For the first time in district history, Hopewell Valley Regional School District has secured a direct line item in the New Jersey state budget—$125,000 in one-time funding to build a fully accessible playground at Bear Tavern Elementary School.
The appropriation, included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor this week, will cover half the projected $250,000 cost of the ADA-accessible playground. The remaining funds will be provided by the school district, and other potential funders. The district identified the project as a top priority amid growing enrollment and the potential referendum which could include building expansion at Bear Tavern.
“This $125,000 appropriation for an ADA-accessible playground at Bear Tavern is more than a line item; it’s a statement of our values,” said Board of Education member Dhruv Kapadia, who chairs the district’s recently formed Government Relations Committee. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and ensuring that every child—regardless of ability—has the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive.”
The project calls for replacing outdated equipment and a wood-fiber surface with inclusive, ground-level play structures and poured rubber surfacing—features that meet universal design standards and better serve children with mobility, sensory, or developmental needs. When all the funding is secure, this new playground will replace the playground at the front of the school dubbed the “kindergarten playground” by Bear Tavern families and students.
“When I began working for Senator Zwicker last summer, I noticed that peer districts like South Brunswick and Hillsborough were securing hundreds of thousands of dollars in state budget appropriations,” Kapadia said. “I asked our board and administration whether HVRSD had ever pursued this funding—and the answer was no. That realization motivated me to create the Government Relations Committee in December 2024.”
Over the following six months, Kapadia worked with other members of the board and committees to identify a high-impact project, build legislative relationships, and formally request the funding. “This victory is the culmination of more than nine months of proposals, outreach, and advocacy,” he said. “We built bridges between local and state government and proved that when we lead with purpose and persistence, we can deliver real results for our littlest learners.”
Senator Shirley Turner (D-Mercer/Hunterdon), who represents Hopewell Valley and championed the playground proposal in Trenton, praised the district’s efforts.
“The members of the 15th legislative district are honored to be able to support Hopewell Valley Regional School District in their effort to ensure that all children can learn and play in an accessible, safe, and fun environment,” Turner said. “The ADA-compliant renovation plan will guarantee that no student is excluded from the physical, social, and emotional benefits of outdoor play. It is my pleasure to help this vital plan come to fruition, as I hope it will set the standard for accessible playgrounds for all students across New Jersey.”
Superintendent Dr. Rosetta Treece also credited the collaborative work behind the scenes.
“This truly was a community effort that included Bear Tavern parents, community foundations, Principal Jay Billy, and Bear Tavern liaison board member Dr. Amanda Stylianou,” Treece said. “As a district, we will continue to seek community partners to help find ways to supplement our budgetary needs.”
Billy said the school is pursuing additional financial support for the project through charitable partnerships.
“In addition to the $125,000 provided through the state budget as a result of our state representatives’ efforts, I am pleased to announce that Mr. and Mrs. Waller’s organization, The First Day of School Foundation, has offered to help identify additional funds,” Billy said. “This will help to substantially bring down the cost of the playground installation for the school district.”
The First Day of School Foundation provides financial assistance for school-related and therapeutic expenses for students in special education and their families.
Board President Anita Williams Galiano said the district’s first state appropriation reflects a broader shift in approach.
“In these challenging times, innovation is key to maintaining the quality of our schools while reducing financial burdens on our families,” she said. “I’m proud that we’ve launched an ad hoc Government Relations Committee, working proactively to secure state funding and foster partnerships with county and state leadership. This is a shining example of what we can accomplish through collaboration and strategic foresight.”
No construction timeline has been announced, but officials said the funding clears a major hurdle and will allow design and procurement to move forward.
“This is what good governance, proactive leadership, and pragmatic advocacy looks like,” Kapadia said.
