Middletown Opens Tennis Courts, Playing Fields Back Up

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Play ball! That's the message from Middletown Twp., which announced they will reopen tennis courts and playing fields this Friday, May 1.

Middletown appears to be the first town in Monmouth County to reopen such facilities. Basketball courts and playgrounds, however, will remain closed, said Middletown Mayor Tony Perry, because people will be in too close proximity to each other in those areas.

Middletown does not plan on opening playgrounds and basketball courts anytime soon.

Gov. Phil Murphy told New Jersey towns this week they can reopen their municipal parks and recreational areas as they see fit. Murphy also made the radical announcement Wednesday that he is changing course, and reopening all state and county parks in New Jersey, starting at sunrise this Saturday, May 2.

"We're taking a practical and safe approach to reopen," Mayor Perry told Patch. "I have faith in people that they are able to maintain social distancing on tennis courts and on recreational fields."

Playing fields, such as soccer fields, will be also be open for recreational use beginning this Friday. But they will not be open for organized team practices. Middletown further intends to reopen fields for organized team play on May 15.

A decision on that will be made by May 8, said Twp. spokeswoman Tara Berson.

There will be some rules for Friday's reopening on fields and tennis courts: All participants must remain six feet apart. Groups are limited to 10 people or less. No group tennis or sporting lessons are permitted.

Middletown town parks have always remained open during the lockdown.

"Middletown did not close our parks at any point," Perry noted. "I think it's imperative that people not only get exercise, but also fresh air. We're in spring now and people need to get out of their house."

Perry is a Republican, and many New Jersey Republican elected officials were angered by Murphy's decision to close state and county parks. Monmouth County Freeholder Tom Arnone said Wednesday he was happy Murphy changed his mind.

Perry is still pushing to have the Henry Hudson Trail reopened.

"I was very upset that the Middletown police receive a directive from the Attorney General's office to close the Henry Hudson Trail," Perry told Patch just before noon today. "A large segment of the trail is here in Middletown and what people may not understand is it's not all back woods; it goes right along Rt. 36. It's the only safe passage for people to go to local grocery stores, pharmacies and the Academy bus stops. There is no sidewalk over there. Why are we putting people in harm's way by making them walk on the shoulder of Rt. 36 when there is a path five feet away?"

Keep reading: Middletown Mayor, Freeholders Want Henry Hudson Trail Reopened (April 28)

Republican Lawmakers: Murphy Should Re-Open State, County Parks (April 9)