Long Island beaches ready for start of summer season

As Memorial Day approaches, state park officials say Long Island's beaches are ready for the unofficial kickoff to the summer season.
Officials are showcasing improvements this week that have been made to parks on the Island. Despite some beach erosion from March's string of nor'easters, they say most Long Island beaches are in good shape and will open on time.
Sunken Meadow State Park now has automated tollbooths, a renovated pavilion for events and a revamped golf course that has a new pro shop and irrigation system.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of Sunken Meadow's season, when daily admission charges kick in and lifeguards are on duty.
New cottages at Wildwood State Park will let visitors spend the night. And conditions and upgrades at Jones Beach and Robert Moses state parks will be toured on Tuesday, when officials are expected to announce that the East Marina at Robert Moses will now be an overnight marina with electricity and water facilities.
The state parks system in the state pumps $5 billion a year into the economy.