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Important Foundation News!
State Assemblyman Steve Englebright pledges a $60,000 challenge grant to help develop a master plan for the park and to help bring public water, electric and new bathrooms to the soccer fields. New electric and water to York Hall as well! "Adopt a Bench Program!"
Please help us build OUR STATE PARK
by making a or mail your check to: Nissequogue River State Park Foundation P.O. Box 159 Kings Park, NY, 11754.
100% of your donation will be used to enhance, protect and preserve our park for present and future generations.
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Nissequogue River State Park Update
It’s exciting to see the great amount of interest the Nissequogue River State Park has been receiving from the community in recent weeks. Much of the enthusiasm can be attributed to the long anticipated demolition of 14 decaying structures on the property this fall, the extension of the park's Hike & Bike Trail, the success of the NRSP Foundation’s 2nd Annual Sunset Run and Airmid’s Summer Theatre Festival. All of these positive developments are the latest examples of how the park is continuing to evolve.
We will keep on updating the community as new events begin to unfold. If you haven’t heard already, State Parks has decided to temporarily close the park's main boulevard when the demolition work gets underway this fall. After learning of State Parks announcement, we contacted State Senator Flanagan, State Assemblyman Fitzpatrick and Supervisor Vecchio for their assessment of this decision. They all agreed that the temporary closure of the boulevard is necessary to help keep our residents out of harm’s way. Since safety of our residents is a top priority, we agreed that this decision is in the best interest of the community.
We have had numerous discussions with Regional State Parks Director Ron Foley to obtain as much information as possible on how the demolition will affect our residents. By the end of the summer, Mr. Foley is planning on meeting with community leaders to discuss the demolition plan in more detail. He will also review the recently completed engineering study on the park’s buildings and grounds and talk about plans for the park’s future.
The foundation is also working closely with the Kings Park Civic Association, the Town of Smithtown and State Parks on the expansion of the Hike & Bike Trail from the park to the town municipal parking lot on Main Street in Kings Park. The new expanded trail will run along the old railroad spur that used to bring supplies and visitors directly to the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center. A preliminary draft of the trail extension should be completed shortly. We will then review and finalize the plan with the town and State Parks before, hopefully, beginning work on the project this fall.
Here is how you can help:
- Meet with your community leaders and express your concerns and aspirations for the park.
- Understand the facts - view demolition plans at ourstatepark.com.
- JOIN YOUR CIVIC GROUPS. We absolutely need your help and cannot do this without your support. kingsparkcivic.org and sanremocivic@yahoo.com
When we stand together, we succeed together!
The NRSP Foundation is comprised of just about every community group in Kings Park including the Kings Park Civic, San Remo Civic, KPFD, KP Soccer, KP CYO, Knights of Columbus, Sons of Italy, etc. These groups, under the umbrella of the NRSP Foundation, have spearheaded the effort to enhance and beautify the park's grounds. In only 2 short years since we were established, our dedicated members of volunteers have:
1) Funded a conceptual master plan for the park
2) Organized major cleanup projects
3) Restored the cupola on the park's Administration Building
4) Planted hundreds of trees and shrubs along the Nissequoque River
5) Supported and are helping to fund the extension of the park's Hike & Bike Trail
6) Purchased numerous items for the park’s Administration Building, including a TV, DVD Player, maps, etc., to help inform visitors about the park’s history, beauty and current activities.
7) Encouraged the restoration of York Hall for use as a performing arts center and the construction of bathroom facilities at Tiffany Field
8) Hosted four 5K Runs/Walks and 1K Kids Runs which have introduced thousands of people to the park.
...and there is so much more to do!
This summer, the NRSP will be hosting a FREE live Summer Theatre Festival by Airmid Theatre Company. This festival is another example of our mission to redevelop the property for cultural, recreational and historical purposes. For more information about this event, visit airmidtheatre.org.
We hope you and others will join us in our efforts to make this wonderful park a unique and special asset to our local community and the State of New York. For additional information about the NRSP Foundation and to view our conceptual master plan for the park, please visit ourstatepark.com.
Thanks again for your support!
NRSP Foundation Board of Directors
Helping clean up the park!!!
Thank you!!!!
Meeting With State Parks Commisioner Ash
Shows Progress But No Commitment to Park
Dog Walking in the NRSP
The Nissequogue River State Park
Foundation released our position on a
dog walk
trail to New
York State Parks
and Historic Restoration. We continue
our work with State Parks to enhance
the NRSP to benefit all residents.
New Foundation Members
The Nissequogue River State Park
Foundation would like to welcome the
Kings Park Jewish Center, the Long
Island Trail Lovers Coalition and the
Airmid Theatre to our advisory board!
Kings Park State Hospital History:"York Hall"
NRSP Foundation Asks Senator Flanagan To
Release the $29 Million To Clean The
Park
Nissequogue River State Park Foundation Field Trip to Snug Harbor Sunday, September 14th NRSP Foundation Members will be visiting Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden to learn how public/private partnerships can create an arts and cultural park that all state residents can enjoy. NRSP Foundation Donates Flag and New Greenbelt Trail Maps
A new flag and flag stand for the park administration building was donated at our August meeting. The foundation also created new Greenbelt trail maps. The maps were donated to the parks department to be distributed to park visitors.
Some of the foundation members display the flag and Greenbelt Trail maps that were donated Click here for a copy of the Greenbelt Trail map for the Nissequogue River State Park
Smithtown Town Planner Frank DeRubeis
meets with the NRSPF
Smithtown Planner Frank DeRubeis was our
September guest speaker. Mr. DeRubeis talked about the history between the
Town of Smithtown and the state hospital from the time it was closed till
the present. He also gave information on sites throughout the park that
contain buried buildings as well as some ways in which we can move forward
to creating a wonderful state park.
Kings Park Day and NRSPF The Nissequogue River State Park Foundation participated in Kings Park Day, which is an annual event which celebrates the community which is Kings Park.
Pictured about
Mike Rosato and Sean Leahmann work the booth at Kings Park
Day. Pictured below, Mike answers all questions from
attendees at the popular annual event. The Hamlet of Kings Park hosts the Nissequogue River State Park and the people of Kings Park were instrumental in having the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center converted to the newest New York State Park.
Nissequogue River
State Park Foundation attends Kings Park Soccer Day
The NRSP foundation set up a
display at Kings Park Soccer's "Soccer Day". Many
residents stopped by to learn more about how the
foundation is enhancing the park. Many thanks to Joe
Piacentino, Jim Pagano and Joel Blitzer from KP Soccer.
Nissequogue River State Park
Foundation representatives Sean Lehmann,
Joel Blitzer and Victoria Brown
set up the foundation's display booth.
Photos by King Pedlar
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