SPARTA, N.J. – Senator Steve Oroho and Assemblymen Parker Space and Hal Wirths are happy that Gov. Murphy has heeded their calls to reopen the outdoors to help people cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m glad to see the governor move today to reopen our parks and golf courses,” said Oroho. “States in our region have shown that you can reopen these venues safely with social distancing guidelines in place and we can now join them. I hope as industries share plans with the governor on how they can protect consumers and employees while getting back to work, that the governor continues to demonstrate trust in them. Our economy desperately needs businesses to get back on their feet and our residents need to return to some sense of normalcy.”

The three lawmakers called on Murphy to open state and county parks on April 8.

“I have heard endlessly from people who have wanted to enjoy the land they pay taxes to enjoy,” said Wirths. “I am happy that parks, forests and golf courses will reopen. It will be a boon to mental and physical health and should save many jobs that were at risk of being lost for good.”

“Public parks and recreation are incredibly important and should be open,” said Space. “Hopefully this will lead to more things opening up and other unnecessary restrictions being reversed. This will help businesses and the people they employ. Hopefully that logic extends to Governor Murphy’s other actions that are creating more harm than good.”