Atlantic City Electric Brings Kid-Designed Playground to Life With Hundreds of Local Volunteers

Volunteers worked together to build and unveil the new playground in Paulsboro, N.J. in just one day

MAYS LANDING, NJ / ACCESSWIRE / May 7, 2024 / Volunteers from Atlantic City Electric, KABOOM!, Gateway Community Action Partnership, the Borough of Paulsboro and community members came together to bring a children-designed and community-built playground to life at the West Buck Street Park in Paulsboro, N.J. Hundreds of local volunteers came together on April 10 for this one-day, community-driven playground build. This project represents progress in ensuring every child has a place to play, providing a state-of-the-art playground for children to enjoy each year.

"I am truly proud to work for a company that focuses so much on our communities where we not only serve, but where many of us live and work," said Doug Mokoid, Region President, Atlantic City Electric. "The work we do day in and day out is important, but we must also remember that helping our communities grow and flourish is also vital. Seeing our employees come together outside of their daily work, side-by-side with the community, is a prime example of the company's core principles- putting to action that we are more than energy."

More than 100 volunteers from Atlantic City Electric, which included members from IBEW Local 210, took part in the day-long build, which brought to life the design concepts inspired by local children. The "Design Day" held in January 2024 kicked off the planning process and brought community members together to intricately compose their designs into what is now seen today at West Buck Street Park.

"The West Buck Street Playground has always been an integral part of the immediate neighborhood it serves and to the residents of Paulsboro," said Borough of Paulsboro Mayor John Giovannitti. "The Borough of Paulsboro is excited to partner with KABOOM!, Gateway CAP and Atlantic City Electric to create, design and build a ‘new' West Buck Street Playground. We believe this will help unite our community and create a fun and safe place for our families to meet and play."

The project is part of a nationwide effort led by KABOOM! to end playspace inequity - the reality that far too many children - especially children of color - do not get the chance to play on a playground, something that should be part of every child's life. Their work is to ensure every child can experience the numerous physical, social and mental health benefits of play regardless of background or where they live.