The million-dollar improvements at some state-owned Long Island?s beaches were completed in time for beachgoers who wanted to get an early start to the summer Friday.

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and even though temperatures only hit about 70 degrees, residents hit Jones Beach in full force. Improvements were made to the bathhouses and boardwalk. New lights and a ball field were also put in at Jones Beach.

Many Long Islanders say they plan to stay local this summer and take advantage of area beaches more due to the high gas prices.

Robert Moses State Park also got a new bathhouse, and a new picnic area was put in at Bethpage State Park. The state also spent $1 million alone on playgrounds in the area.