State Parks Department officials were likely expecting a more quiet day at the 41 parks and 14 historical sites that closed Monday, but that's not what they got. Our Matt Hunter joins us from Thacher Park, one of the sites to fall victim to the roughly $20 million budget cut.

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ALBANY COUNTY, N.Y. -- The majority of Thacher Park is now closed, but the scenic overlook is one of the few spots still open to the public. And on Monday it served as the backdrop for what can only be described as political theater.

The day that was supposed to be one of Thacher Park's most quiet in recent memory quickly turned theatrical.

"Time to do the people's work, Tim. Put in a five-day work week like the rest of us," said Assembly candidate Steve McLaughlin.

It started at noon when a group of volunteers, led by Assemblyman Tim Gordon, arrived to mow the grass, in fear that the park's closure will lead it to falling into a state of disrepair.

While the public's not banned from all areas, don't expect clean trailways or open bathrooms in the ones you can step foot on.

Gordon said, "I was up here over the weekend, I saw the condition of it and thought we'd do something about it."

However that plan was briefly put on hold when the park's director made the group stop until they signed volunteer permits.

"If they wouldn't mind coming up, filling out a volunteer form, we'll get 'em back on the mowers," said the park's director.

"Yup...super," replied Gordon, agreeing to sign the form. "That's awesome."

The real fireworks began shortly after when Steve McLaughlin, Gordon's opponent in his upcoming reelection bid, showed up to call the assemblyman out for not focusing on what he calls "the real issues."

"I find it ridiculous that he's out here grandstanding. Rather than work on a state budget, this is what we're getting out of Albany. It's a circus sideshow," said McLaughlin.

"I don't really care what someone who's trying to get elected has to say," said Gordon. "My job is to represent my people here, and that's what I'm doing."

When the dust cleared, Gordon and his volunteers got to mowing one of the few areas that remains open, vowing to keep returning until funding is restored.

"We're committed for the long haul," said Gordon.

Hope may not be lost for park lovers this summer. Senator Jose Serrano introduced that would restore the Parks Department's funding. As for Gordon, he packed up his mower shortly after 1 p.m. to head back to the Capitol for a session scheduled for 2 p.m.