Summit will break ground Wednesday, Nov. 4, on a new playground named for Rev. Dr. Denison D. Harrield Jr., the longtime pastor of Wallace Chapel AME Zion Church.

The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at 100 Morris Ave., behind the Community Center and Long Field near the Tiny Forest, according to the city's event calendar. The city is calling it "Summit's next playground."

The project is separate from the Memorial Field playground, where residents are currently voting on two proposed designs. As we reported Oct. 26, that survey runs through Friday, Nov. 6.

A play space for the neighborhood

The Summit Department of Community Programs (DCP) describes the new playground as a small-scale neighborhood play space for children ages 2 to 5, according to the department's project page. It is meant to serve nearby residents on foot rather than draw visitors from across town.

The Community Programs and Parking Services Committee chose the Lower Long Field site for its walkability and central location in East Summit. The project plan includes new onsite parking to address traffic concerns on Morris Court.

The playground will be funded entirely through donations, nonprofit partnerships and grants. The DCP expects it to be completed in late 2026. No total budget has been announced.

Residents can send design feedback by email to [email protected].

Who is Rev. Dr. Harrield?

Harrield was appointed pastor of Wallace Chapel AME Zion Church on Oct. 1, 1989, according to the church's Wikipedia entry. The Star of Zion, the denomination's newspaper, reported in 2023 that he had led the congregation "for decades."

Wallace Chapel, at 138-142 Broad St., was organized in 1923 and listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places in 2007. The church celebrated its 100th anniversary in September 2023 with Summit's mayor and Common Council members in attendance, the Star of Zion reported.

Harrield has been active in Summit civic life beyond the pulpit. He served as president of the Summit Interfaith Council and helped promote affordable housing in the city. In 2009, Wallace Chapel members worked with Morris Habitat for Humanity, the city and other partners to build low-income housing. Six affordable units at 39 Morris Ave. were dedicated on Jan. 15, 2012, one block from the church, the Star of Zion reported.

The city calendar event is titled "Playground Ribbon Cutting," but the event description calls it a "groundbreaking for the future" playground. Either way, shovels or scissors, the ceremony is set for 10 a.m. Nov. 4 at 100 Morris Ave.