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New Yorkers Hit Parks, Beaches As Warm-Up Continues

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- For the first time in seven months temperatures hit 80 degrees Tuesday as the springtime warm-up continues across the Tri-State area.

Many were excited for the early taste of summer even before things really started heating up Tuesday, CBS 2's Elise Finch reported.

"It's just like a treat," Chinatown resident Jennifer Hegarty said. "Even when I walk to work I get up super early just to walk through the park."

New Yorkers Hit Parks, Beaches As Warm-Up Continues

"I need warmth," Marine Park resident Nadine Smith said. "I think I have S.A.D. Seasonal Affective Disorder because I am so happy the sun is out."

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The lawn at Bryant Park is off-limits, but that didn't stop people from grabbing a chair and soaking up some rays.

"It's pretty awesome to have your breakfast outside and just feeling the sun on your skin," Lisa Silverstein, of Berkley, Calif., said.

Upper West Side resident Jada Strabbing said she was thrilled to take her 15-month-old daughter outside without having to bundle her up.

"It just feels really refreshing to be outside particularly with Vivian and allowing her to run around and not worrying about her being cold," Strabbing said.

Exercise enthusiasts were also thrilled to get out of the gym and into local parks for their daily work out.

"I feel the outdoors definitely is the easier way to motivate with the cool breeze the sunlight," personal trainer Stacy Papakostas said.

"You want to stay out longer so you're willing to push yourself a little bit more," Upper West Side resident Eric Spencer said.

"It feels so much better, it's refreshing a great way to start the day get a tan while you're working out," Upper West Side resident Hayley Cooper said.

Others took advantage of the warm weather to spend some time in the sand.

Temperatures Expected To Reach 80 As Warm Up Continues
Kelly Duffy with 2-year-old Tommy playing in the sand at Rockaway Beach on April 9, 2013 (credit: Mona Rivera/1010 WINS)

The boardwalk still isn't back at Rockaway Beach after it was destroyed in Superstorm Sandy, but that didn't stop people from coming out to enjoy the sun at Beach 92nd Street.

"It's our beach, it's just layers of sand, it's an open playground for all kids," Rockaway Park resident Kelly Duffy. "It's just sad, no boardwalk."

"This is good, I'm glad to have the sun back," surfer Andrew Gellis said.

Wednesday will remain warm with an expected high of 79 degrees, but temperatures will be back in the upper 50s by the weekend.

How are you spending the day? Let us know below...

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