Bloomfield Shakes A Leg, Starts To Reopen Parks, Tennis Courts

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield is slowly reopening from its coronavirus shutdown, and local gyms and fitness centers now have a way to get back in the game – sort of, officials announced Tuesday.

On the same day that Gov. Phil Murphy made his own announcement that New Jersey's stay-at-home order has been lifted, Bloomfield officials said fitness centers and gyms that would like to use township fields can do so immediately.

Bloomfield fitness centers and gyms that would like to use township fields must submit a permit here. The permit fee for gyms and fitness centers will be waived. Bloomfield sports organizations, fitness centers and gyms must also submit, in writing, the policies and procedures that will be implemented to ensure that the guidelines set forth by the NJ Department of Health are followed while using township facilities. Proof of insurance is also required.

“In Bloomfield, we are fortunate to have some of the most outstanding recreation areas in the county and we want residents to be able to take advantage of them,” Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia said.

“As a result of COVID-19, there have been restrictions placed on use of our parks and the municipal tennis courts have been closed,” Venezia continued. “We are slowly lifting restrictions on recreation with guidance from the CDC and the state, but I implore residents to continue to practice social distancing and to wear a mask to keep you and others safe.”

Bloomfield officials said that although the Civic Center remains closed to the public, staff have returned to the building and will be there Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Staff members can be contacted at 973-743-9074.

The Senior Citizen Bus and Dial-A-Ride services have resumed traditional work days but are on a modified schedule. Call 973-566-7194 for more information.

Township tennis courts were opened for a 30-day trial period starting Monday at noon. Rules and regulations have been posted at each court.

All organized recreational sports are still prohibited through June 21. This includes basketball courts, baseball/softball fields, football fields, soccer fields, the skate park and tot-lot playgrounds. As per Gov. Murphy’s executive order, non-contact sports will be permitted to resume outdoor play beginning on June 22.

All active recreation field use is by permit only, Bloomfield officials noted.

“Our department has been working hard throughout this crisis to ensure that residents are able to enjoy our parks as much as possible in a safe manner,” Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Director Michael Sceurman said.

“We’ve been following all guidelines handed down from health officials and are eager to continue to open up more areas to residents when it is deemed safe to do so,” Sceurman said.

Regulations for all Bloomfield Municipal Parks are as follows:

• All parks are open daily from dusk until dawn unless playing on a lighted athletic field
• All athletic lighting is scheduled to turn off at 10 p.m.
• All permanent restrooms facilities will remain closed until further notice
• A social distance of six feet should be maintained while in our park system
• Facial coverings/masks are required
• Parking should be staggered utilizing every other parking spot
• All personal protective equipment must be disposed of properly
• Please dispose of any garbage or recycling in the appropriate containers

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