Gov. Phil Murphy has issued an order allowing some parks around the state to reopen by Saturday.

But the executive order is not without restrictions and doesn’t necessarily mean that a local, municipal park will open.

“For passive recreation, including running, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, kayaking and horseback riding. Come Saturday morning, our state parks will open,” Murphy said, adding that the public should still wear a mask and practice social distancing.

While state parks will be opened, each municipality will be able to decide if local parks will be opened or closed. The mayors of six Hudson County towns, including Hoboken and Weehawken, say that parks in their local parks will remain off-limits. And places like basketball courts and playgrounds are expected to remain closed around the state.

Many boardwalks at the Jersey Shore will also remain closed until the state-at-home orders are listed.

One group that is happy about the eased restrictions is golfer after the governor also announced that golf courses can reopen.

Old Orchard Country Club manager Bob Sheerin says that his phone has been ringing off the hook with golfers requesting tee times.

“I’m up to 70 now for Saturday...that’s in like 40 minutes. I know we will be over 100,” he says.

 

But even the Old Orchard Country Club will have restrictions. All cups on the course will be raised so that people do not have to reach in with their hands to get the balls or touch the flags.

“I took the rakes off the course. They don’t need to touch. All the touching business – no need. It’s all no-touch,” Sheerin says.

Murphy received a lot of criticism when he decided to close the parks several weeks ago. He says that that criticism did not impact his decision to open parks this weekend.