Bergen County To Reopen Parks, Golf Courses This Weekend

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — As allowed by Gov. Phil Murphy's executive order signed Wednesday, Bergen County is set to reopen its parks and golf courses starting Saturday, May 2.

In a release, the county said golf courses will reopen gradually starting with Soldier Hill and Valley Brook Golf Courses, which will be open for play on Saturday.

Some of the county's facilities are not yet reopening, including the Bergen County Zoo and the McFaul Environmental Center.

"We are reopening Bergen County parks and golf courses this weekend but are encouraging residents to continue practicing social distancing, and to only use parks close to their homes," County Executive Tedesco said in a statement.

The New Jersey Department of Health reports 15,446 people have tested positive for the new coronavirus in Bergen County, and 1,057 people have died from the virus. Tedesco reminded residents to continue with social distance and hygiene best practices while using the facilities.

"Bergen County still has the most COVID-19 cases and deaths in New Jersey," Tedesco said in a statement. "But we are Bergen County STRONG, and we will get through this only if we all work together to slow the spread. We are insisting that residents who visit our parks and golf courses continue to practice social distancing and take the necessary steps to protect themselves by wearing masks and gloves, and staying home when they are not feeling well."

All told, Bergen County boasts nearly 9,000 acres of land across 21 parks, six golf courses and an environmental center.