Stafford Expands Outdoor Options For Fitness Facilities

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Stafford Township officials signed an order that will increase flexibility for fitness centers to hold outdoor activities. The township will allow fitness centers to install tents in certain areas to make it easier for gyms to operate during the coronavirus pandemic.

Gyms cannot move their fitness equipment outside, according to Stafford Police Chief Thomas Dellane, who signed the order Friday with Mayor Gregory E. Myhre. But patrons can bring their own equipment if the gym or fitness facility allows it.

"What we’re looking to do here is relax some of the restrictions on fitness-type facilities having permitted activities outside," Dellane said. "So basically what we’re going to allow them to do is install tents in certain areas, subject to an approval process that will allow them to have fitness activities outside such as karate, yoga, things along those lines."

Officials based the order on the public's recommendations, Myhre said. If anyone has ideas on where the township can become more flexible in helping businesses during the pandemic, they should contact Township Administrator Matthew von der Hayden at 609-597-1000 ext. 8516.

Read Stafford Township's full administrative order here.

Governor Phil Murphy ordered the closure of gyms and other businesses in March. Murphy has gradually allowed many businesses to reopen, and some fitness classes can now occur indoors at a limited capacity. But gyms remains shuttered and face an uncertain future.

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The closures have made for contentious communications between state officials and some gym owners. For instance, the owners of a Bellmawr gym who were arrested last week after defying state orders reopened their facility last weekend. Read more: NJ Gym Owners Kick In Doors, Reopen After Arrest Over Defiance

Some gyms around New Jersey have closed down. Tilton Fitness, which has a Manahawkin location, announced June 24 it would permanently close all locations. Read more: Manahawkin Gym Closes Permanently Due To Coronavirus Difficulties

State officials reported positive signs Friday in its efforts to contain the coronavirus, including no hospital deaths in the 24-hour period ending at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

But Murphy is warning that New Jersey's coronavirus cases are on the rise again, and he believes that indoor parties have been largely responsible for the uptick. Read more: Gov. Murphy Warns That NJ's Coronavirus Cases Are Rising Again

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