EmPoWERing Somerset County Children

L to R: Hillsborough Mayor Frank DelCore, Stephanie Simmons of EmPoWER Somerset, EmPoWER Somerset Executive Director Sharon Lutz-Hornaday with daughter MaryKate, Hillsborough Committeeman Anthony Ferrera, Hillsborough Resident Beth Baldwin

 Somerset County residents are happily anticipating The Universal Playground Project, a 2,000 square-foot area for children to play. Hillsborough Committeeman Anthony Ferrera plans for the playground to be constructed in one day with the help of many, at the Anne Van Middlesworth Park, on Pleasant View Road in Hillsborough, NJ. This project is envisioned to be accessible for children with and without special needs, and will include tubes, spiral slides, swings, monkey bars, lookout points underneath canopies and handicapped-accessible ramps.

On September 28, 2010 EmPoWER Somerset, a nonprofit public health agency, located in downtown Somerville, as well as many other contributors of the Universal Playground Project, were recognized for their involvement in this initiative at the Hillsborough Township Committee meeting. As the Executive Director of EmPoWER Somerset and a Co-Chair of the Somerset County Childhood Disability Coalition, and mom to a five-year old daughter, MaryKate, a child with special needs, Sharon Lutz is proud to support this worthwhile project and looks forward to its completion.

Contributions are still being accepted, and are greatly appreciated. If you are interested in contributing to The Universal Playground Project checks can be made payable to the Township of Hillsborough Universal Playground Fund and sent to the Mayor’s Office at: 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844.