Maplewood residents, like many people, are wondering what summer will look like in the time of Covid-19. Will the pool be open? Is it safe to have summer camp? What about July 4th, one of the town’s largest and most treasured traditions?
On Tuesday night, in its (now virtual) bi-weekly meeting, the Maplewood Township Committee attempted to provide some clarity for people.
Still: “Everything is so up in the air and it changes weekly, so we have to be mindful of that,” said TC member Nancy Adams.
Public Health Officer Candice Davenport, after announcing that Maplewood had a total of 215 cases of Covid-19 and 15 deaths, struck a cautionary note:
“We are in a public health emergency, one of the biggest crises that we will see in our lifetimes. Everything is uncertain.” She asked that township leaders consult with the health department for advice and guidance before making decisions.
She continued, “I understand how important these things are for the township…but we have to do this carefully to protect the public.”
First, the town’s annual Memorial Day Parade and ceremony are canceled. “..the whole notion of marching” close together is problematic, said TC member Vic DeLuca, “and veterans are a vulnerable population.”
Maplewood Pool
DeLuca said township leaders have been discussing whether the pool can be open this year, and if so, under what conditions.
Mayor Frank McGehee said the town is “strongly considering” opening for a truncated season starting June 20, rather than a graduated opening beginning Memorial Day weekend, and gradually opening up.
“I’m hoping we can have a pool season,” said McGehee, echoing the sentiments of the rest of the TC.
DeLuca said the governing body would need to make a firm decision by the May 19 meeting in order for the Recreation Department to have time to hire staff. If the pool is open, there is a discussion of whether people will need to wear masks in certain areas, how social distancing will be employed, and how to make it a safe experience for everyone.
He said he would like to get an operational plan from the Recreation Department first before any decision can be made.
“We do believe at some point [Gov. Murphy] will come out with some direction” regarding the reopening of beaches and shore towns, and the town would have more guidance, said McGehee. “People are going to try to enjoy their summer as much as they can.”
The pool will incur $300,000 worth of fixed costs regardless of whether it is open. However, TC member Greg Lembrich noted that if the pool does not open, any resident who has already registered will receive a refund. “No one will lose their money.”
July 4th: Fireworks only?
“We really can’t have the type of 4th of July we’ve had historically,” said McGehee, but, “We want to provide our community with some normality.”
The township is considering holding the fireworks as usual, but canceling the rest of the day’s activities. Fireworks would still take place in the usual space but with “strict social distancing.”
There is still some time to make a decision, but the town needs enough time to go out for bids. DeLuca noted that the town would need to make sure there are cancellation clauses in any fireworks contracts.
Summer Camp
“We’re not making a decision about any closure or postponing…because they would happen after school ends,” and that date is currently unknown, said Township Administrator Sonia Viveiros. She noted that some parents rely on the camps for summer childcare. “We are operating under the assumption that we would still be opening at the end of June.”
Maplewood Farmers Market
Farmers markets are an essential business, said TC member Nancy Adams, but the township needs to consider what precautions it would take to ensure safety.
Maplewoodstock has been postponed to October.
NJ Pride is scheduled for September 13, 2020, said Deputy Mayor Dean Dafis.
