BLASDELL, NY (WKBW) — It's the start to Memorial Day Weekend which means beaches like Woodlawn Beach State Park in Blasdell are now open.
"This facility is one of the jewels of New York State recreation," Jim Shaw, Town of Hamburg supervisor said. "It's open to all citizens of Western New York located right here in the town that friendship built."
It's a nice getaway for those with cabin fever.
"It feels absolutely fabulous," Patricia Rogowski said as she watched her granddaughter, Claire play in the sand. "She's been in the water, she's dug holes, she's built castles, she's eating, she's having a blast.
But beach-goers still need to be cautious.
"We have an obligation to respect each other, to protect each other, to ensure that we flatten this curve, defeat this virus, and bring us back to a new normal," Shaw said.
It's why the number of cars allowed in the parking lot has been reduced and bathrooms can only be at half capacity. Police are patrolling the area on four wheelers, and families are encouraged to set up ten feet apart.
"It takes trust in your neighbors," New York State assemblyman Sean Ryan said. "I'm very happy to see so far what we've seen, people walking up and wearing their masks with umbrellas and with their blanket."
Woodlawn Beach State Park is open daily from dawn to dusk. Lifeguards will be on duty with swimming allowed from 10am-6pm on weekends only until June 20. After June 20 swimming will be available daily through Labor Day.
