Hoboken To Reopen Some Parks Friday, Not Playgrounds Or Dog Runs

HOBOKEN, NJ —Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced on Tuesday evening that several parks in Hoboken will open Friday, but only for passive recreation — meaning playgrounds and sports fields will be closed. Dog runs will also remain closed for now.

"Social distancing of at least six feet is required at all times [except for family members]," said a press release from the city, "and face masks should be worn. Congregating in groups, and organized sports in the parks are prohibited."

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Bhalla said, “Based on the recent data demonstrating a downward trend in new, confirmed cases in Hoboken, and the important benefits of outdoor activities on mental health, we are moving forward with the first phase of a gradual parks re-opening."

• Columbus Park (a Hudson County park)
• 14th Street Viaduct between Grand and Adams Streets (a Hudson County park)
• Church Square Park
• Elysian Park
• Southwest Park
• Stevens Park
• Seventh and Jackson Park and Plaza
• Harborside Park (1501 Park Ave.)
• Maxwell Park
• Pier A Park
• Shipyard Park
• Shoprite Green Plaza
• Sinatra Park amphitheater

All playgrounds, athletic fields and courts, restrooms, gymnasiums, dog parks, spray areas, gazebos, and community gardens in the select parks will remain closed until further notice, reflecting guidelines provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

"I thank the coalition of North Hudson Mayors for agreeing to delay the opening of their municipal parks this past weekend and appreciate that they understand the need for Hoboken to gradually open up parks this week," said Mayor Bhalla.

City officials have encouraged residents to remember those who've passed by holding a (fire safe) candle in their windows and joining in a moment of silence at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The death rate in New Jersey has remained high.

Five days ago, Gov. Phil Murphy said 460 New Jerseyans had been lost to the virus in 24 hours, or one person every three minutes, and all-time high rate. Tuesday afternoon, the governor said there had been 334 deaths since the previous day.

As of Tuesday, 8,244 people have died of coronavirus in New Jersey, and 130,593 have tested positive.

However, officials say that emergency measures started a little over six weeks ago are starting to work. The purpose of the recent isolation and social distancing measures has been to slow the spread of the virus, and avoid overwhelming hospitals while doctors learn more about treatments.

Bhalla said on Friday that the city had gone one week without a fatality. The city has had 489 confirmed cases and 23 deaths attributed to the virus.

Most of those who've been lost have been seniors. The city has begun pre-emptively testing residents in its senior apartments, starting with one building last week. The state has lost many of its residents in nursing homes. On Tuesday, the state announced it will increase testing at certain homes, but largely those that have had a low rate of infection.

Schools in Hoboken have been closed since March 16 and will remain closed through the end of the school year.

Here are other Hoboken coronavirus updates from Patch and around the web:

• The county opened some of its parks over the weekend, but the city of Hoboken is holding off. READ MORE.
• There are now several locations where residents can get tested, including rapid testing. Developments are changing daily; call Call 201-420-5621 for more information. READ MORE.
• Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante has been posting photos of the city and updates on how the city's emergency workers are dealing with the virus. He also said that the police have made a video to help kids celebrate their "quarantine birthdays," in the absence of a party.
• The police also recently stood in tribute outside the building of a woman celebrating her 93rd birthday.
• Some have attributed Hoboken's relatively low number of deaths to early shutdown measures, while others point out that some have left town for their vacation homes or to stay with parents.
• Jersey City said on Sunday that its annual July 4 celebration and concert have been canceled.

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