Exciting news! Earlier this year, the Township of Moorestown applied for New Jersey state funding to construct a Jake’s Law All-Inclusive Playground at Wesley Bishop Park. Jake's Law funding is administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Green Acres program. On Friday, April 25, the township was awarded the Green Acres grant. Mayor Quinton Law and the Hannon family were in attendance for the exciting announcement.
This public funding was made possible by the dedicated family, volunteers, and contributors to the Jack Hannon Full Throttle Fund at the Community Foundation of South Jersey. The Hannon family spearheaded the “Full Throttle Inclusive Playground” project to honor their late son Jack who they affectionately described as “full throttle." The all-inclusive playground project has been in the planning since 2023 when the Full Throttle Fund completed its first project investment, the Full Throttle (Wiffle Ball) Field.
When it was determined that an inclusive playground would cost more than one million dollars, the Jack Hannon Full Throttle Fund coordinated and paid for the services of Triad Associates, a firm specialized in securing public grant funding. This firm, in collaboration with the Township, quarterbacked the comprehensive and competitive application process for a N.J. Green Acres grant. Their effort resulted in the Township receiving the maximum allowable grant for inclusive playgrounds, $750,000. Another requirement of the Green Acres grant is to provide for a minimum of 25% matching funds. The Jack Hannon Full Throttle Fund at the Community Foundation of South Jersey will support this requirement by recommending a $500,000 grant to Moorestown Township for the “Full Throttle Inclusive Playground”.
The Hannon family partnered with the Community Foundation of South Jersey in 2021 to create and support the Jack Hannon Full Throttle Fund. The mission of this Fund is to have Jack’s inspiring and loving spirit live on through charitable projects focused on youth development, bringing fun and joy to children. To learn more about the Full Throttle Fund mission, please visit the website at www.fullthrottlefield.com. Learn about the Community Foundation of South Jersey at http://www.communityfoundationsj.org.
