N.J. Stat. Ann. § 18A:20-17

The board of education of any district may establish public playgrounds and recreation places of such size and dimensions and in such locations within or without the district as it shall deem suitable, and may lease, purchase or condemn, or acquire by gift or otherwise, the lands necessary therefor, and any moneys required in payment or for erecting or repairing buildings thereon or otherwise improving the same and providing equipment therefor shall be raised by, or furnished to, the board of education in the same manner as moneys are raised by, or furnished to, the board for school purposes.