Crowds Force Mantoloking Bridge Park Closure Amid Coronavirus

BRICK, NJ — Mantoloking Bridge County Park and its fishing pier have been shut down to public access because too many people are crowding into the park at once even as authorities are urging social distancing to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, Ocean County officials said Friday.

Traders Cove Park, which adjoins the county park, remains open except for the playground, but police are keeping an eye on the situation, Brick Mayor John G. Ducey said.

The two parks at the base of the Mantoloking Bridge in Brick are popular spots for families and residents much of the year. But with the social distancing restrictions ordered by Gov. Phil Murphy in response to the growing outbreak, that popularity has become a problem.

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"This park is a small park and does not provide enough room for social distancing," Freeholder Virginia E. Haines, liaison to the county's parks and recreation department. "Out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with state mandates to help us stop the spread of the coronavirus, we have closed this park entirely to the public. At this time we cannot accommodate large groups of people gathering in our parks."

The playground equipment at Traders Cove was closed March 17, when Brick joined the county and other towns in shutting down all of the equipment out of concerns about children spreading the virus.

"We are hoping to keep open spaces availabe for exercise, sunshine and enjoyment," Ducey said. "Our police are monitoring to see if there are violations of gatherings and social distancing. If problems arise the township is ready to reconsider and close" Traders Cove.

As of Thursday afternoon, there were 6,876 positive tests for COVID-19 in New Jersey, and 81 people have died from it, according to the state health department.

There have been 33 cases in Brick as of Thursday afternoon, according to the Ocean County Health Department, which reported 468 positive tests in the county. In addition to Brick, there were 198 in Lakewood, 60 in Toms River, 52 in Jackson, 28 in Berkeley, 20 in Manchester, 18 in Point Pleasant, 12 in Barnegat, 12 in Lacey, seven in Stafford, four in Little Egg Harbor, three in Beachwood, three in Plumsted, three in South Toms River, two in Long Beach Township, two in Waretown, two in Point Pleasant Beach, two in Ship Bottom, and one each in Barnegat Light, Bay Head, Island Heights, Lavallette, Ocean Gate, Seaside Park, and Surf City as of the Thursday update.

The county has been trying to keep parks open as much as possible, while also making sure social distancing is followed.

"While we want our residents to be able to spend some time outdoors, we need everyone to understand there are restrictions in place and social distancing is required to visit our parks," Haines said.

The county closed its golf courses, athletic fields, dog parks, visitors centers and halted all programs through April 20, and officials said the gates on other county parks will be closed if necessary to meet the requirements of the state regarding large groups of people gathering in one area. Read more: Playgrounds Closed In Ocean County Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

"We need everyone to make social distancing a part of their everyday routine during the coronavirus outbreak," Haines said. "This cannot be stressed enough."

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