FREEHOLD – After the governor gave the option of whether to open county parks, Monmouth County officials said they will open.
On April 29, Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order reopening state parks on May 2. Social distancing will continue to be mandated. Counties would be left to decide whether to open their parks and publicly owned golf courses.
It was a small step forward, but perhaps bigger than it seems given that New Jersey is the second-hardest hit state for COVID-19.
Several local governing bodies had recently urged Murphy to reopen these recreation spots.
“We are glad that the Governor heeded our plea to reconsider the closure of county parks and golf courses in New Jersey,” Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas Arnone said. “The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has felt, throughout this entire pandemic, that our county parks are essential for our residents’ mental health and a great choice for passive recreation.”
On behalf of the Board of Chosen Freeholders and County Park liaison Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, the parks and golf courses will be reopened May 2.
“We trust that our residents will continue to practice social distancing as they are permitted to reenter the parks and golf courses this weekend,” Arnone said. “We are happy that our residents will be able to take advantage of the beautiful weather expected this weekend by enjoying a walk, bike ride or a round of golf in Monmouth County.”
