Howell Township Parks Will Reopen Thursday, Including Playgrounds

HOWELL, NJ – Howell Township parks, including playground areas, are open to the public once again.

Residents were notified of the reopening with a notice posted to the Howell Township municipal website shortly after 12 p.m. on Thursday:

“Effective 12:00pm on October 15, 2020, all Township parks will re-open to full capacity. This includes all playground equipment,” wote Township OEM Coordinator Victor Cook.

“The Township was able to complete a deep cleaning of all equipment while the parks were closed. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during these unprecedented times.”

A previous municipal notice was sent on Oct. 6 shutting all parks immediately "as a result of increased complaints" related to the increased use of the town's outdoor facilities. The notice also cited the "failure" of park visitors to adhere to social distancing and mask-wearing protocols as another reason to shut. Read more: Howell Parks Will Reopen To Youth Sports, Playgrounds Stay Closed

Less than 24 hours after the message was sent out, an update from the office of the township manager issued the reopening of youth sports fields. According to the update, neighboring Lakewood Township agreed to mobilize its own Department of Public Works to assist in the sanitization process.

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