Dirty Diapers, Fires, Alcohol Forces Branchburg To Close Park

BRANCHBURG, NJ — Large volumes of people leaving dirty diapers, drinking alcohol, lighting fires, creating makeshift latrines, potentially dangerous swimming, and leaving excessive garbage have created health and safety concerns at Ten Eyck Park. As a result, Branchburg Township was forced to close the park earlier this month.

Over the past few years, Branchburg has seen an uptick in people who are visiting the park, accessing the river and using the area for picnics and swimming. However, what is left behind has become a problem for the community.

"Swimming in the river combined with alcohol consumption poses a real danger to visitors and a liability for our community. The use of our woodlands and, sadly, nearby residential properties for latrines is a major health concern. The creation of open fires and voluminous garbage left in the woods and along the riverbank is not something we can allow as it can have a direct effect on our waters, wildlife and parks," said Branchburg Township Administrator Gregory J. Bonin in a letter to the community.

Bonin also pointed to recent drowning deaths in neighboring areas such as Washington Valley Park where a 37-year-old Somerville man died last year. Read More: Drowning Victim Found, Identified At Bridgewater Reservoir

The township had initially sought to limit the parking to try and discourage large group gatherings. This did not work as people crammed the parking area, double parking and making it impossible for emergency services to access the site in the event something occurs.

"The volume of illegal and potentially dangerous activity at the park has created a health, safety and liability issue that the township cannot allow to continue," said Bonin.

Branchburg is currently testing the soils and water along the riverbank for fecal matter and other contaminants. The park will remain closed until testing is completed and safety mitigation efforts are in place.

Police will be stationed at the park each weekend to ensure the closure and all local ordinances are enforced.

"Our police officers and staff assigned to park ranger duties will communicate and enforce our local ordinances, however, the best enforcement is to work towards prevention of the violations in the first place to ensure the safety of the community. We continue to work with law enforcement in adjacent towns and the Somerset County Park Commission to coordinate our policies across the region," said Bonin.

Similar action almost happened at Somerset County's Washington Valley Park in Bridgewater last year due to an increase in illegal behavior. That behavior included reports of illegal swimming, alcohol and drug possession, urination, and more. Read More: Illegal Behavior Could Shut Washington Valley Park In Bridgewater

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