OCEAN COUNTY has closed Mantoloking Bridge County Park and Fishing Pier on Mantoloking Road, Brick Township, to the public noting too many people are crowding into the park at once despite the need for social distancing to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“This park is a small park and does not provide enough room for social distancing,” said Ocean County Freeholder Virginia E. Haines, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation. “Out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with state mandates to help us stop the spread of the coronavirus, we have closed this park entirely to the public. At this time we cannot accommodate large groups of people gathering in our parks.”

Ocean County has made an effort to keep its parks open to the public during the coronavirus outbreak in accordance to guidance from the state of New Jersey.

“We have closed our two county golf courses, all of our nature centers and public facilities in the parks including playgrounds, bathrooms, playing fields, tennis courts and basketball courts,” Haines said. “While we want our residents to be able to spend some time outdoors, we need everyone to understand there are restrictions in place and social distancing is required to visit our parks.”

The Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation will close the gates on county parks should the crowds become too large to be able to practice social distancing and to meet the requirements of the state regarding large groups of people gathering in one area.

The visitor and nature centers at Jake’s Branch County Park in Beachwood, Cattus Island County Park in Toms River, Wells Mills County Park in Ocean Township, and Cloverdale Farms County Park and Cedar Bridge Tavern in Barnegat Township have been closed to the public. Children’s programs, exercise, yoga and wellness programs, nature and outdoor events, weekend “drop-in” walks and feedings, van trips and hikes have been canceled through April 20. In addition, all athletic fields are closed and so are the dog parks.

“We need everyone to make social distancing a part of their everyday routine during the coronavirus outbreak,” Haines said. “This cannot be stressed enough.”

More information on Ocean County Parks is available by calling 732-506-9090. Information can also be found on oceancountyparks.com or on the Parks Facebook page @OceanCountyParks.