'Negative Activities' Shut Down Morris County Park

RANDOLPH, NJ - The Morris County Park Commission has closed Hedden County Park for two weeks due to "negative activities" by some park patrons, according to officials. Dumping of trash, starting fires, alcohol use, and blocking waterways all contributed to the decision.

“Due to an increase of negative activities — numerous campfires, trash discarded throughout park, burning of a trash dumpster, impeding the flow of Jackson Brook in order to create swimming holes, alcohol consumption without permits, and abuse of public restrooms, the Morris County Park Commission is closing the park,” said Park Commision Executive Director David Helmer.

The Park Commission informed officials in Dover, Mine Hill, and Randolph of the closure, and provided them with evidence to document their concerns. Morris County Park Police issued numerous summonses to violators.

Parks staff is now working to clean up the mess left by the poorly behaving park patrons. The 390-acre park, which features Hedden Pond and Jackson Brook, is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, July 28.

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