Somerset County Dog Parks, Hawk Watch, Gardens To Reopen

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Somerset County dog parks, hawk watch and gardens will reopen with social distancing measures in effect following Gov. Phil Murphy's lift of the stay-at-home order and increasing the number of outdoor gatherings.

Murphy had initially ordered parks to close in April to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Here is a list of what Somerset County outdoor facilities will reopen and when:

• Leonard J. Buck Garden at 11 Layton Road in Far Hills will open on Tuesday. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays; and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. There are no restroom facilities available.
  • Garden capacity will be limited to 50 visitors at a time; guests are asked to limit visits to one hour, social distancing guidelines should be followed, face coverings are strongly recommended, and the Visitor Center and restrooms will be closed.
• The Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden in Colonial Park at 156 Mettlers Road in Somerset will open on Monday. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays (the Garden will be closed Wednesdays for maintenance); 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays; 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Sundays for seniors only; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. There are no restroom facilities available.
  • Garden capacity will be limited to 25 visitors. Visits should be limited to 30 minutes, social distancing guidelines should be followed, and face coverings are strongly recommended.
• Leash-free Dog Parks at Colonial Park in Somerset, East County Park in Warren, and Skillman Park in Skillman will open Saturday and will remain open daily during daylight hours. There are no restroom facilities available.
• The Washington Valley Hawk Watch parking lot off Miller Lane in Bridgewater will open Saturday and will be open daily during daylight hours. There are no restroom facilities available.
• Washington Rock Park on Washington Avenue in Green Brook will open on Saturday and remain open daily during daylight hours. There are no restroom facilities available.

For more information on Somerset County Park Commission programs and activities visit somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-722-1200.

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