Officers stepped up patrols at Rockland Lake State Park Labor Day weekend to ensure a safe and smooth final summer holiday hurrah while hundreds of people visited the park to enjoy the sun, shade and water.

The measures come after a chaotic overflow of people and cars on the Fourth of July. Since then, park managers say they've had several meetings and mapped out a strategic plan to make sure local roads don't get hit with the same type of traffic.

News 12 is told that visitors started coming to the park before the pool even officially opened to get in and get a good parking space and picnic spot before the crowds arrived.

Back on the Fourth of July, Rockland County spokesperson John Lyon says people had parked illegally and roads were down to only one lane of traffic, making it nearly impossible for cars or first responders to pass through the area on Independence Day. "It was a really a dangerous situation," Lyon said.

Increased officials and signage were expected to mitigate parking violations for Labor Day.

Rockland Lake State Park offers people walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and a pool for just $8 a car. However, the park does have a limited capacity. “We're looking more toward regulating people parking within the park rather than a lot of people parking outside of the park,” said Park Manager Jennifer Sylvestri.

The Valley Cottage park was open until 6:45 p.m. for Labor Day.