Parks Reopening Across New Jersey
A Breath of Fresh Air
NJ Residents make the most of sunny skies and reopened parks.
Middletown - NJ residents got a breath of fresh air this weekend as state and county parks were reopened at sunrise May 2, 2020 after being closed for a number of weeks. Across the Two River area people came out to make the most of the wonderful weather. From Thompson Park to Bayshore Waterfront and Sea Bright Beach, people walked, swam, biked, and basked in the sunlight.
Residents take in the sights as they bike along path at Thompson Park in Lincroft, NJ May 2, 2020.
Gov. Murphy’s updated guidelines stipulate that parks open only to 50% capacity and that social distancing be maintained. The governor also strongly recommended that visitors wear non-medical face masks. Speaking to reporters last week, Gov. Murphy had said that current trends of decreasing COVID-19 infection rates and hospitalizations had given him confidence in issuing the executive order but that data would determine when other parts of the state would open or if needed close again. The opening of state and county parks comes a week after the Governors of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut jointly reopened marinas for boat owners. Golf courses were also allowed to open up, given the natural distance between players but additional measures of cleaning and distancing were put into effect.
Across our area citizens did their best to follow the guidelines sent out from Trenton. Walkers and bicyclists were sure to give at least 6 ft of space when passing and beachgoers spread themselves along the bay and ocean side. Signs were in place at beach entrances to remind visitors to uphold social distancing.
Park rangers spread out across the many parks in our county to help monitor the number of visitors to stay in compliance with the updated executive order. Several parks, such as Tatum Park and Deep Cut Gardens reached capacity during the day, causing park rangers to close parking lots and direct cars elsewhere.
A sign posted by an entrance to Sea Bright’s Public Beach reminding visitors to abide by social distancing guidelines May 3, 2020.
Families enjoy the beautiful weather in Sea Bright, NJ May 3, 2020.
The streets of Sea Bright were particularly packed with cars as people came to enjoy the ocean breezes and take a stroll around town. There was such an influx of visitors that finding a place to park proved tricky with the public parking lot closed. Many parked across the Shrewsbury River in Rumson and then walkd or bicycled into Sea Bright across the Rumson Bridge.
With visitors returning, many local businesses saw an uptick in carry out and curbside pickups and hope that this is a sign of things to come as the state carefully emerges from its “Stay at Home” order and restarts its economy.
