Friday, festive lights, ice sculptures, and the Pocono Mountain Garden Railway Society train display in the Greenhouse, a visit with author Sue Steinhardt and her dog Imperfect Phil, face painting, and a German Christmas traditions display.

Christmas Craft, Food & Vendor Show Calgo Gardens, Freehold December 6 There will be 60 craft vendors and a few food trucks on site, in addition to all the holiday landscaping and greenery. Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders will set up inside a greenhouse, operating G gauge trains which can be used for garden railroads.

Holiday Train Expo Ocean City Music Pier, Ocean City December 6-7 The show will feature running displays, model trains of all gauges and vendors selling various scale model trains.

Holiday Spectacular Christmas & Train DisplayInfoAge Science and History Museums, Wall Twp. December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21Admission to the Garden State Central Model Railroad Club’s train show includes access to all of the museums on site.

Toms River Train Show Toms River Elks Lodge, Toms River December 21 Members of the Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders will set up operating Legacy, TMCC, and Lionchief trains on fastrack layouts. Joe Mania, of JLM Trains in Freehold, who is a Lionel authorized service center who repairs and restores prewar, postwar and modern trains, will be meeting train lovers as well.

Holiday shopping in New Jersey has a new stop on the map. Jafajems, the Montclair boutique known for its globally sourced gifts and home goods, has expanded to the Shore this season with a two-month pop-up in Spring Lake. From handwoven scarves and gemstone jewelry to artisan-made home décor, every piece at Jafajems tells a story — and this year, those stories stretch from Montclair’s Valley Road to Spring Lake’s Third Avenue. Keep reading to learn more about the Jafajems holiday pop-up.

For more than 27 years, Jafajems has been a Montclair mainstay, founded by Carol Jafferjee with a vision to share handcrafted goods from artisans around the world. Inside the shop, items from India, Turkey, Italy, South Africa, the U.K., France, Nepal, and beyond come together to create a truly global shopping experience.

Carol’s approach has always been rooted in connection, with each product chosen for its craftsmanship, cultural story, and the people behind it. The result is a boutique that feels both worldly and deeply local, where every visit reveals something new.

The Montclair location carries an ever-changing collection of handmade accessories, jewelry, and home décor. Shoppers will find artisan scarves, handbags, and wraps, along with beaded bracelets from Nepal and mosaic glass jewelry from Florence, Italy. The shop also features an assortment of gemstone jewelry that are cut and set in India in sterling silver or vermeil.

For the home, Jafajems curates South African candles, Scottish throws, and hand-painted Moroccan tables that bring a touch of global design to local spaces. The tabletop section features South African pottery, Moroccan tea glasses, and Murano glassware, while the Paper Collection includes hand-pressed stationery, origami, and Carol’s paper art including paper mache letters, collages, and cards.

Local favorites also include Cat Studio’s embroidered pillows and glassware, including an exclusive Montclair design created in-house and the ever popular collegiate collection. Also a mainstay in the shop, is the iconic MacKenzie-Childs brand, which joined the shop’s lineup in 2011.

This winter, Jafajems brings its global charm down the Parkway. Now open at 1111 Third Avenue in Spring Lake, the seasonal pop-up introduces the boutique’s signature mix of craftsmanship and culture to the Jersey Shore.

Surrounded by local shops, cafés, and restaurants, the street is designed for a full day of holiday browsing and gift hunting. Inside the pop-up, visitors will find a selection of Jafajems’ bestsellers, from Italian leather bags and block-printed totes to MacKenzie-Childs favorites, collegiate pillows and glassware, and festive ornaments.

The pop-up captures the same spirit that has made the Montclair store a destination for decades — an appreciation for artistry, storytelling, and gifts that feel personal and enduring.

Each Jafajems location has its own unique assortment, so this season’s pro tip: visit both and follow along on instagram @jafajems.

For more information, click here.