Camden County Parks To Reopen Saturday After Gov. Murphy's Order

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — All county-operated parks will reopen Saturday following Gov. Phil Murphy’s announcement that all state parks and golf courses will be permitted to reopen, Camden County officials announced Wednesday night.

Wharton State Forest, which stretches into the southeastern part of the county, will be among the state parks reopening this weekend. Read more here: Gov. Murphy To Reopen State Parks, Golf Courses In NJ

Pursuant to the governor’s order, playgrounds, pavilions, visitor centers, and restrooms will remain closed, according to county officials. Picnics, organized activities, and team sports will remain prohibited.

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Parking will be limited to 50 percent capacity in order to ensure social distancing can be maintained. The county will be following these parameters throughout its inventory of green space.

“This is welcome news for the thousands of county residents who are eager to enjoy the early spring weather outdoors and in their favorite parks,” Freeholder Jeff Nash, liaison to the Camden County Parks Department, said. “It is critical to recognize that although we are all excited for any return to normalcy, this does not change social distancing guidelines intended to prevent the spread and contraction of COVID-19. If you choose to visit a county park, you should wear a mask or face covering, maintain a distance of six feet from others, and avoid anyone who appears to be sick or ill.”

The Camden County Parks Department and local police departments will continue to enforce the areas that remain closed under these orders. State Park Police will patrol state park areas to ensure the public is following the governor’s directives.

Parks had been closed since April 9. At the time, Murphy said he was closing them because "far too many incidents" at the state's various parks. Read more here: Gov. Murphy Closes Parks On NJ Coronavirus's Deadliest Day

See related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know