Hightstown’s five municipal parks, which had been closed since April 8, were reopened on May 2 following Gov. Phil Murphy’s April 29 decision to reopen state and county parks.
Murphy had closed state and county parks to limit the spread of COVID-19, but left it to each town’s discretion whether to close their municipal parks.
Hightstown closed its five municipal parks, but East Windsor, which has more than a dozen municipal parks, opted to keep its parks open for passive recreation.
In Hightstown, the five municipal parks – Dawes, Association, Rocky Brook, Memorial and Central Business District – will be open for passive recreation. Visitors may use the walking trails for exercise.
Picnic areas, playgrounds, restrooms, exercise stations and equipment will be closed off to the public, Hightstown officials said. Those areas will be roped off or barricaded.
Visitors may not have picnics or participate in organized or contact activities or sports, or in social gatherings in the park, officials said.
Parking will be limited to 50% of the parking area’s capacity, in compliance with Murphy’s order rescinding the park closures.
Face masks are not required, but Hightstown officials strongly recommend their use to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing – maintaining a distance of at least six feet between people – is still in effect.
East Windsor officials did not close the township’s parks, so the township is not affected by Murphy’s order.
There are more than a dozen municipal parks in East Windsor, including Disbrow Hill Trail and Bear Brook, Etra Lake and Rocky Brook pathways, and Turnpike Park.
The only permitted activities in East Windsor’s parks are running, walking, bicycling or engaging in outdoor activities with immediate family members, caregivers, household members or romantic partners.
Playground areas have been closed and fenced off. Basketball, soccer and other close-contact sports are prohibited in the township’s parks. Social distancing remains in effect.
