Island Beach State Park, Other Facilities Close As Christie Shuts Down Government

Gov. Chris Christie has declared a state of emergency in New Jersey and ordered the closure of state government after the state legislature last night failed to act on the fiscal year 2018 state budget.

The order closes all state parks, recreation areas, forests and historic sites. That means Island Beach State Park and Liberty State Park will be closed for the holiday weekend. All public events at state parks will be canceled.

The closure of Island Beach State Park will be a blow to visitors hoping to cool off during torrid weather forecast for the next several days.

Read more: N.J. State Government Shuts Down (Video)

“This order is necessary to maintain the protection, safety and well-being of the people of New Jersey while I attempt to convince the Legislature to send me a fiscally responsible budget that I can sign and re-open New Jersey’s government, ” said Christie. “This was completely avoidable. But Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto needlessly stalled the budget process, forcing the closure of New Jersey government and inconveniencing everyone living in and visiting our state.”

The following will remain in operation: State Police, state correctional facilities, key child welfare services, state hospitals and treatment facilities, NJ TRANSIT, and operations linked to the health, safety, and welfare of the public, including certain environmental and health monitoring. The state closure also will NOT impact the State Lottery, casinos and racetracks. For details on non-essential services that will be closed as well as operations that will remain open, check the website of that department or agency.

Image: Patricia A. Miller