Freeholder Director Disagrees with Closing Parks
The county has compiled a list of more than 750 businesses, including breweries and wineries, which are open and ready to serve the public. To access the list go to www.takeoutinmonmouth.com.
The information was released today by Monmouth County Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and Freeholder Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley .
The freeholders also discussed the Executive Order signed on Thursday, April 7 by the governor, closing all Monmouth County parks indefinitely.
“I would like to publicly state that I do not support the indefinite closure of all county parks in New Jersey. I also find it unacceptable that we have no input as to when they will reopen. There are a number of options that could have been considered as an alternative to completely closing county parks, including limiting hours, days, et cetera,” Arnone said “The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has felt, throughout this entire pandemic, that our County parks are essential for our residents’ mental health and a great choice for passive recreation. I promise that we will open our parks immediately as soon as the Executive Order is lifted.”
All public is restricted from parks and golf courses. Park and golf course entrances and parking lots are gated or barricaded and visitors who gain park access by foot or bike will be directed to leave, as the parks will still be patrolled. Marina services are suspended but owners will have access to their boats.
In discussing the businesses which are open Arnone said breweries and wineries have been added to the online list to further boost the local economy.
“These business owners are our friends, neighbors and community leaders and we owe our support to these individuals and their employees during this difficult time,” he said.
Together, Monmouth County municipalities, local chambers as well as the County Divisions of Economic Development and Tourism continue to research and identify all food grocers, breweries, wineries and restaurants open. While the county works to maintain an updated list, email TakeOutInMonmouth@visitmonmout
“As a result of mounting cases and more and more residents becoming increasingly frightened to leave their own home, the Monmouth County Aging Disability Resource Center has prepared the COVID-19 Resource Guide to assist seniors and residents with disabilities who may be struggling to acquire basic needs during this health pandemic,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Kiley, liaison to the Department of Human Services. “The County has been extensively collaborating with local officials and the guide will be frequently updated to reflect the most current services and resources offered by municipality.”
In addition to Monmouth County ADRC (Aging Disability Resource Center), Monmouth ACTS (Assisting Communities Through Services) has been directing residents to Monmouth Resource Net, an online directory of community and health resources and services, information about residential mortgage relief as well as mental health support.