Sunken Meadow, 2 other state parks reopened
The Chaudhry family of Brooklyn parked outside Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park after its lots filled on Wednesday and walked into the park with picnic supplies. Credit: Newsday/Keshia Clukey
After driving two hours from Brooklyn, the Chaudhry family wasn’t going to give up their picnic at Sunken Meadow State Park, even though the Kings Park facility was filled to capacity.
So they parked their car outside the park and, in the sweltering heat, walked in with their cooking supplies and coolers.
Officials announced the Sunken Meadow closure at about noon, saying all 7,200 parking spots were occupied. By 5:30 p.m., the park had reopened.
The family had walked about halfway in when, luckily, a friend managed to get a car in and take them the rest of the way.
“It’s totally worth it, especially when you get the barbecue going,” said Imme Chaudhry, 29, once the group had settled in on a grassy spot at the park.
She and her family have been going to Sunken Meadow for the Fourth of July for the last six years.
“Everybody likes the park, and it’s too hot,” said Shamas Chaudhry, 61, her father. “I love the good weather, that’s why I come here.”
A sign on the Long Island Expressway near Exit 52 in Dix Hills on July 4 tells motorists that Sunken Meadow State Park is full. Credit: Newsday/Kenneth Sawchuk
Orient Beach State Park and Wildwood State Park also were closed due to overcapacity, park officials said. But the two facilities reopened about 4:30 p.m.
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