Playgrounds Closed In Ocean County Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Parents looking for ways to help their kids burn off energy while schools are closed due to the outbreak of the new coronavirus will not be able to use the playgrounds in Ocean County, as they have been closed until further notice.

In addition, three towns — Toms River, Brick and Beachwood — have closed their municipal playgrounds as well, along with tennis courts and basketball courts.

"We have 18 township parks and not enough staff to physically count 50 people at each site and keep up with the sanitizing that needs to be done," said Stacy Georgaklis, Toms River spokesperson.

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The limit of 50 people was among the restrictions announced Monday by Gov. Phil Murphy in efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. All schools across the state will be closed beginning Wednesday as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19. There have been 267 people who have tested positive as of Tuesday afternoon, including six in Ocean County, according to the county health department. Three people have died from the disease.

COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

At the county level, the visitor and nature centers at Jake's Branch County Park in Beachwood, Cattus Island County Park in Toms River, Wells Mills County Park in Ocean Township, and Cloverdale Farms County Park and Cedar Bridge Tavern in Barnegat Township have been closed to the public, but bathroom facilities will remain open.

Playgrounds, tennis courts and basketball courts at the county parks are shut down, as are children's programs, exercise, yoga and wellness programs, nature and outdoor events, weekend "drop-in" walks and feedings, van trips and hikes.

The two county dog parks, at the Ocean County Airpark in Berkeley Township and Ocean County Park, Lakewood, are closed, as are the county golf courses at Forge Pond in Brick and Atlantis in Little Egg Harbor.

Brick Township closed its playgrounds at the township parks on Tuesday afternoon, putting temporary fences around them.

"This measure is being done to protect the health and well-being of Brick Township’s residents," officials said. "Parks will remain open and available to residents for enjoyment for activities such as walks, jogs and enjoying fresh air."

Beachwood Mayor Ron Roma said the borough, which put up caution tape on Monday to cordon off Mayo Park's basketball courts and playground, was following the county's lead.

Residents expressed frustrations over the closure in a private Facebook group, with some calling it an overreach. On Monday, children were playing at the playground, residents said.

"Beachwood is trying to do our best to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus," Roma said. "We are taking this threat to the residents of our community very serious. So what may seem as an inconvenience to some may very well be what saves someone else."

The Toms River announcement said signs will be posted at major points of entry all parks and playgrounds for the public’s knowledge.

However, Bey Lea Golf Course and Winding River Indoor Skating Rink will be open; locker rooms are closed and there will be limits of 50 golfers and 50 skaters. Hockey leagues at Winding River are canceled.

"We can count the number of people at Winding River with a clicker," Georgaklis said, and on the golf course, people will be spread out. Both will be closely monitored by township personnel and sanitized several times throughout the day.

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