Hoboken is reopening public parks after they were closed several weeks ago to slow the spread of COVID-19.

City officials reopened a handful of parks Friday morning. Mayor Ravi Bhalla says that the time was right.

“Both federal and state guides mandate a downward projector of a least two weeks of certain metrics before you can consider reopening. Here in Hoboken, we’ve been in that downward trajectory for three weeks now” the mayor says

But there will be some caveats for the reopening. Parkgoers must use social distancing guidelines, wear face coverings and are urged not to congregate in large groups – otherwise, the barriers may go back up.

“We aren’t afraid to do that, but we are cautiously optimistic that Hoboken has been responsible. I think the numbers reflect that. But when we do open the parks, we will be monitoring,” Bhalla says.

Parks of the parks will remain closed, including playgrounds and restrooms. Dog parks and commonly used structures like gazebos will also be off-limit.

Bhalla says that to create more space for Hoboken residents, the city will close Jefferson Street to traffic. Pedestrians, joggers and bicyclists can use it from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Bhalla says that the pilot program could expand if it is successful.