Lakehurst Reopens Lake Horicon After Weekend Closure

LAKEHURST, NJ — Lake Horicon is back open in Lakehurst, as officials give residents a second chance to use the area and follow social distancing rules — rules that were ignored Saturday.

Lake Horicon was opened at sunrise on Saturday, following along with Gov. Phil Murphy's limited reopening of state parks to all activities Saturday within hours of opening, the lake was shut down.

"Unfortunately, multiple people who decided that they were going to ignore parts of the lake that are closed, along with ignoring social distancing guidelines ... caused the mayor and police chief to make the determination to shut the lake down," Lakehurst police said in a post on Facebook.

"The other option was to individually cite every person that was violating the executive orders, however we don’t believe in this current situation that anyone deserves that unless it’s the only option left," police said.

However, they decided to try again, reopening the park on Monday. The following areas are still closed:

• Picnic areas
• Playground equipment
• Playground area
• Gazebo/Pavilion
• Water for swimming

"You are able to catch some fish, get some exercise in, take a nice bike ride or just enjoy the views!" the post said. "However, you must practice #SocialDistancing while doing so!"

Police urged parkgoers to remain 6 feet apart at all times and to wear a mask if you’re going to be near other people besides your immediate household.

"Most of all, please don’t ruin it for the rest of the people that have been abiding by the executive order," the post said. "We get it. We’re all going a little stir crazy. But, we’re on the tail end of this and moving in the right direction. Let’s keep it going. You got this. We believe in you."

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