MORRIS COUNTY PARK COMMISSION’S UPDATED RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Morris County Park Commission NJ sent this bulletin at 04/02/2020 10:00 AM EDT

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Morris County Park Commission

April 2, 2020

This listing has been updated since Tuesday March 17, 2020 and Friday, March 20, 2020, Sunday, March 22, 2020, Thursday, March 26, 2020

**As of Friday, April 3, 2020**

Please Check Back for Updates

CLOSED THROUGH April 12, 2020(anticipate that these closures will be extended based on President Trump’s social distancing guidelines and Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders): (updated April 3, 2020)

  • Facilities: All indoor facilities, including; Visitor Centers, Public Restrooms, Environmental Education Centers, Mennen Sports Arena, Park Commission HQ at the Cultural Center have been closed to the public.         
  • Parking Areas, grounds and trails of the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center and the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area.
  • All picnic shelters and tents. (updated April 3, 2020)
  • Campgrounds at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation & Lewis Morris County Park.
  • Seaton Hackney Stables is closed immediately as per the March 19, 2020 “Order Pursuant to a Declaration of Emergency” by the Morris County Emergency Management Coordinator.
  • Dog Parks(Off-leash Areas)at Central Park of Morris County and Lewis Morris County Park are closed immediately as per the March 19, 2020 “Order Pursuant to a Declaration of Emergency” by the Morris County Emergency Management Coordinator. Dogs are only permitted on-leash outside of Dog Parks as per Park Commission Rules & Regulations and dog waste must be picked up and removed from parkland.
  • All playgrounds and playing fields, including; softball, artificial turf fields, volleyball courts, etc. all closed immediately as per the March 19, 2020 “Order Pursuant to a Declaration of Emergency” by the Morris County Emergency Management Coordinator.
  • The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Willowwood Arboretum, and Bamboo Brook will close at the end of the day on March 20, 2020.
  • Berkshire Valley, Flanders Valley, Pinch Brook and Sunset Valley golf course.
  • Programs: All indoor/outdoor programs have been cancelled. The Friends of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum sponsored programs at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum have been cancelled through April at this time. The Willowwood Foundation has cancelled the April 26th Tubbs Lecture and the May 17th Lilac Party.
  • Rentals/Park Permits: All facility rentals are cancelled.
  • Permitted events: All permitted events are cancelled. 

 

CURRENTLY OPEN:

  • Lee’s County Park Marina: Fishing Tournaments have been cancelled)
  • Parks: At this time the Grounds & Trails of all General Purpose Parks and Linear Parks and Central Park of Morris County are open to the public. Park patrons are encouraged to use your parks but for only passive recreation, but not to congregate and to follow public health guidance, including social distancing. (please see list of parks for specific operations and access)
    • All Public Restrooms are Closed but many sites have Portable restroom facilities please bring personal sanitary supplies.
    • It should be noted that playgrounds, benches, picnic tables, etc. are not disinfected.
    • Parks are to be used for only passive recreation with the following restrictions to be enforced: No organized or directed activity shall be permitted.

 

To continue to have access to the use of parks, trails and open spaces, we request the following:

  • Adhere to Governor Murphy’s March 21st Executive Order No. 107
  • Refrain from using parks or trails if they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Bring personal sanitary supplies, all restrooms are closed and portable restroom facilities are cleaned per contract with United Site Services.
  • Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.
  • While on trails, warn other users of your presence and as you pass, and step aside to let others pass.
  • Follow the March 19, 2020 Morris County Emergency Management Coordinator’s “Order Pursuant to a Declaration of Emergency” that includes:
    • Closure of all playgrounds;
    • Closure of all playing fields;
    • Closure of all dog parks/off-leash areas
  • Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space.