Most Westfield Parks Open This Weekend

WESTFIELD, NJ —Parks and fields in Westfield will be re-opened to the public "incrementally" starting Saturday, May 2, including those owned by the town and by the Board of Education, Mayor Shelley Brindle announced in an update on Wednesday.

Fields 1 and 2 at Tamaques will be fenced off due to seeding, aeration, and maintenance. In addition, Mindowaskin Park will remain closed until further notice due to current construction to restore the pathways.

Following Gov. Phil Murphy's Executive Order to re-open state parks and to allow counties and municipalities to open theirs, the town consulted with Union County and the Westfield Board of Education.

In New Jersey, the coronavirus death toll climbed past 7,000 this week and hit record highs for daily death totals. The daily death rate had been decreasing over a week until this past Tuesday, when 402 new deaths were announced. On Thursday, a record 460 deaths were announced.

"One of the biggest concerns," Brindle wrote, "was the potential overcrowding of our parks resulting from the closure of nearby county parks. With the county's decision to re-open their parks on Saturday, we believe this will help to alleviate this concern."

The re-opening of these locations will be done incrementally to help keep social distancing measures in place. Note the following conditions:

• Parking lots will remain closed. "We ask that, in using the parks and fields, you walk or bike to nearby locations as part of the ongoing stay at home order that discourages all non-essential travel."
• Parks and fields are to be used for passive recreational purposes only. Only individual activities are permitted, such as walking, jogging, and bicycling; for these activities, individuals may be accompanied by family members, caretakers, or other household members. Restrooms will be closed, as will all playgrounds, basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts. Organized sports, fitness classes, or other gatherings are not permitted.
• Proper social distancing should be maintained in the parks and fields at all times.
• Face coverings are recommended as an additional precaution.

Brindle wrote, "I am very concerned that, in spite of best efforts, it may be difficult to maintain proper social distancing with the upcoming forecast for a nice weather weekend. Please exercise special precautions to help us make this initial reopening a success for everyone by following the guidelines in place."

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