BLOOMFIELD, NJ -- Following guidelines from the CDC and the state of New Jersey, Bloomfield is slowly beginning to expand available recreation areas open to the public. Township tennis courts will be open for a 30-day trial period starting Monday at 12:00pm with all rules and regulations posted at each court and can also be found here.
“In Bloomfield, we are fortunate to have some of the most outstanding recreation areas in the county and we want residents to be able to take advantage of them,” said Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia. “As a result of COVID-19 there have been restrictions placed on use of our parks and the municipal tennis courts have been closed. We are slowly lifting restrictions on recreation with guidance from the CDC and the state but I implore residents to continue to practice social distancing and to wear a mask to keep you and others safe.”
All organized recreational sports are still prohibited through June 21. This includes basketball courts, baseball/softball fields, football fields, soccer fields, the skate park and tot-lot playgrounds. As per Governor Murphy’s Executive Order non-contact sports will be permitted to resume outdoor play beginning on June 22.
Bloomfield fitness centers and gyms that would like to use township fields can do so immediately but must submit a permit here. The permit fee for gyms and fitness centers will be waived. Bloomfield sports organizations, fitness centers and gyms must also submit, in writing, the policies and procedures that will be implemented to ensure the guidelines set forth by the NJ Department of Health are followed while using township facilities. Proof of insurance is also required.
All active recreation field use is by permit only.
“Our department has been working hard throughout this crisis to ensure that residents are able to enjoy our parks as much as possible in a safe manner,” said Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Director Michael Sceurman. “We have been following all guidelines handed down from health officials and are eager to continue to open up more areas to residents when it is deemed safe to do so.”
Regulations for all Bloomfield Municipal Parks are as follows:
· All parks are open daily from dusk until dawn unless playing on a lighted athletic field.
· All athletic lighting is scheduled to turn off at 10:00pm.
· All permanent restrooms facilities will remain closed until further notice.
· A social distance of six feet should be maintained while in our park system.
· Facial coverings/masks are required.
· Parking should be staggered utilizing every other parking spot.
· All personal protective equipment must be disposed of properly
· Please dispose of any garbage or recycling in the appropriate containers.
Though the Civic Center remains closed to the public, staff have returned to the building and will be there Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. Staff members can be contacted via our main phone number 973-743-9074, email or traditional mail. The Senior Citizen Bus and Dial A Ride services have resumed traditional work days but are on a modified schedule. Please call 973-566-7194 for more info or visit the transportation page on this website.