Governor Phil Murphy announced today that he plans to sign an executive order reopening state parks on Saturday, May 2nd.

The order ives county governments the discretion to also reopen.

“With the exception of the mental health case, your interventions did not matter one little bit,” said a defiant Murphy, criticized for his decision to shut down parks to combat the deadly COVID-19 virus, which has claimed nearly 7,000 lives in this state.

“We didn’t care,” said the governor, in reference to the diet of criticism. “I did not order these closures on a whim. Our goal has been simple and clear That is to slow the rate of infection.

“I am the one who makes these decisions and there is no amount of incoming I won’t take,” he added. “I am hopeful we are getting on the road back.”

As park of his order, parking will be capped at 50% capacity in the parks come Saturday.

Playgrounds, pavilions, restrooms and vistor centers will remain closed.

Picnics, organized activities, and team sports will remain banned.

“We recommend wearing a face covering when social distancing is difficult to maintain,” Murphy said.

The governor’s decision to reopen state parks and give county governments powers to reopen proved popular with the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, which had been critical of Murphy.

The alliance “congratulates the Governor on listening to the chorus of common sense and re-opening parks. The parks re-opening was a no-brainer – and the science is clear that outdoor activity is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and both physical and mental health during this crisis.” said NJOA Vice President Cody McLaughlin, “The NJOA have advocated for the safe and responsible re-opening of parks since day one of this order. Nothing is of higher priority to our members and supporters and we are proud to celebrate our outdoor heritage with this win for common sense re-opening.”

Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) also issued the following statement welcoming the Governor’s action to re-open recreation sites and golf courses in New Jersey:

“I appreciate the Governor listening to the bi-partisan legislators and thousands of state residents.

“These are activities that offer recreational opportunities important to residents and signal a reemergence from the shutdown imposed by the COVID crisis. The social distancing and stay at home orders have resulted in positive results, so it is time to re-open low-risk activities and business operations in ways that maintain the public’s safety.

“As we develop plans for a full-scale re-opening, we should continue to consider how other businesses and industries can safely re-open, including elective surgeries, car sales and construction. We need to plan for and work towards an economic recovery that allows us to emerge from this crisis.”