Resident who suffered concussion after being struck by golf ball urges Hudson County to install protective netting

A Hudson County resident told commissioners she was struck in the head by a golf ball while walking in Lincoln Park West near the Skyway Golf Course and asked the county to install protective netting along the walkway to prevent future injuries.

Lauren Morris recounted suffering a concussion nearly two years ago after being hit in the forehead by a golf ball while walking with a friend. She said she underwent months of therapy, incurred ER and doctor bills and continues to experience lingering effects. "Please add netting to that side of the park," she told the board, noting that pedestrians — including teenagers, families and infants — use the unprotected walkway.

Board members and staff discussed where netting already exists along Route 440 and where exposures remain. Commissioners asked the Hudson County Improvement Authority or the parks department to return at the next meeting with a cost estimate for installing netting where the walkway is exposed and to identify who would pay for it. One commissioner suggested the Improvement Authority should pay because it operates the golf course.

County counsel discussed liability concerns and said that taking remedial action to address a hazard generally does not prevent a defendant from asserting defenses; counsel described the doctrine of subsequent remedial measures and indicated such fixes ordinarily are not an admission of liability that would bar later defenses. The board asked for a cost estimate and scheduled the matter for the public resources committee to determine funding and timeline.

The board did not vote to commit funds at the meeting but directed staff to return with an estimate and options for installation and payment responsibility.