New Executive Order Opens State Parks for PASSIVE Recreation and Golf Courses with Restrictions

Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 133 on April 29, 2020 allowing the following activities at state parks effective 6 a.m. on May 2:

a. Fishing;
b. Hunting;
c. Boating;
d. Canoeing;
e. Hiking;
f. Walking;
g. Running or jogging;
h. Biking;
i. Birding; and
j. Horseback riding. 
 

No organized sports or picnicking is allowed and parking lots will be limited to 50% capacity and parking in undesignated areas prohibited. 

The order also allows counties to re-open county parks under the same restrictions which are also placed on municipal parks. Washington Township parks have remained open for passive recreation and parking capacity has previously been reduced.

Consistent with Paragraph 5 of Executive Order No.107 (2020), gatherings of individuals, including in parks, are prohibited. 

Golf courses shall be allowed to reopen to the public at 6 a.m. on May 2 and to members associated with private golf clubs, but such businesses must adopt policies that include, staggered tee time, online registration, payment and cancellation; sanitation practices; Pro Shops and other buildings must remain closed and equipment rental is prohibited.

Visitors to parks and golf courses must practice social distancing and stay six feet apart wherever practicable, excluding immediate family members, caretakers, household members or romantic partners and should wear cloth face coverings in all settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health, or where the individual is under two years of age.

For more info, please read EO-133.