Garden State Times

Next month, the Board of Commissioners will initiate a $2.5 million construction project for the William G. Rohrer Children’s Playground in Pennsauken, NJ. This playground, located on North Park Drive within the 347-acre Cooper River Park, is a popular site for children and families. It is noted as the most frequently used playground among the more than 4,100 acres of parkland and greenspace throughout Camden County.

The renovation project includes several key upgrades:

- Installation of new playground and fitness areas with poured-in-place rubber and an underdrain system.

- Construction of new concrete sidewalks for pedestrian circulation.

- Addition of park amenities such as drinking fountains, waste receptacles, shade structures, picnic tables, and benches.

- Electrical and plumbing utility work for installing a new irrigation system and drinking fountains.

- Landscaping including topsoil and seeding.

“These enhancements at Cooper River Park are part of our larger effort to make all Camden County parks and green spaces top destinations here in South Jersey for residents and visitors,” said Commissioner Jeffrey Nash, liaison to the Parks Department. “This playground is in perpetual use, which is exactly why we built it, so it’s satisfying to know how many kids have played on it and how many families have made memories here. That said, because of the volume it was time for a facelift for this beloved place.”

Funding for this project comes from a $1.7 million grant from the state’s Green Acres Program and a $750,000 Urban Parks grant.

Cooper River Park spans 346 acres through Pennsauken, Cherry Hill, Collingswood, and Haddon Township. Planned over 100 years ago by Charles Levitt, its amenities include the Camden County Boathouse, pavilions, a softball field, cross-country course, Camden County Golf Academy, Cooper River Yacht Club two bike trails Jack Curtis Stadium track picnic areas bocce court among others As a tri-state destination Cooper River Park was named Great Place New Jersey American Planning Association-New Jersey Chapter APA-NJ It also hosts Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta largest high school college rowing competition nation