Dear TR Participants: We hope that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. Park Commission staff worked diligently to keep the parks and golf courses open for as long as possible, implementing safe practices, and then closed facilities when directed. All decisions have been made in compliance with the Executive Orders issued by Governor Murphy, especially #118 to close all county parks. We don���t know how long these measures will be in place, or what additional Executive Orders will be issued as the country and the county eventually begin to reopen. Throughout the past month, Park Commission management has had multiple discussions about how to operate the park system once it is reopened given the current parameters, and the still to be determined unknown circumstances, as flattening of the curve and containment of the virus continues to unfold and affects daily life. After discussions with the Park Commissioners, the decision has been made to not open seasonal facilities this summer, and to cancel all in-person programs, summer camps, special events, and other group activities organized by the Park Commission through the remainder of 2020. This includes junior golf, tennis clinics, swimming lessons, and riding lessons; summer camps at the EEC, TR, and the Stable; school and scouting groups; Independence Day Fireworks and the Summer Concert Series; and fall in-person programs and special events offered by all departments. Also remaining closed are the Green Knoll Tennis Center, the Warrenbrook Pool, and the Colonial Park Putting Course, Paddle Boats, and Spray Park. We are saddened that we will be unable to provide the summer and fall programs that you, your child, and/or your family were hoping to experience. During these extraordinary and unprecedented times however, we must make prudent decisions for everyone���s safety. We look forward to the parks and golf courses reopening. At that time, the trails will be open for people to again explore the joy in our natural world. Some departments will also be doing virtual programming, and there are some links to free programming available on our website at www.somersetcountyparks.org under Free Virtual Fitness, Meditation, and Education Links. The TR department wants to stay connected with those individuals who participate in our programs or are eligible for our programs. Like many others agencies in NJ and throughout the country we will be offering virtual programs shortly. Staff is looking at programs for those 18 and older and well as virtual summer activities for children and teens. If you are interested in participating please let us know so we can add you to the list of those interested. Lisa, Gwen and myself have been working hard to researching many different types of virtual programs that can best meet the abilities of our participants. We will be communicating only by email at this point so make sure you regularly check your emails. Refunds for your scheduled programs or trip will be forthcoming. We wanted to alert you to our decision as soon as it was made, and now we will begin, as quickly as possible, to process refunds. If you registered for either one of the TR camps, tennis, soccer or TRAILS, your payment was never processed. We wish you and your families health in body and spirit during this time. Thank you for your understanding and support of the Park Commission. Sincerely, Dina Trunzo, CTRS Dina Trunzo, CTRS Somerset County Park Commission Administrator, Leisure and Community Services ADA Coordinator PO Box 5327 North Branch, NJ 08876 908 526-5650 (main number) 908 722-1200 ext 5234 908 429-5508 (fax) www.somersetcountyparks.org Follow us on Facebook at Somerset County Park Commission! www.facebook.com/SomersetCountyParkCommission