Hunterdon County park users successfully maintained social distancing and there were no reportable incidents over the weekend, after county parks and trails reopened May 2, Sheriff Fred W. Brown reported.
“County park rangers, prosecutor’s investigators, local police officers and sheriff’s officers provided routine assistance and information during patrols of the park and trail areas on Saturday and Sunday. They found park users to be cooperative with social distancing rules while enjoying the weather,” he said.
“The Columbia trail in High Bridge was busy, but the public clearly understood the need to observe health protocols. Enforcing the governor’s parking limitations in High Bridge and at Point Mountain Park in Lebanon Township required the most attention by uniformed personnel,” Brown reported.
The sheriff led the law enforcement commitment put in place to protect the public and ensure social distancing was observed. Five static posts were established at Columbia Trail, Landsdown Trail, Deer Path Park, Hoffman Park, and Mountain Farm and there were roving patrols.
When Gov. Phil Murphy turned control of county parks back over to the Freeholder Board, Hunterdon County Freeholder John E. Lanza, the board’s liaison for parks, stated, “The public more than ever needs the fresh air, exercise opportunities and physical activity that also helps to improve mental health, made available by visiting our parks and trails.”
Lanza advised, “However, park users need to be smart. Our experience over the last two months has demonstrated that COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus that is easily spread. If social distancing rules are not observed, the governor is warning he will close the parks down again.”
“Many people flocked to the county’s parks and trails over the weekend and it could not have gone better. Whether those in the parks were Hunterdon County residents or visitors enjoying our open spaces, everyone got the message,” Brown said.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
