New Jersey Parks Get Partially Privatized

A new plan from Governor Christie involves the state retaining control over the parks but contract with non-profit and business partners for services.

1 minute read

November 3, 2011, 11:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur


Last year, Gov. Christie launched a privatization task force, and they recommended the state parks as a clear option.

According to reporter Matt Katz, "The change could decrease public access, giving private entities power to prioritize corporation rentals over the desire of weekend visitors to use facilities, according to critics of the plan. Restaurants, stores, and water parks could open in parks, they said."

Needless to say, environmentalists and others are not happy with the plan, which will launch first as a test in Wharton State Forest.

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