Crowds Head To Jones Beach For Memorial Day

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Crowds flocked to Long Island Monday to spend Memorial Day having some fun in the sun at Jones Beach.

"It feels great, no snow and you can have fun again," one beachgoer told CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff.

"It feels invigorating and exciting to be on the beach," another man said.

Front row seats at the shoreline go fast, but expansive Jones Beach with its many parking fields rarely sells out, according to the state park's George Gorman.

He said with water temps in the high 50s and a cool sea breeze keeping it in the 70s, there's room for everyone.

"This is a great kickoff to the summer," he said. "Last year we had cool summer. Attendance was good, but we want even better."

There were 500 life guards, 1,600 part time employees and approximately 60,000 visitors hitting the beach on Monday alone.

Jones Beach is in the midst of a five-year rejuvenation project. Comfort stations and food courts have been reconstructed along with aging buildings and boardwalks.

"This is the first year on the boardwalk you can bike all year round," one man said. "Hopefully no one will get hurt but it feels great to be outside."

"We are bringing back the original grandeur," Gorman said.

Another notable upgrade: the Jones Beach toll plaza now takes credit cards for parking fees.

Until the concession improvements are complete, temporary food services are set up offering healthier choices.