Iconic Jersey Shore Boardwalk Reopens; Long Branch Gets Ready for Memorial Day Weekend

Edited by: JV Staff

Good news for New Jersey residents who are just itching to get out of their homes and into the great outdoors. So, after almost two months of scrupulously adhering to the self-isolation and quarantine guidelines offered by Garden State Governor Phil Murphy, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it now appears that among the restrictions that are in the process of being eased is the opening of the iconic Long Branch, New Jersey boardwalk. 

As of 6 am on Saturday, May 9th, the boardwalk, adjacent roadway and promenade all opened. The closures of the boardwalk and its amenities began on March 31st due to the  rapid spread of the Coronavirus in places like New York and New Jersey.   

Due to health concerns the bathrooms on the boardwalk will stay closed, and social distancing rules will continue to apply.  Wearing protective masks and latex gloves are encouraged if social distancing is not possible.

Long Branch Mayor John Pallone decided to announce the closures in March to prevent a surge of visitors who would likely gravitate there with the upcoming warm weather. The beaches, however, have remained open for residents, sightseers and tourists.     

Long Branch is complete with sandy beaches, oceanfront promenades, delicious food and plenty of summertime events. The town also hosts parades, antique shows, holiday events and great live theatre. And, of course, the annual Oceanfest, the biggest Independence Day celebration anywhere in New Jersey.

According to the Patch.com web site, New Jersey county officials have worked with mayors on gradually reopening their cities and towns.

“I have been working closely with the governor’s office on beaches reopening and I hope to have more guidance next week,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone. “I am in constant communication with our shore town mayors and I would like to see the beaches open by Memorial Day weekend.”

According to a recent report on the nj.com web site, in his strongest indication yet, Gov. Phil Murphy said Friday “optimism is high” that New Jersey’s beaches will be reopened by Memorial Day weekend, with some strict measures, even as the coronvirus continues to grip the state.

Murphy had signaled Thursday evening of potentially opening up the beaches for the holiday, which is only a little over two weeks away.

The nj.com report also indicated that Cape May County officials sent Murphy a plan earlier this week to incrementally reopen beaches, boardwalks, bars and other staples of the county’s tourism industry over the next two months.