O’Scanlon, DiMaso & Scharfenberger Commend Park and Golf Course Opening

Senator Declan O’Scanlon, Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso, and Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (all R-Monmouth) today issued a statement following news that the Governor would be reopening parks and golf courses May 2nd:

“While I firmly believe there was no scientific justification to close these facilities in the first place, I want to praise the administration for hearing the calls to reopen now,” O’Scanlon said. “While there will absolutely be some people who don’t adhere to safe practices, the overwhelming majority will. The benefits—physical and mental—of permitting, in fact encouraging, people to get out, get fresh air and exercise will be invaluable.”

“I’m happy to see that the Governor appears to have listened to our continued requests for him to reopen the parks, despite our disagreement with his initial closure,” DiMaso continued. “People have been in their homes for six weeks. The vast majority of them have done everything we’ve asked of them and we are seeing the positive outcome as a result. Lifting some of these heavy restrictions, even slowly and moderately, will help give residents much-needed hope that we can come out of this if they keep following important rules.”

“To say that the original decision to close State and County Parks was speculative – would be an understatement,” said Scharfenberger. “We stood our ground, along with our county leadership here in Monmouth, calling attention to how incredibly crucial it is for our parks to remain open to ensure the overall physical and mental well-being of our residents. We are proud to have pushed back and now, residents can once again utilize our amazing open spaces safely.”