November 3, 2024
This article originally appeared in the November 5, 2024, edition of the Cape May Star & Wave newspaper.
CAPE MAY — Children at Broad Street Court at the Cape May Housing Authority complex have a new playground and pavilion to enjoy thanks to the generosity of the community.
City and county officials and members of Cape May Cares and the Fund for Cape May cut a ceremonial ribbon Oct. 30 on the new sliding boards and pavilion.
The Fund for Cape May raised $48,000 for the project during the annual Ice Ball at Congress Hall.
Cape May Housing Authority Executive Director Jackie Jones said it took a village to complete the project, including volunteers, local businesses, community leaders and individual donors. Cape May Cares and Cape May Housing Authority Chairman Keith Lafferty said playgrounds allow children to interact with their peers, develop social skills and self-esteem, learn to persevere and get over obstacles.
Mayor Zack Mullock offered a quote from Albert Einstein, “Play is the highest form of research.” Glancing back at the new playground, the mayor quipped, “this is going to get a lot of research.”
Curtis Bashaw, president of the Fund for Cape May, said the playground is an example of community at its best with organizations working together. He presented Cape May Cares with a check for $2,500.
Tom Carroll, vice president of the Fund for Cape May, said the organization has worked with the city on completing Rotary Park and Soldiers and Sailors Park, as well as placing bicycle racks on the Washington Street Mall. When visiting the new playground, he said he found how excited the children were with the new amenity.
Police Chief Dekon Fashaw said the housing project had issues with illegal drugs in the past, which was almost unimaginable for Cape May. He said the city has other parks but it is easier for the resident children just to walk out their backdoor.
“This is something good for this community. I’m very proud to be a part of this community,” Fashaw said.
City Manager Paul Dietrich said parents have a short time to influence their children. He said it is important for children to have a place to have positive experiences.
“If everyone thinks this is great, because it is great, you haven’t seen anything yet. We have bigger eyes and we can’t wait for the future to get this going even more,” Lafferty said.
