Ocean County Reopens The Rest Of Its Parks

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — Ocean County will reopen the rest of its county parks Friday that remained closed because of the coronavirus. Bathrooms will also be available at County park sites, but face masks will be required to use them.

Playgrounds, nature centers and pavilions will remain closed. Parking is still capped at 50 percent. When a park’s parking lot is at capacity, park patrons should not park on streets or the grass.

The last of the county's parks to reopen are Beaver Dam County Park, Point Pleasant; A. Paul King County Park, Stafford; Mantoloking Bridge County Park and Fishing Pier; and Gull Island County Park, Point Pleasant Beach.

“I again want to stress these parks are being reopened for passive recreation only — walking, jogging, hiking, running and similar activities," said County Freeholder Virginia E. Haines. "Picnics and group activities are not allowed at this time.”

Swimming is currently prohibited at any of the Ocean County parks that have beaches. Based on lifeguard availability, those beaches including the one at A. Paul King County Park in Stafford Township — are expected to open later in June. No swimming signs are posted throughout the park system.

Face coverings are strongly recommended when accessing the dog parks at Ocean County Airpark in Berkeley Township and Ocean County Park, Lakewood and all of the parks in the county system.

More changes will also come to Ocean County's golf courses. Tee times will include foursomes starting Friday at Atlantis in Little Egg Harbor Township and the Ocean County Golf Course at Forge Pond in Brick.

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Tee times will still be 20 minutes apart and will require a reservation. Reservations can be made by calling the respective course’s pro shop seven days in advance or reserving on GolfNow. One foursome reservation per phone call. Cash won't be accepted at this time.

Singles tennis and pickle ball is allowed at Ocean County Park, Lakewood; Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood; and Tip Seaman County Park, Tuckerton. Tennis is allowed at Beaver Dam County Park in Point Pleasant. There are restrictions on play.

State parks reopened May 2, with restrictions — the same day Ocean County reopened many of its parks and public lands. Municipal parks remain up to each town's discretion, but many have lifted some coronavirus restrictions in recent weeks.

The Ocean County Health Department reported 100 new coronavirus cases Wednesday, bringing the county total to 8,112. The OCHD has reported 656 COVID-19 deaths.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know