MORRIS COUNTY PARK COMMISSION CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE
Friday, March 20, 2020MORRISTOWN, NJ. On Friday, March 20, the Morris County Park Commission is issuing an update on the previously posted response to COVID-19’s impact on park activities.
As concerns about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak continue to grip our community the Park Commission understands the power of parks, trails and open spaces as essential resources for health and wellness, and are balancing that with the health and wellness of park patrons and park staff. We know that parks provide a connection to the outdoors and green space as well as opportunities for physical activity which studies demonstrate reduces stress and improves mental health. In order to allow general purpose parks, trails, golf courses and some recreation and open space areas to remain open we need you to follow proper CDC protocol and behavior modifications, including but not limited to:
Refrain from using parks or trails if they are exhibiting symptoms.
Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.
Understand that public restrooms are not available but some sites may have portable restrooms (please bring personal sanitary supplies for yourself).
While on trails, warn other users of their presence and as they pass, and step aside to let others pass.
Follow Morris County Emergency Management “Order Pursuant to a Declaration of Emergency” which has:
Closed playgrounds and playing fields
Restricted organized or directed activity in the parks
Restricts groups size to four individuals(other than family members)
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.
Continue to consult local and state health management websites, including the Morris County Office of Health Management website for information, on COVID-19: http://health.morriscountynj.gov.
The Park Commission will continue to conform to Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 104 related to non-essential recreational entities, occupancy/gatherings of less than 50 people and hours of operation between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Morris County Emergency Management “Order Pursuant to a Declaration of Emergency” dated March 19, 2020. With over 20,000-acres of parkland, 38 distinct park facilities and 4,400,00 million visitors per year we are taking the conservative approach of limiting access to park facilities because we cannot ensure the high level of disinfection and sanitizing across the park system. Facilities that remain open are:
The Ground of all General Parks & Trails and Central Park of Morris County and Lewis Morris County Park will remain open, but:
It should be understood that benches, picnic tables, etc. are not be disinfected
Playgrounds and playing fields are closed
Lee’s County Park Marina will remain open at this time
Environmental Education Centers; Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area, Elizabeth D. Kay Environmental Center
Ground & Trails will remain open
Golf Courses will remain open and Billy Casper Golf is implementing a number of protocols including but not limited to the following;
1) Only accepting on-line bookings and transactions.
2) Food & Beverage operations are closed.
3) Golf carts only permitted at Berkshire Valley Golf Course
4) Posting signs on Port a Johns advising guest to use personal hygiene materials.
5) Additional cleaning of all touchpoint areas throughout the day such as door handles, countertops, etc.
All buildings and public restrooms are closed to the public including Park Commission HQ at this time for a full list of park closures please visit www.morrisparks.net.
We will continue to assess daily our operations and consult with the various Health Management institutions for recommendations and possible further changes. We will keep you informed of any necessary changes to our programs. We appreciate your support and understanding as we adapt to this fluid situation. For further information and updates and a list of all facility closures go to www.morrisparks.net and visit our Facebook page. If you have any questions or concerns please send an email to info@morrisparks.net.