Eric LeGrand: New Hunterdon playground helps you 'be the best you can be'

RARITAN TOWNSHIP – The message that Eric LeGrand gave at the ribbon-cutting of the all-inclusive ADA-accessible playground at Deer Path Park was simple but inspirational.

"To be a success, never stop working hard. Whatever you do in life always strive to be the best you can be," said LeGrand, who was paralyzed while playing football for Rutgers in October 2010 and whose recovery has inspired many.

The playground in the county park on West Woodschurch Road is Hunterdon’s first ADA-accessible playground.

"This park represents a place for people of all abilities to come and get away," LeGrand said at the June 29 ceremony. "A place for kids to come and enjoy themselves and get a break, by enjoying the outdoors. To me success is the peace of mind you get in knowing you did everything you could to be the best you can be."

"We are excited to unveil this brand-new, universal playground that has been designed to servechildren of all abilities," said County Commissioner Director Zach Rich. "Creating a playground that includes accessible and inclusive equipment, is the result of careful review and thoughtful planning. This is a project that benefits all children throughout Hunterdon County."

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Rich thanked Dan Bush, the county's director of parks and recreation, and his staff for overseeing the project from its conception to its completion.

Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com

Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Eric LeGrand cuts ribbon on new Hunterdon County playground