Irene: Duke Island Park, North Branch Park Closed Indefinitely

The Somerset County Park Commission has released information about its facilities following initial assessments of damage after Hurricane Irene.

Facilities Closed Indefinitely

• North Branch Park in Bridgewater
• Duke Island Park in Bridgewater: The park, including playgrounds and ball fields, is closed indefinitely. The park saw a canal breach, as well as damage to the band shell in the center of the park.
• Colonial Park Gardens in Somerset
• Colonial Park Tennis Center & Paddle Boats in Somerset
• Washington Valley Park & Sourland Mountain Preserve: Residents are encouraged to stay away from these parks until safety evaluations can be completed.

Facilities Open or Expected to Open This Week

• Park Commission Headquarters, Milltown Road at North Branch Park in Bridgewater: The park has flooded, and the water reached the headquarters building, but did not impact its first floor. Vehicles normally at headquarters had been moved to the 4-H Center, and the building endured minimal damage. At this point, the building has power, but the phones and Internet are not working. The staff is expected to be back on site Tuesday.
• Frank "Nap" Torpey Athletic Complex in Bridgewater: There are no restrictions, and it is completely open.
• Natirar in Peapack: The park trails will be open Tuesday.
• Colonial Park in Somerset: The park walking trails and the putting course are open now.
• Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge: The building is open, but the trails will be closed until further notice.
• Green Knoll Tennis Center in Bridgewater: The center will open Tuesday.
• Warrenbrook Pool: The pool will be open Tuesday.
• Lord Stirling Stable in Basking Ridge: The stable is open, but the trails are going to remain closed because of downed trees and washed-out areas. The commission expects it will take up to three weeks to fix the trails for safe use, but pony rides and hacking will begin Tuesday.
• Neshanic Valley Golf Course in Neshanic Station: The gold course is open, and the Junior Golf School is scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
• Spooky Brook Golf Course in Somerset:The course is open.
• Quail Brook Golf Course in Somerset: The course suffered downed trees, as well as damage to the bridge, tee and greens. It is anticipated to reopen Saturday.