A New Era for Students and the Union City Community

By Carl P. O’Brien, PE, PP, CME, CPWM, Geographic Discipline Leader, Municipal, and Natalie BeCoats, Communications Specialist

The Jefferson School Playground in Union City, NJ has undergone a remarkable transformation, turning what was once a simple blacktop into a dynamic space that serves both the students of Jefferson School and the broader community. This project is also a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration. Union City, the Board of Education, and Colliers Engineering & Design came together to create a playground that is not just functional but also equitable, inclusive, and community-focused. The playground now serves as a hub for education, play, and connection, benefiting everyone who visits.

Outdoor Classrooms: Where Education Meets Nature

One of the most innovative features of the new Jefferson School Playground is the inclusion of three outdoor classroom spaces. These areas, tucked into the corners of the playground, are designed to bring education outside the traditional classroom walls. The outdoor classrooms are equipped with benches and pergolas, providing shaded areas where teachers can conduct lessons in the fresh air.

Two of these outdoor classrooms are fenced off, allowing them to be used exclusively by the school during operating hours and opened to the public after school. This design not only extends the learning environment but also enhances student engagement. Studies have shown that outdoor learning environments can improve focus, increase creativity, and provide a more relaxed atmosphere for learning, which is especially beneficial in an urban setting like Union City.

“We wanted to create areas where students could learn in a different environment, where they could feel the grass under their feet and the sun on their faces while engaging with their lessons,” shared Project Manager Municipal Geographic Discipline Leader Carl O’Brien. “These spaces are designed to be versatile and accommodating, providing the school with new opportunities to enrich the students’ educational experience.”

A Playground for the Entire Community

While the outdoor classrooms cater specifically to the students at Jefferson School, the playground itself is designed with the entire community in mind. The transformation of the playground included the installation of ADA-compliant ramps, swings, and play elements, ensuring that children of all abilities can enjoy the space. The playground also features a sensory wall, which engages children with sensory processing needs through tactile and interactive elements. This commitment to accessibility and equity ensures that every child in the community has a place to play, learn, and grow.

Colliers Engineering & Design played a crucial role in the transformation, providing site planning, landscape architecture, and civil engineering services that were instrumental in creating a cohesive and functional design while working closely with the city and the Board of Education to incorporate feedback and meet the community’s needs.

In addition to the playground’s inclusive design, the installation of lights around the basketball court and throughout the playground is a significant feature. These lights extend the playground’s usability into the evening hours, making it a safe and inviting space for families and children even after the sun sets. The added security provided by the lighting also enhances the overall safety of the neighborhood, creating a well-lit area where residents can gather and play without concern.

“The lighting around the playground was a key consideration,” Carl explained, emphasizing the importance of these features. “We wanted to make sure the space was accessible and safe for everyone, not just during school hours but throughout the day and into the evening. This playground is meant to be a community hub, and the lights are a big part of making that happen.”

A Hub for Connection and Equity

The new Jefferson School Playground is more than just a place for children to play; it’s a hub for community connection. Designed to welcome families and provide a space where neighbors can interact, it helps strengthen the fabric of the neighborhood. With its blend of play areas, outdoor classrooms, and well-lit pathways, the playground has become a key destination for residents of all ages.

“The Jefferson School Playground is a testament to what we can achieve when we prioritize equity and inclusion in our community spaces,” shared Union City Mayor Brian P. Stack. “This playground isn’t just for the students of Jefferson School—it’s for everyone. It’s a place where our community can gather, children can play and learn, and we can all feel a little more connected.”

This project reflects Union City’s commitment to equity, ensuring that all residents, regardless of ability or background, have access to quality public spaces. The playground’s inclusive design is a testament to this commitment, offering a place where everyone can feel welcome and valued. By providing a space that serves both the school and the broader community, the Jefferson School Playground embodies the spirit of Union City—a place where everyone belongs and where the community comes together to support one another.

The playground’s transformation is a powerful example of how thoughtful design and community-focused planning can make a lasting impact. It shows that when we invest in our public spaces, we are investing in our people and our future.

Looking Ahead

As Union City continues to grow and evolve, projects like the Jefferson School Playground are critical to maintaining the city’s sense of community and commitment to equity. By creating spaces where people can come together, where children can play safely, and where learning can happen in new and innovative ways, we are building a stronger, more connected city.

The Jefferson School Playground is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision. It is a place where education, play, and community intersect, offering a model for how public spaces can be designed to serve the needs of all.

This playground is more than just a space; it is a symbol of Union City’s dedication to its residents and its future. As the lights shine on the basketball court in the evening, and as children and families gather in the playground, the true value of this project becomes clear: it’s about creating a place where everyone can feel safe, included, and connected—a place that reflects the best of what Union City has to offer.