Essex County Reopens Parks, Golf Courses With Some Restrictions – Bloomfield, NJ Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County will be reopening its parks with some restrictions after a go-ahead from Gov. Phil Murphy, officials announced Thursday evening.

Parks and golf courses that are part of the Essex County system will be reopened to the public beginning on Saturday, May 2 at 8 a.m., officials said.

Click here for a list of county-run parks.

County parks will be open to the public for “passive use only,” such as running, walking or sitting. Golf courses will offer modified play. People who visit the parks are required to wear a face covering and practice social distancing, staying at least 6 feet away from others, Essex County officials said.

The following facilities will remain closed, officials said:

  • Playgrounds, tennis, basketball and bocce courts
  • Dog parks
  • Baseball, softball, soccer and football fields
  • Exercise and par courses
  • Turtle Back Zoo, paddle boating at the South Mountain Recreation Complex and the Environmental Center

County officials offered the following statement about local golf courses:

“Essex County golf courses – Francis Byrne Golf Course, Hendricks Field Golf Course and Weequahic Golf Course – will offer modified play in accordance with USGA COVID-19 Rules and Handicapping Guidelines. To minimize touching common surfaces, the holes have been raised so the flags do not have to be removed. Golfers will only be allowed to play in groups of 2 (instead of the usual 4) and each player must use their own golf cart. Golfers will be begin their rounds 16 minutes apart and tee times must be made through the automated tee time system at https://essex-county-golf.book.teeitup.com/. The online tee time system will be open on Friday, May 1st. Payments must be made with a credit card; no cash will be accepted. The clubhouses will be open to allow golfers to get their clubs from the locker room. Gathering will not be allowed; restrooms inside the buildings will not be open.”

The local order in Essex County comes after Murphy signed an executive order that allows for “passive recreation” such as running, hiking and biking in state and county parks. Now, counties and municipalities will be able to decide for themselves whether to keep local parks open or closed amid the coronavirus crisis. (Read the full order here)

Local officials will still have to abide by the state order, which stipulates that:

  • Parking is limited to 50 percent of maximum capacity
  • Picnics are banned
  • Social distancing must be practiced, except with immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners
  • Organized or “contact” activities/sports and gatherings of any kind are banned

“We are pleased to be reopening our parks and golf courses in accordance with Gov. Murphy’s executive order,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., Freeholder President Brendan Gill and Freeholder Vice President Wayne Richardson said in a joint statement.

The statement continued:

“Our county parks always have provided an outlet for our residents to enjoy the outdoors, get some fresh air and exercise. With the weather getting warmer and after following stay-at-home guidelines, residents are anxious to find something to do and get outside. We hope visitors to our parks enjoy our open spaces. We strongly encourage everyone to be respectful of others in our parks, wear face coverings, avoid large groups and practice social distancing. Just because our parks and golf courses are open, does not mean we have beat the coronavirus. We must continue to be vigilant and protect ourselves as much as we can.”

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