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Kids to Parks Day

Due to COVID-19, Kids to Parks Day, which was scheduled this year for May 16th, has unfortunately been cancelled. HOWEVER

National Park Trust is taking the 10th anniversary of Kids to Parks Day digital and instead is celebrating May 16, 2020, as Parks to Kids Day — bringing a much-needed infusion of the outdoors to kids and families as they isolate at home and practice social distancing. Join them for this virtual celebration and bring parks home on this special day. To get started, you can download their ParkPassport app for iPhone and Androiddeveloped in partnership with Blue Star Families. There are more than 500 virtual resources featured; you can even earn Junior Ranger badges! For more information on resources designed to bring parks to kids, click here.

Governor Murphy Announces That Schools Will Remain Closed Through the End of the Academic Year

Remote learning to continue until end of school year

TRENTON – Citing the need to protect the health of New Jersey’s 1.6 million public and private school students as well as thousands of educators and support staff, Governor Phil Murphy today announced that statewide school closures will be extended through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. Private schools with longer academic years will remain closed until at least June 30.

While the prohibition of in-person instruction will be maintained through the end of the school year, public schools will continue to provide remote learning for students to allow districts to meet the state-required minimum of 180 instruction days.

“This is a difficult decision and I know that many students, parents, and staff would like to be able to return to school,” said Governor Murphy. “However, I have been unwavering on the message that we need to make decisions based on science, not emotion. And while New Jersey is making great strides in mitigating the spread of COVID-19, science tells us that at this point, we can’t safely re-open our schools.”

“I commend Governor Murphy’s thoughtful, deliberative approach that takes into account the concerns of school administrators, teachers, and other stakeholders in the education community,” said Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet. “However, the most compelling factor guiding today’s decision is the health of New Jersey’s students and educators, and their families.”

The Administration will create a steering committee consisting of a diverse group of stakeholders in the education community to explore summer learning opportunities for all students, including school-sponsored summer programming and Extended School Year for students with disabilities. The committee will provide recommendations to the Administration as to which services need to continue to be provided remotely should the public health emergency extend past the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year.

The committee will also explore approaches for the safest and most efficient re-opening of schools for the 2020-2021 school year.

In addition, the Department of Education will work with school officials to share ideas on safe and innovative ways to recognize 2020 high school graduates and other end-of-year milestones for students.

Federal Stimulus Funding

The Administration plans to tap federal funds that will help schools improve continuity of learning, assist with sanitizing and deep cleaning of school buildings, and address the emotional needs of students.

New Jersey recently applied for $310 million in federal funding through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, which is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Districts will have substantial local discretion in use of these funds; the CARES Act lists a number of allowable uses, including:

  • Purchase of educational technology, including hardware, software and connectivity
  • Purchase of sanitization and cleaning supplies
  • Mental health supports
  • Plan and implement activities related to summer learning and supplemental after-school programs, including providing online learning during the summer months to address the needs of student subgroups
  • Planning and coordinating the distribution of meals to eligible students
  • Provide principals and other school leaders with the resources necessary to address the needs of their individual schools
  • Activities to address the unique needs of student subgroups

Federal officials have signaled that states can anticipate a rapid approval of applications for this stimulus funding.

Updated Preparedness Plans

In the weeks leading up to Governor Murphy’s order to close schools statewide starting March 18, the Department of Education required school districts to develop Emergency Preparedness Plans that addressed critical issues, such as delivery of remote instruction, special education services, and food security. The Murphy Administration will call on school districts to revise their schoolwide Emergency Preparedness Plans to address the extension of school closures through June 30.

Linden Parks and Recreation has put together a list of different activities and resources for families to utilize during COVID-19.

Visit parks, museums have all sorts of virtual adventures and do fun and interesting activities right from home.

Parks

Aquariums

Virtual Reality & 360 Degree Fun

Museums

Zoos

Projects, Great Reading, Activities, Other Live Cams & More

Union County Parks to Re-Open on Limited Basis with Social Distancing, May 2

Union County, NJ – Union County parks will partially re-open beginning at dawn on Saturday, May 2, for limited and passive activities only, in accordance with statewide restrictions issued by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. The County’s two golf courses will open next week, after routine maintenance is conducted.

“Union County parks will re-open under guidelines that are consistent with the statewide plan, which provides for residents to benefit from healthy outdoor activities while diligently observing precautions against spreading or contracting COVID-19,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“As a reminder, the virus does not disappear outside,” Mirabella added.

“Please be safe, and help save lives by observing the six-foot social distance guideline and other rules for visiting County parks during this time.”

Union County parks will open on the following basis:

  1. All group activities, including picnics and other gatherings remain prohibited.
  2. Only individual activities are permitted, such as walking, jogging, bicycling, and fishing. For these activities, individuals may be accompanied by family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners.
  3. Park visitors must stay on marked paths and observe signage for social distancing.
  4. Park visitors are encouraged to wear masks.
  5. The following facilities remain closed until further notice:
    • Restrooms
    • Picnic areas
    • Athletic fields
    • Playgrounds and exercise stations
    • Trailside Nature & Science Center
    • Warinanco Sports Center
    • Watchung Stable
    • Echo Lake and Warinanco dog parks

Visitors are advised to avoid congested areas. When using pathways and trails give way to others, in order to maintain a six-foot social distance.

Visitors are also advised to observe other COVID-19 preventive measures including: wash hands frequently, do not touch face, cover coughs and sneezes with tissue or elbow, do not go out if sick, stay away from sick people, and use a face mask for additional protection.

Park visitors please note: Stay on marked trails in order to preserve fragile native habitat in County parks. The taking of plants and other wildlife is prohibited. Share paved paths by keeping to the right unless passing others. Bicycles are permitted only on paved paths. Dogs must be kept on leash. All trash must be carried out where receptacles are full or unavailable.

– – – – – –

TRENTON, NJGovernor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 133, reopening state parks and golf courses, and restoring the authority of county governments to determine whether county parks will be open or closed. The order takes effect at sunrise on Saturday, May 2. 

What not to flush, and how to prevent backups.

Help maintain a healthy sewer system in our community!

We continue to be proactive in our response to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Due to this public health emergency our equipment is experiencing blockages from “flushable” and disinfectant wipes. With the increased use of wipes (“flushable”, wet, baby, anti-bacterial, disinfectant) and paper towels, we are reminding all residents to PLEASE make sure you put these items in the trash and do not flush them down the toilet!

“Flushable wipes” are often marketed as an alternative to toilet paper and claim to be “flushable” and “sewer safe.” However…

  • These wipes DO NOT break down when flushed in both private household plumbing and the public sewer system.
  • Serious blockages resulting in septic and sewer backups may occur.
  • Disposable wipes, even those labeled ‘flushable’ should be disposed of in the trash, not flushed down the toilet.

Read the informative flyer for more information. Thank you for helping us maintain a healthy sewer system in our community!

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Providing Critical Short-Term Support for Renters

Additional Informational Resources for Renters, Homeowners, and Landlords Now Available

TRENTON – To provide additional options to tenantswho are struggling financially as result of COVID-19, Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 128, allowing tenants to direct their landlords to use their security deposits to offset rent or back rent. 

“We recognize the anxiety that so many are feeling about looming rent payments, and during this emergency renters should have the ability to utilize their security deposit to help them stay in their place of residence,” said Governor Murphy. “While this action does not resolve the broader financial concerns of New Jerseyans, this will provide critical short-term support as the first of the month approaches. My Administration will continue working with the housing community and federal government to develop long-term solutions to this crisis.”

Read & Download

PPP Resumes April 27, 2020

The SBA will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 10:30am EDT.

Paycheck Protection Program Loan Information

The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program.

Frequently Asked Questions for Lenders and Borrowers (04/26/2020)

How to Calculate Loan Amounts

For affiliation rules applicable for the Paycheck Protection Program, click here.

The Interim Final Rule for Applicable Affiliation Rules for the Paycheck Protection Program as posted in the Federal Register.

Frequently Asked Questions for Faith-Based Organizations Participating in the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

Apply for the Paycheck Protection Program by finding a lender.

Celebrate Earth Day & National Park Week

Linden Parks & Recreation in cooperation with National Park Trust present these activities to Celebrate Earth Day and National Park Week.

Happy Earth Day and National Park Week! While we’d much rather be spending it outdoors at our favorite park, there are still lots of creative ways to celebrate from home. Earth Day began 50 years ago to focus on the importance of environmental protection and education.  Today we invite you to join us and participate in some environmental fun at home by getting a little dirty and building a veggie garden with our woolly mascot Buddy Bison. You can reuse materials from around your home and even use kitchen scraps to grow your own produce. In the spirit of National Park Week, we are excited to share 10 lesser-known amazing national park sites that you and your family can discover while earning Junior Ranger badges online. Stay healthy and safe!

Buddy Bison’s Veggie Garden

Make the most of kitchen scraps by creating your own vegetable garden with Buddy Bison! Decorate with natural materials and learn about different seeds that will flourish on your windowsill or on your counter. Download the instructions here. Post a picture of your garden and share it with us on Instagram by tagging @nationalparktrust or using the hashtag #BuddyBison.

Online Junior Ranger Badges

To celebrate National Park Week, we are thrilled to share 10 Junior Ranger badges you can earn from home. It doesn’t matter what age you are, just “explore, learn, and protect” your national parks online and become an official Junior Ranger and earn your badges! From Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas to Point Reyes National Seashore in California, you can learn about history, night skies, or even dinosaurs! Click here to learn more!

With any questions, please always feel free to contact Ralph Dunhamn, Director of Linden’s Department of Parks & Recreations.