Monmouth County Reverses Decision To Close Holmdel Sledding Hill

HOLMDEL, NJ - A popular wintertime destination in Holmdel Park initially closed due to pandemic gathering restrictions has reopened, county park officials confirmed Friday.

Although the Monmouth County Park System announced on Wednesday that the Holmdel Park sled hill was set to close through the new year over statewide outdoor gathering limitations capped at 25 individuals, the decision was quickly reversed:

Previous coverage: Monmouth County Closes 2 Popular Sledding Hills Due To COVID-19

“Due to broad support from our residents and the backing of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Holmdel Park sled hill will open at 12 p.m. today, December 18. Please check back for updates on operating hours through the weekend,” reads an update posted to the Monmouth County Park System website.

When news of the sled hill closure was brought to the attention of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the officials reversed the decision, Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone told Patch in an email.

"In an effort to comply with the State's Executive Order limiting outdoor gatherings to 25 people, the Parks Commission closed the sledding hills at Holmdel Park and Wolf Hill Recreation Area. When this was brought to the attention of the Monmouth County Board Freeholders, we reversed the decision and are happy to report that the sledding hills will be open today at noon," Arnone wrote.

"The sledding hills provides an opportunity to get physical exercise while enjoying the snow and we trust our residents to do so in a safe manner. With the temperatures staying below 34 degrees until Sunday, there is still plenty of time to grab a sled and head to the hills."

Monmouth County residents certainly didn’t take news of the hill closure lightly. A debate quickly sparked over social media on Wednesday, with many questioning the validity of the capacity-restriction concerns:

“This is ridiculous! Shoprite, Walmart, Target, etc. [is] packed with people, but kids can’t go sledding outside in a park,” one user wrote.

“This is absurd and disgraceful. Shame on you,” another said.

Others showed support for the initial decision to close the sledding spot:

“Some of the comments here demonstrate why they have to do this. Americans just can’t or won’t follow directions or heed science. Sad,” said one user.

It was not immediately clear whether the decision to close the sledding location in Wolf Hill park will also be reversed.

Thompson Park ski hut, located in the Lincroft section of Middletown, remains open, according to the department.

All Monmouth County parks are open daily from dawn to dusk. For more information about Monmouth County parks, click here.