Morris officials often boast, with ample reason, about the county’s park system.
So why are they keeping the public from using it?
On Sunday, the South Street parking lot for the Loantaka Brook Reservation in Morris Township was meticulously plowed–and gated shut with a “closed sign” and padlock.
This happens every time it snows. Which means tough luck for cross-country skiers, snow-shoers, hikers, etc., who want to enjoy the wintry beauty of this end of the park.
If the lot is closed to the public whenever it snows, why does the county go to the trouble and expense of plowing it?
Just askin’.
- THE CALM AFTER THE STORM: Loantaka Brook Reservation. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Loantaka is a county park, so it is overseen by the Freeholders and county parks commission — not by the municipality of Morris Twp.
I respectfully disagree. I think if the county had the money and resources to properly man the parks during snow events they would be open. Can’t think of any other reason why they would closed.
I also agree that the parks set aside for public use should be open to the public….for our use! Emergency, Ridge? Not equipped? Are you kidding me? You think the park police are a mom and pop operation? Those guys are trained professionals, believe me they have contingency plans for all types of emergencies, they don’t just drive around the park in their cars and trucks in uniform eating snacks and drinking coffee. They are real police, trust me. Emergency response is built into the parks’ budgets, they do have their own equipment, and I’m sure they know exactly which surrounding towns have what they don’t, so they can coordinate in emergencies. They have horses, cars, trucks, pickups, snowplows, lake rescue equipment for winter and summer, and yes, even snowmobiles. Snowmobiles are not a luxury item for one of the wealthiest areas of the USA; if we can feed and care for horses year round, a snowmobile in a garage is trivial. I bet the park police have any number of officers who would volunteer for that duty in a second.
More than likely because the County is not equipped to respond to an emergency if someone were to need help. If someone skis into the park and has a heart attack, how would EMS get to them? I suspect you can ski/hike at your own risk, but you cannot expect Morris County to take responsibility for your well-being. I’m sure there’s no money in the budget for snowmobiles.
Totally agree! It makes no sense that they plow the lot then lock it. Ridiculous. Kevin – will you let us know if someone from the park system responds?
I’d love to know the reasoning behind this lockout. I’m just an old cyclist who’s just going to have to wait and wait and wait for the snow to melt from the trails, but others certainly ought to be able to gain access to the park.