Social Distancing Deadline Extended Until April 30

In the midst of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the Somerset County Park Commission reminds all that its general use parks and trail systems are open for park patrons to get out and enjoy some very special outdoor spaces.

Heeding the social distancing directive of President Trump issued on Sunday, March 29, 2020, the Park Commission is extending the closure of programs, events, and activities until April 30, 2020.

Remaining open with strict consideration given to the social distancing requirements are Natirar Park in Far Hills and Peapack-Gladstone, Duke Island Park and North Branch Park in Bridgewater, East County Park in Warren, Colonial Park in Somerset, and Skillman Park in Montgomery are open.  In addition, the trail systems in Washington Valley Park in Bridgewater, the Sourland Mountain Preserve in Hillsborough and Montgomery, the Environmental Education Center at Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge, and the Little Brook Sanctuary in Bernardsville are open. 

While parks and trails are open, there is no access to bathrooms, entry onto playgrounds has been prohibited, and buildings have been closed to the public.  Moreover, in an effort to ensure compliance with NJ Governor Murphy’s directive, the Commission encourages its patrons to follow best social distancing practices while engaging in outdoor activities including but not limited to the following: 

·       Make space for others on the trails.

·       Go solo – or with immediate family only. Follow carry-in/carry-out guidelines by cleaning up after your pet and taking any trash home with you.

·       Give yourself – and others – space. Do not gather in groups of 10 or more and maintain a six-foot distance from others at all times.

·       Go before you go. As park restrooms are closed, please use the restroom before visiting a park.

·       Stay away from playground equipment and parks facilities.

·       Follow CDC and state health recommendations. Visit cdc.gov and covid19.nj.gov for the most recent recommendations to protect yourself and others from spreading COVID-19.

Barring further governmental directives prohibiting same, the Commission will endeavor to keep its parks and trail systems open so long as doing so does not facilitate non-compliance with Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders.  Should violations occur, the Commission will have no choice but to close its parks and trails.  For this reason, the

Somerset County Park Commission strongly encourages all to heed the Governor’s social distancing directives and practice them on its parks and trails. 

Updates on cancellations and openings may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-722-1200.

Social Distancing Urged in County Parks

In the midst of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the Somerset County Park Commission reminds all that its general use parks and trail systems are open for park patrons to get out and enjoy some very special outdoor spaces.

Specifically, Natirar Park in Far Hills and Peapack-Gladstone, Duke Island Park and North Branch Park in Bridgewater, East County Park in Warren, Colonial Park in Somerset, and Skillman Park in Montgomery are open.  In addition, the trail systems located in Washington Valley Park in Bridgewater, the Sourland Mountain Preserve in Hillsborough and Montgomery, the Environmental Education Center at Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge, and the Little Brook Sanctuary in Bernardsville are open. 

Please be advised that Natirar Park and the Sourland Mountain Preserve have been experiencing extremely heavy visitation, and thus, park patrons should strongly consider visiting other locations in order to avoid crowds and effectively engage in social distancing practices. 

Over the course of the last two weeks, the Park Commission has taken proactive measures in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.  While parks and trails are open, there is no access to bathrooms, entry onto playgrounds has been prohibited, and buildings have been closed to the public.  Moreover, in an effort to ensure compliance with Governor Murphy’s directive, the Commission encourages its patrons to follow best social distancing practices while engaging in outdoor activities including but not limited to the following: 

·       Make space for others on the trails. To protect yourself and other park visitors while on trails, visitors should warn other users of their presence when passing by. As others pass, step aside for them.

·       Go solo – or with immediate family only. Please visit parks with family members from your household or for solo activities such as dog-walking or biking. Follow carry-in/carry-out guidelines by cleaning up after your pet and taking any trash home with you.

·       Give yourself – and others – space. Do not gather in groups of 10 or more and maintain a six-foot distance from others at all times. If the recommended distance is not possible, go to another area of the park or visit the park another time.

·       Go before you go. As park restrooms are closed, please use the restroom before visiting a park. Do not attempt to open bathroom or other facility doors, which are locked.

·       Stay away from playground equipment and parks facilities. All playground equipment and all park buildings are closed to the public.

·       Follow CDC and state health recommendations. Visit cdc.gov and covid19.nj.gov for the most recent recommendations to protect yourself and others from spreading COVID-19.

Barring further governmental directives prohibiting same, the Commission will endeavor to keep its parks and trail systems open so long as doing so does not facilitate non-compliance with Governor Murphy’s Executive Orders.  Should violations occur, the Commission will have no choice but to close its parks and trails.  For this reason, the

Somerset County Park Commission strongly encourages all to heed the Governor’s social distancing directives and practice them on its parks and trails. 

Updates on cancellations and openings may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-722-1200.

"Carry In - Carry Out" Policy in Effect

The Somerset County Park Commission (SCPC) wishes to remind that, until further notice, its general use parks (excluding bathrooms, playgrounds, picnic groves, and leash-free dog parks), trails, and golf courses remain open. Measures have already been taken to limit the spread of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) at these facilities.  Those measures have been the subject of prior media releases and are available on the Commission’s webpage (somersetcountyparks.org). 

The Commission is soliciting the assistance of its park patrons who are encouraged to utilize parks and trails to seek relief from the stresses of COVID-19 to take anything (e.g., food, soft-drinks, etc.) that they bring into the parks with them when they leave the parks.  During this growing pandemic, it is anticipated that available Commission staff may be limited.  Accordingly, the assistance of park patrons in removing their trash and recycling is tremendously appreciated. 

In addition to removing garbage and recyclables, the Commission encourages those who use its parks and golf courses to engage in the following social distancing best practices:

• Do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms

• Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to visiting parks or trails

• Be prepared for limited or no access to public restrooms or water fountains

• Share the trail and warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass

• Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other persons at all times.

Updates on cancellations and openings may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-722-1200.

Golf Courses Open with Safety Protocols

The Somerset County Park Commission (SCPC) has suspended numerous programs and activities in response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. General use parks (excluding bathrooms, playgrounds and leash-free dog areas), trails, and golf remain open.

To ensure the safety of golfers, temporary regulations are now in place at all five golf courses including Neshanic Valley Golf Course and Learning Center on South Branch Road in Neshanic Station; Quail Brook Golf Course on New Brunswick Road in Somerset; Spooky Brook Golf Course at Colonial Park in Somerset; Green Knoll Golf Course on Garretson Road in Bridgewater; and Warrenbrook Golf Course on Warrenville Road in Warren Township.

The following measures are being taken at these facilities to keep Golf Operations staff and players safe, assuring everyone that the Park Commission is going above and beyond to limit the spread of the Coronavirus: 

·         All five clubhouses and the Learning Center will be restricted to a single

point-of-entry to enable the effective monitoring of the number of patrons

entering same. 

·         The number of golf patrons in the clubhouses and Learning Center will be

limited to four at any given time.

·         Cash will not be accepted at any golf course. 

·         Credit cards will be swiped by the golf patron at the point of sale, and gift

cards and identification tags will be scanned by managers and attendants

from a distance to eliminate common touching of objects.

·         Driving range tokens will be sanitized after each use. 

·         Golf patrons are reminded that walking is permitted at all five golf courses

and the Learning Center at Neshanic Valley, and those golfers who can

comfortably walk are encouraged to do so to support social distancing.

·         There will be no golf carts at the Academy Course at the Learning Center at

            Neshanic Valley. Golfers playing there may only walk. 

·         Golf play at Neshanic Valley will be limited to only two of the three nine-hole

courses.

·         Golf carts will be thoroughly sanitized after each round by Commission staff.

·         Where and when available, all golf courses will offer golf patrons the ability

to ride solo in golf cars. 

·         Golf patrons are reminded that flags may be left in golf holes while putting so

            as to minimize common touching.

The SCPC trail system throughout the county remains open for personal exercise and dog walking on a leash. All general use parks, (excluding bathrooms, playgrounds and leash-free dog areas), and gardens will remain open during normal hours. The SCPC continues to ensure that Somerset County Parks provide

safe public spaces to be utilized to seek a respite the pressures of the from COVID-19 pandemic. 

Updates on cancellations and openings may be found at www.somersetcountyparks.org or by calling 908-722-1200.

Colonial Park Gardens Receive National Accreditation

Somerset County Park Commission Colonial Park Gardens has been awarded a Level 1 Accreditation by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum. 

The recognition honors Colonial Park Gardens for having achieved particular standards of professional practices deemed important for arboreta and botanic gardens. The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism.

 

Colonial Park Gardens is now recognized as an accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants.

The 5 ½ acre Arboretum is located in the western section of Colonial Park in Colonial Park Gardens. It is comprised of over 900 specimens of trees and shrubs. The Arboretum is of interest to students of botany and horticulture as well as plant enthusiasts and park patrons and makes a beautiful backdrop for weddings and dedication ceremonies. Here visitors will find many species and varieties that are native to the United States as well as Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East. The current collection has a very well rounded representation of trees from many different taxonomic groups.  

“ArbNet accreditation is a significant accomplishment and a tribute to the dedication and talent of the Colonial Park Gardens staff, and the curation of a remarkable collection of diverse, interesting and beautiful trees and shrubs” commented Shauna Moore, Horticulture Supervisor. “With the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden having earned the ‘2015 World Federation of Rose Societies' (WFRS) Garden of Excellence Award and now the ArbNet recognition, Colonial Park Gardens can justifiably be considered one of the best gardens in the world.”

Colonial Park Gardens are located at Parking Lots A and F, 156 Mettlers Road in Somerset, (Franklin Township) New Jersey.

For information on Colonial Park Gardens call 908-722-1200, ext. 5721. 

For information on Somerset County Park Commission activities and programs visit www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-722-1200.

Leonard J. Buck Garden Seeking Volunteers

Somerset County Park Commission Leonard J. Buck Garden, located at 11 Layton Road in Far Hills, is looking for energetic volunteers to assist in general garden maintenance, act as docents, and lead tours throughout the nationally recognized rock garden.

Individuals who enjoy people and love gardening will have the opportuniuty to come share their passion and plant knowledge with fellow gardeners as a Garden Guide or Horticultural Assistant.

Tasks for trained Garden Guides include giving guided tours, greeting visitors, and answering questions. Tours are scheduled during the week and on Sunday afternoons in spring, early summer, and occasionally into autumn. Garden Guide training focuses on the many distinctive plants growing at Buck Garden plus the garden’s rich history. Training consists of five orientation sessions on alternate Thursdays from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. The first session this year is scheduled for April 2, 2020. This training is free, however pre-registration is required.

Also needed are Horticultural Assistants who help maintain various garden duties in the garden.  Working with the horticultural staff, volunteers will help with all of the tasks required to keep the garden in excellent condition. Planting, watering, weeding, mulching, pruning, and deadheading flowers are some of the gardening tasks. Gardening knowledge and experience is very much appreciated.

People 18 years of age and older who enjoy everything gardening, working outdoors, meeting new people with similar interests, and want to become part of our team should call call 908-722-1200 Ext. 5621.

Leonard J. Buck Garden is one of the premier rock gardens in the eastern United States consisting of a series of alpine and woodland garden areas situated in a 29-acre wooded stream valley.

Tucked among the rocks are rare and exotic rock garden plants. The wooded trails connecting the outcroppings are lined with beautiful wild flowers that have flourished and multiplied through the years. Throughout the garden grow various trees, shrubs, and perennials.

Information on Somerset County Park Commission programs and activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.

NVGC Recognized for Environmental Excellence

Somerset County Park Commission Neshanic Valley Golf Course (NVGC) has been recognized for its 10^th consecutive year as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary”. The recognition comes through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International (AI) program. NVGC was first designated in 2009 and is one of 858 courses in the world to currently be designated as such.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Program participation is designed to help course personnel plan, organize, implement, and document a comprehensive environmental management program and receive recognition for their efforts.

"To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas," explained Christine Kane, Executive Director of AI. “These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management. Courses go through a recertification process every three years.”

The recertification process was coordinated by Andrew Hojnowski, Manager of Golf Maintenance at NVGC. Of the course’s recertification, Hojnowski commented: “Environmental stewardship has always been a top priority at Neshanic Valley and we strive to ensure that we fulfill our responsibility to the environment and to our golfers. We continually prove that we can maintain the highest quality golfing experience while still protecting the environment around us.”

Neshanic Valley has also earned “River-Friendly” designation from the New Jersey Water Supply Authority; “Groundwater Guardian” by the Groundwater Foundation; “Environmental Stewardship” by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; and has been named 36^th Best Municipal Golf Course in the country by Golfweek magazine.

Neshanic Valley is an all-inclusive golfing experience with a 27-hole Championship Course, a 9-hole Academy Course, the Learning Center, and the Callaway Golf Performance Center. The state-of-the-art Learning Center includes a double-ended driving range with grass and mat hitting areas, a 12,000 square foot putting green, a practice facility including bunkers and three chipping greens, and two practice holes.

The Callaway Golf Performance Center at Neshanic Valley offers a state-of-the-art computerized golf club fitting and swing analysis system, operated by Callaway-trained professionals. The Center also houses the HDGolf Simulator with a selection of 26 championship courses.

Information on Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org

Make Wedding Ceremony/Photo Reservations at Gardens

The Horticulture Department of the Somerset County Park Commission is accepting reservations for wedding ceremonies and photos at the following locations: Colonial Park Gardens, namely the Arboretum (for ceremonies and photos) and the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden (for photography only). The Leonard J. Buck Garden is accepting reservations for wedding photography only. The fee for each garden is $150.00 per hour. 

Colonial Park Gardens is located in Colonial Park, Somerset, (Franklin Township), New Jersey.

The one-acre Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden is a display garden, comprising one acre of plantings with more than 3,000 roses in more than 325 varieties. The garden is at its peak bloom in late May and June. 

Since the Perennial Garden is under renovation, we cannot accommodate wedding ceremonies and photography. 

The 144-acre Arboretum provides displays of flowering trees, evergreens, shade trees, dwarf conifers, and flowering shrubs. This includes the three-acre Shrub Collection which showcases plants that grow well in central NJ and are designed to give year-round interest by using flowering shrubs; trees; perennials; and ornamental grasses; and the areas surrounding the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden and the Perennial Garden. 

The Leonard J. Buck Garden, located at 11 Layton Road in Far Hills, is a unique naturalistic garden of great beauty. Well-known for its numerous wildflowers, shrubs, and beautiful shade trees, this woodland rock garden is the perfect setting for spectacular wedding photos. This 13-acre rock garden is set within a 29-acre natural woodland area and features a rustic gazebo and bridges, sparkling pond, flowing stream, and winding paths leading to your memorable wedding photo site. 

Reservations, at least two weeks prior to the wedding date, may be made by calling 908- 722-1200 ext. 5721 for the Colonial Park Gardens and ext. 5621 for the Leonard J. Buck Garden. Individuals with hearing/speech impairment may use the NJ Relay Service at 711. The reservation line for Colonial Park Gardens is available from Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 3:00pm and the Leonard J. Buck Garden from 9:00am to 4:00pm (except for holidays). 

Information on Somerset County Park Commission activities may be found on the Internet at www.somersetcountyparks.org.