Manchester Parks Set To Partially Reopen

MANCHESTER, NJ — Manchester Township residents who want to get outside will be able to make use of the township's parks starting Saturday, when they will be reopened for some uses, township officials said Thursday.

The move to partially reopen the township's parks came as Gov. Phil Murphy eased some restrictions on access to state parks. Murphy's order Wednesday allows access for passive activities, such as hiking or walking, beginning as of sunrise on Saturday.

Residents will be required to maintain social distancing and people are urged to wear masks as the state continues its efforts to control the spread of the new coronavirus. More than 118,000 New Jersey residents have tested positive for the virus and more than 7,200 have died, according to Thursday's figures from the state Department of Health.

Manchester has 469 residents who've tested positive for the virus and 55 of them have died from complications of it, according to the Ocean County Health Department.

People can hike, walk, run, and go bicycling in Manchester's parks. Fishing is permitted, as is birding.

Picnic areas are closed, along with playgrounds, exercise stations, pavilions and restrooms. Swimming is prohibited as well.

Additional information is below.

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