Berkeley Spray Park Has No Definite Opening Date: Here's Why

BERKELEY, NJ — Parks and beaches are open. Swimming pools are about to open. But Ocean County doesn't have a definite date for when the spray park at John C. Bartlett County Park can operate again.

The spray park on Berkeley Island remains closed because of Governor Phil Murphy's order to keep water parks shuttered, according to County Public Information Director Donna Flynn.

"Our spray park has been maintained and we are prepared to reopen once the governor lifts his order," Flynn told Patch. "There will be social distancing requirements in place."

Murphy lifted New Jersey's stay-at-home order June 9. In the same announcement, he lifted bans on outdoor recreation and entertainment, except for amusement parks, arcades and water parks. Read more: Gov. Murphy Lifts NJ Stay-At-Home Order, Allows Bigger Gatherings

The governor said the reduced risk of transmission outdoors allows for more activity. He said the risk of coronavirus spreading outside is 1/19 of what it is inside.

Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said pools will be allowed to reopen Monday as long as:

• Capacity is reduced to 50 percent of capacity
• Staff and patrons must safely distance
• Signs and makings should denote 6 feet of space
• Face coverings are recommended, but not in the pool
• Pools should stagger access point for entry and exits
• Reservations are requested
• Guests should sign-in to help with contact tracing
• Occupancy in restrooms should be limited
• Foot coverings much be worn in restrooms and shower areas
• Staff should be screened for fever and symptoms
• Gloves should be worn by staff
• Disinfection should happen frequently
• Pool toys shouldn't be permitted

But it's unclear when the state may reopen water parks and give Ocean County permission to operate the spray park.

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New Jersey entered "stage two" of its coronavirus recovery plan Monday, which included allowing outdoor dining at restaurants and limited indoor retail shopping.

"Stage three" allows for "higher-contact activities restarting with significant safeguarding."

Ocean County officials have been gradually reopening their parks since May 2, when the state allowed county and state parks to reopen. But the seasonal spray park remains one of the most popular children's attractions in Ocean County parks.

Berkeley Island became the first county park to feature a splash park.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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