People were still at the Woodward Park Sunday evening enjoying Easter Sunday. Woodward Park, was so busy, it shut down at 12:30 p.m. Drivers willing to pay a five dollar fee entry were turned away at Woodward Park after arriving half-through the lunch hour.
Kristin Perez and her family were let in without any problems. That's because they planned ahead and got to the park at 7:30 in the morning. "We actually came the day before, scouted the park out, we asked the attendants at the gate what time should we get here to get our spot."
Easter Sunday has always been one of the busiest days of the year for Valley parks. To prepare, the Fresno P.A.R.C.S. Department added extra staff, and offered extended hours. Woodward, Roeding and the Regional Sports Complex all opened at 6 a.m.
But, even during those early morning hours, finding a good place to set up was just as difficult as finding a parking spot -- leaving many families no choice, but to park far away.
"It was packed we had to go all the way around to find parking and a spot, it got packed," said Magi Martinez.
Once people got settled, they had nothing but good things to say about the weather and the festive atmosphere.
Brinn Holden was proud to show off the prizes she found during an Easter egg hunt. This is the first year she and her family have spent Easter at Woodward Park. She says it won't be her last. "It's a really fun time with our family, play volleyball, get closer with family and just have a good time."
Woodward Park does not close until 10:00 p.m. Sunday night. Maintenance staff are out here passing out trash bags, so they're hoping by tomorrow morning things will be back to normal.
