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Rush To Get Ready at State Parks

TOBYHANNA STATE PARK — With Memorial Day weekend a few days away, there’s a scramble at some state parks to get ready for crowds of visitors. Worker...
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TOBYHANNA STATE PARK -- With Memorial Day weekend a few days away, there's a scramble at some state parks to get ready for crowds of visitors.

Workers at Tobyhanna State Park in Monroe County tell us the wet and cold month put them way behind, but the sunshine this week is really helping.

It can take a while to spread out all the buoys for the beach swimming area -- just one of many jobs the wet, cold May has delayed for the crew that cares for Tobyhanna and Gouldsboro State Parks.

"It's just hard to get ahead and the beaches have to be ready for Friday," said worker Ray Roxby.

"We're really getting good weather right before Memorial Day," added worker Mike Nocito. "We're getting a lot done now we couldn't get done the last few weeks."

As they pulled the buoys out into the water, people showed up anxious for the beach to open.

"Look at the height of the grass, can't even get in to cut it so we'll be working nonstop trying to get it all in for Friday," said Roxby.

"This is finally the best week we have to get everything ready and we're rushed," said Nocito. "Only a few days, but we're getting there."

There is a lot of work that goes into getting everything out, getting everything ready for the summer season, but those doing that work know there will be plenty of people appreciating that work, and appreciating finally getting summer sun.

"We've been waiting for this for a few months and it's just great to get out on a day like this and especially take advantage of the state parks of Pennsylvania," said Joanne Kawczenski.

The Kawczenskis from the Wilkes-Barre area are enjoying the park before the busy weekend.

"That's what we're doing here.  We had work to do at home, but we said let's get out there before it gets too crowded."

Other people are in summer fun mode already too, but there will be a lot more action starting Friday, especially with a summer-like forecast.

"May has just been gray, rainy, and cold and now it's just gorgeous," said Brian Kawczenski.

The beaches at Tobyhanna and Gouldsboro State Parks open on Friday.  Some state park beaches are already open.   Most state park pools open this weekend.

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