Grounds For Sculpture (GFS) in Hamilton has announced enhanced accessibility initiatives, a transportation program, family programming, and special ticket pricing, bolstering its ability to welcome New Jerseyans to its art-filled gardens this summer.
From renewed funding for workshops for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to $5 tickets each Friday starting at 5 p.m. through September 4, GFS will provide local communities with the chance to find joy at the sculpture park, museum, and arboretum during the warm-weather season.
Three initiatives — Creative Workshops for adults with IDD, Approved Community Partner status through the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and transportation through GOTrenton! — deepen the opportunities for both members of the disability community and local residents to partake in GFS’s unique blend of art and nature. Through renewed funding from the Joshua Harr Shane Foundation, which has been bringing groups to GFS since 2016, GFS has added twice-monthly summer Creative Workshops to its calendar. Successfully piloted in 2025, the workshops are specifically designed for adults with IDD who have transitioned out of the school system. With limited opportunities for engaging activities for adults with IDD over 21 years old, this program aims to provide enriching experiences for this audience. Additional workshops and similar school programs will also be available from this fall through spring with continued support from the Foundation and will be listed on the park’s calendar later this summer.
As an Approved Community Partner through the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), GFS can now offer accessible membership and access to classes funded through the state’s DDD. Benefits include unlimited general admission, access to wellness programs, creative exploration, docent-led tours, family programs, accessible experiences, and other perks currently available to sculpture park members.
Trenton residents will now be able to visit GFS more easily and cost-effectively through GOTrenton!, a collaborative effort spearheaded by Isles, Inc. and state and local partners. GOTrenton! has now expanded its reach to west Hamilton so that rides to and from Trenton and GFS can be booked for only $4. By providing Trenton residents with affordable, reliable electric vehicle transportation to GFS, more audiences from the surrounding communities can now visit the state’s largest sculpture park.
This summer, guests can experience the gardens during golden hour at a special price of only $5 every Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. through September 4. GFS Members enjoy free admission as always and are welcome to bring as many guests as they would like for only $5 each. Guests can also opt to cool off with a $5 glass of summer sangria at Rat’s Restaurant during these special Friday night hours.
Throughout the summer, a series of family-friendly programs are available for children of all ages alongside their adult caregivers, allowing all types of families the chance to create and explore together. Stroller Tours are geared toward children under 1 year to 2 years old with their adult caregivers; they begin with a leisurely 30-minute docent-led tour followed by a creative art-making activity. Offered on the third Saturday of each month, Tots For Sculpture is designed for children ages 3 to 5 along with their adult caregivers. These workshops for preschoolers start with story time and are followed by a skill-building activity for young learners. Then, for children ages 6 to 8, GFS has Creative Kiddos workshops, which take place on the second Saturday of each month. These workshops also include story time followed by a skill-building activity intended to develop fine motor skills such as hand-eye coordination and grip strength.
Grounds for Sculpture is at 80 Sculptors in Hamilton. For more information, visit groundsforsculpture.org.