Verona Park and all other Essex County Parks are closed due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. But New Jersey state parks haven’t closed to the public. If you want to get some exercise there, here’s what you need to know.
Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe announced Friday, March 20, that the public may still access the state parks, forests, recreation areas and wildlife management areas, including roads, parking areas, trails, lakes and other open space areas for healthful passive recreation.
However, campgrounds, visitor centers, nature centers and restrooms at these areas are closed until further notice in order to protect public health and safety as the state works to address COVID-19. Because the state can’t deliver any of those services, it is waiving the entry fees normally collected. Anything that needed a permit before, like fishing and beach buggy permits, still needs a permit now. And, if you go to a state park, the state wants to make sure that you are staying a safe distance away from other visitors.
“Keeping state-owned open spaces available to the public is important so people can continue to enjoy the healthful benefits of recreation and being outdoors,” Commissioner McCabe said. “We advise the public to practice social distancing while enjoying our open spaces.”
Staff and Law Enforcement Personnel will continue to conduct routine patrols of open spaces to ensure public safety and general wellbeing of the visiting public.
In addition, the DEP is postponing all upcoming events, programming and camping reservations in state parks and wildlife management areas through April 30. Refunds will be issued, and events rescheduled at the appropriate time.
For updates, please visit www.njparksandforests.org. The full list of state parks is here.
