(MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ) -- County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios met with Mayor Gayle Brill Mittler along with officials from Middlesex County and the Borough of Highland Park on June 22 to visit the two reconstructed playgrounds located in Donaldson Park. The on-site meeting culminates the efforts, led by Mayor Gayle Brill Mittler as well as County officials, to improve and repair damage done to the park by Hurricane Ida.

“This project is a collaboration between Middlesex County and the Borough of Highland Park with support and assistance from the Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation and Department of Infrastructure. It’s great to see what the parties involved were able to achieve in less than a year for our Middlesex County residents.” said Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios. “Not only will these improvements revitalize Donaldson Park, but they will attract more diverse families to our County.”

Improvements include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant playground equipment, transfer systems to help everyone access the play apparatus, a poured-in-place (soft-playground) surface to replace the wood carpet, bench pads, and fencing between the playground and parking. In total, Middlesex County contributed more than $754,000 to the equipment and installation.

PHOTO: (Left to Right) Highland Park Councilmember Matthew Hersh, Middlesex County Commissioner Director; Ronald G. Rios, and Mayor Gayle Brill Mittler, Borough of Highland Park.

“Highland Park is blessed to be surrounded by two beautiful County parks. Donaldson Park’s playground has been a community favorite that was destroyed in a recent storm. This beautiful new playground is flood resilient and has already been enjoyed by so many of our children and their families,” said Mayor Gayle Brill Mittler, Borough of Highland Park.

“While Hurricane Ida caused a tremendous amount of damage to our communities, I’m proud to be a part of a County that not only rebuilds but strengthens the resiliency of the community,” said County Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro. “These improvements, along with the installation of inclusive playground equipment to Donaldson Park, are a perfect example of what we can achieve when we work together. I’d like to applaud all parties involved for completing this project in a timely manner.”

Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 832,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. Ranked #1 in the state for best schools, the County offers an award-winning vocational school system, a county college, and workforce development creating a unique ecosystem in which opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century.