After being open for nearly 100 years, Thacher State Park and dozens of other parks and historic sites will be closed beginning today due to cuts to the state parks budget. As Matt Hunter reports, many came out Sunday to enjoy the scenery one last time.

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ALBANY COUNTY, N.Y. -- For decades, it's meant so much to so many.

"My husband and I came here the day after we were married," Colonie resident Deborah D'Arcangelis said.

"It's more of a romantic occasion," Glenmont resident Dan Gerken said. "You hike and you know that you've got the waterfalls."

"From a geological standpoint, it's very educational to walk the trails and view the escarpment," Colonie resident Chancy D'Arcangelis said.

Known for its breathtaking views, John Boyd Thacher State Park has long been a haven for people seeking a taste of the outdoors in the Capital Region. However, that opportunity is lost, as the park's gates close Sunday night.

"I was in tears when we first got here today," Deborah D'Arcangelis said.

"It doesn't make sense," Gerken said.

Thacher Park is one of 41 state parks and 14 historic sites to close this week, following a nearly $20-million cut to the New York State Parks Department budget. It's part of Governor David Paterson's proposed plan to close the state's more than $9 billion budget gap.

"I think it would be a shame," Delmar resident Thom Engel said. "It demonstrates a unique lack of understanding of what this park means, but not unexpected from the people who are closing it."

The legislature voted to restore $11 million of the parks department's funding, but still with no state budget, the park closures list remains unchanged.

That's why hundreds flock to the park this weekend, pleading with lawmakers to keep it open and enjoying its beauty while they still can.

"This is one of the most beautiful places in the world as far as I'm concerned and public parks should be for the public," Friends of Thacher Park member Peggy Bielecki said.

"As an American, we should all have access to the land we live on and especially, we should have access to the spots where the land is more beautiful," Gerken said.

"I'm sure there are other places around, I know there are, but to me there's not as special a place as this one is to me," D'Arcangelis said.