No More Plastic Water Bottles On Somerset County Golf Courses

Press release from the Somerset County Government:

04/04/2022 12:47 PM

Golfers Encouraged to Bring Reusable Bottles to Fill at Filtered Water Stations at All County Courses

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ – As part of its commitment to protect the natural environments the Somerset County Park Commission has been entrusted with, plastic water bottles will no longer be passed out on County golf courses. Each course has been outfitted with filtered water dispensers, and golfers are encouraged to bring reusable, non-glass bottles and fill up before they head out onto the course.

“So many of our courses are along waterways and are home to many different kinds of wildlife, and to properly enjoy being outside for a round of golf we all share an obligation to protect that environment,” said Somerset County Commissioner Paul Drake, liaison to the Park Commission. “The policy reducing the use of plastic water bottles on our courses will mean less litter, a safer environment for wildlife, and a better experience on the course.”

The decision to no longer distribute water bottles at County golf courses comes at a time when the environmental impact of plastic has become clear. The state of New Jersey will ban plastic bags at retail and food establishments beginning May 4, 2022, to reduce unsightly litter, choking and other hazards to local marine and wildlife, and the release of chemicals harmful to human health through burning or photodegradation.

“From the Environmental Education Center to our public gardens to our golf courses, the Somerset County Park Commission is committed to not only protecting the environment but educating the public on actions they can take to make a difference,” said Somerset County Park Commission Secretary-Director Geoffrey Soriano. “Our policy to discontinue handing out plastic water bottles on the golf courses fits within this commitment to protecting the natural world Somerset County residents have entrusted us with.”

For locations, directions, and tee time scheduling for Somerset County Park Commission’s golf courses, visit www.somersetcountygolf.us/.

Somerset County Park Commission
The Somerset County Park Commission stewards nearly 15,000 acres of county-owned open space, which is visited by 2 million park users each year. Five golf courses have three driving ranges, a pitch and putt course and a recreational putting course. Other attractions include a riding stable, an environmental education center, two tennis facilities, an outdoor pool, paddle boating, a rock and rare plant garden, an award-winning rose garden, arboretum, and a sensory and fragrance garden. Six county parks also offer amenities, such as athletic fields, picnic facilities, bike paths, fishing, birdwatching, cross country skiing, and hiking.

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This press release was produced by the Somerset County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.