By: Frank Santos, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist
PENNSAUKEN, N.J. — Camden County families have a revitalized green space to gather, explore, and reconnect with nature.
The newly reopened William G. Rohrer Children’s Playground in Pennsauken, located within Cooper River Park, offers more than just a place to play — it’s part of a growing commitment to expand safe, inclusive, and environmentally thoughtful spaces across the region. Set against the backdrop of the Cooper River, this upgraded playground invites families to enjoy time outdoors while reinforcing the importance of preserving natural environments in urban communities.
With over $2.5 million in upgrades, the playground is now split into three thoughtfully designed sections: one for babies and early walkers, one for toddlers ages 2–5, and a larger area for kids up to 12 with climbing features and balance games. There are baby swings, big kid swings, and accessible swings for all. Music walls, shaded picnic spots, and interactive elements are spread throughout, and nearly everything is shaded, so families can stay longer without melting under the sun.
There’s an on-site bathroom, two large parking lots, and a fitness zone nearby for adults who want to get a little movement in while the kids do their thing. And since the whole park sits right along the river, it’s not just fun — it’s peaceful too.
Commissioner Jeffrey L. Nash called Cooper River Park “the crown jewel” of Camden County’s park system. As one of the most visited parks in the area, it is a part of a network of 4,700 acres of green space Camden County maintains. The renovation included new sidewalks, shaded seating, ADA-accessible play features, drinking fountains, upgraded landscaping, and a better irrigation system. Additional funding came from a $1.7 million grant through the NJDEP’s Parks and Protection program.
The ribbon-cutting brought out a full crowd of leaders and neighbors, including Assemblymembers Melinda Kane, Bill Spearman, Bill Moen, Pamela Lampitt, and Pennsauken Mayor Nicole Roberts, who shared what this space has meant to her as a lifelong resident.
“This park is a renewed investment into our families and their futures,” Roberts said. “It’s brought joy to countless families — including mine — and now it’s ready for a new generation. This belongs to the people of Camden County.”
Assemblyman Bill Moen echoed the sentiment through a personal lens. “As a father of a 3-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son, we know how important play time is. This is a win not just for Pennsauken, but for families across the region — and even beyond. With events like the World Cup and the U.S. Semiquincentennial coming, visitors from around the world are going to see this park and the growth happening here.”
The construction was handled by Z Tech Contracting and designed by Remington and Vernick Engineers, who brought a community-first vision to life.
And this reopening isn’t happening in a vacuum. Just days earlier, Camden celebrated another major moment for nature lovers: the launch of the Cooper River Water Trail, a new 15.5-mile water route for kayaks and canoes that stretches from the Delaware River all the way to Crows Woods in Haddonfield. Built with nearly $1.2 million in funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the trail is part of an ongoing mission to make Camden County’s riverways more inviting, accessible, and protected.
It’s part of a growing movement to bring life back to the natural spaces in our urban core — not just as a luxury, but as a right. Parks like these are about more than recreation. They’re about reclaiming joy, building community, and making sure every child — from Camden to Pennsauken and beyond — has space to play, breathe, and grow.
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