It was a beautiful weekend around the Garden State as countless people spent their day at state and county parks.

As parks throughout New Jersey reopened this weekend, the warm weather helped usher in a sense of normalcy for many people who enjoy the outdoors. "I'm sure people were so ready for this. It's hard to stay away to finally get out," says Debbie Ritchie, of Princeton Junction.

Signs were posted throughout parks reminding people to enjoy nature without spreading the coronavirus. "People are being careful. When I've been at other places hiking, people pull off to the side they give each other lots of space," says Stephanie Underhill, of Morris Township.

But as quickly as they were reopened, many parks had to turn people away. On Saturday, Hacklebarney State Park trails were so overcrowded that rangers had to temporarily stop people from entering. It's not the only state park being described as overrun.  A long list of other parks temporarily closed entrances and parking on Sunday as well, following Gov. Phil Murphy's executive order limiting parking at parks to 50% of maximum capacity. 

Many say they plan on following the rules, enjoying the Garden State's natural beauty, and doing their best to stay safe. "There's always some level of risk but I feel like as long you were trying at least then that's all you can really do," says Logan Baker, of Randolph

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