One of the most loved South Jersey playgrounds is Jake’s Place Playground in Cherry Hill. Not only is there a great story behind this playground but you can’t help but fall in love with how colorful, accommodating, and playful the playground is. We’ve even helped introduce families to this accessible South Jersey playground a few years back when we held a playdate there. If you haven’t been to Jake’s Place Cherry Hill, save a date on the calendar to do so soon. You won’t regret it!
What is Jake’s Place?
We love the story of Jake’s Place, the idea of Jake’s Place, and how it came about: “Baby Jake” was beloved by many and left this world all too soon as a result of a rare cardiac medical condition. Jake always wore a smile. That smile was never bigger than when he was at a playground. Although Jake was unaware that his illness kept him from accessing many components of a typical playground, his family was not.
Jake’s family chose to honor his memory by creating a specially designed playground based on their belief that every child deserves a chance to play, regardless of physical limitations. Through the combined efforts of Build Jake’s Place Board of Directors, the Camden County Freeholders, and the Camden County Parks Department, Jake’s Place became a reality in 2011.
Jake’s Place Cherry Hill was funded in part by CVS Pharmacies, along with hundreds of local families, businesses, individuals, and children in the community, and was built by the caring hands of volunteers. Jake’s Place at John H Adler Memorial Park at Challenge Grove Park stands as a monument not only to the memory of “Baby Jake”, but to the hard work, generous spirit, and boundless love of this community.
10 Things to Know About Jake’s Place Playground in Cherry Hill
There is so much we could say about Jake’s Place Playground in Cherry Hill. For now, we’ll focus on what parents, grown-ups, and kids want to know the most. Originally written in 2013, we revisited this Cherry Hill playground on June 1, 2022, to take some new pictures and update how this playground has grown and changed over the years.
Where is Jake’s Place Playground located?
Jake’s Place playground is located at the John H Adler Memorial Park at 132 Bortons Mill Road in Cherry Hill, New Jersey in Camden County. The park is part of the Camden County park system and Build Jake’s Place.
What kind of playground equipment does Jake’s Place Cherry Hill have?
There is a very large playground and additional play equipment at Jake’s Place. Keep reading for more details and to see pictures.
Are there swings?
There is one swing structure. It includes 2 traditional swings and 2 accessible swings.
Are there slides?
There are 6 open slides on the playground equipment.
What special features does the playground offer?
There were so many special features at Jake’s Place Playground in Cherry Hill. We’ve tried our best to summarize what they have.
- High back spinner, a plastic 4 person seat you can sit on and someone can turn, there is back support
- 4 person see-saw/teeter-totter
- Activity areas/Sensory Play
- Rope walls and bridges
- Buddy Bench
- Cruiser
- Ride-on toys
- Single person spinning seats
- A variety of monkey bar options at different heights
- Balance beam
- Stepping circles
- Multiple bridges
- “Rock” climbing area and climbing walls
- And more
What kind of ground cover does the playground offer?
The ground surface is a soft, colorful foam padding.
Is the playground at Jake’s Place Cherry Hill fully accessible?
Jake’s Place playground in Cherry Hill has many ways that children of all abilities and sizes can play. In addition to accessible equipment, there are also sensory play areas.
Jake’s Place Cherry Hill offers wide ramps, a wheelchair-accessible cruiser, accessible swings, sensory play areas, and a braille wall.
Is there shade available at Jake’s Place playground?
There are so many ways to get out of the sun at Jake’s Place. There are two canopies over opposite ends of the playground equipment. There are benches in the shade provided by trees. Other large canopies provide shade over an activity wall/sensory play area and picnic tables. There were also play areas under the playground equipment. There is also a larger pavilion outside of the fenced-in playground.
Where is parking for Jake’s Place Cherry Hill?
There is a straight line of parking spots available at Jake’s Place. I’d consider it a large parking lot where visitors can park right up against the grass.
Are there restrooms at Jake’s Place?
Yes, there are restrooms in a building with a pavilion at Jake’s Place. There is a restroom for men, women, and families. The restrooms have a changing table.
What else is there to do at Jake’s Place at John H Adler Memorial Park?
In addition to the playground at Jake’s Place Cherry Hill, there are additional amenities available for visitors.
- Outdoor fitness center
- Hiking trails
- Dog park
Are there walking trails?
There is a wide walking path around the playground and Adler Memorial Park.
Are there fields or courts for sports?
There are two ways to play baseball at the park. There is a regular dirt baseball field and an accessible ballfield referred to as Boundless Field.
Additionally, there are basketball courts.
Bonus information we want you to know about Jake’s Place
Grown-ups love to play on the actual playground with their children. Sometimes it’s virtually impossible with the way that a playground is designed. However, with Jake’s Place, an adult can get up on the actual playground, play on the activity centers, and slide down the slides with ease. You can also bring up a stroller if you have a child that is younger and an older child and still be able to supervise the child.
See more Jake’s Place at Challenge Grove Park photos in our Facebook Gallery.
Who do I contact about having a birthday party or event at Jake’s Place Playground in Cherry Hill?
We provide these details about Jake’s Place Playground in Cherry Hill as a service to our readers and the park. However, Jersey Family Fun is not directly involved with this park. To reserve the pavilion call the Camden County Department of Parks at (856) 216-2117 or email [email protected].
Find more great playgrounds in New Jersey
Visit Camden County parks and playgrounds to learn more about playgrounds near this one. Visit our series on New Jersey Playgrounds and Parks to learn more about the great playgrounds across our state.
