NY Parks Asks: What Do You Want Nissequogue State Park To Be?

KINGS PARK, NY —Nissequogue River State Park is one of Long Island's newest state parks, created in 2000 out of part of the closed Kings Park Psychiatric Center, and encompassing the western banks of the Nissequogue River. Now New York State is surveying residents to see what amenities, activities and development of the 521-acre park they'd like to see in a master plan for the future.

The New York State parks office hosted a virtual public information meeting last week, with input form the public on the development of a master vision for the park welcomed.

The survey—available here—asks residents what types of activities they'd like to see in the park in the future: dog parks, concerts, court sports, bike trails, running trails, boating and more.

Another issue to be decided is if the remaining psychiatric hospital buildings should be repurposed for alternative uses.

Facilities up for discussion include recreation centers, museums, event venues, community centers, restaurants, and even a brewery.

Michael Brady is a Kings Park resident who tells Patch he'd love to see a community garden be part of the final plans but would prefer to not see it overly-developed.

"Let’s keep the park as natural as possible. There’s plenty of good restaurants and bars in Kings Park already."

What do you want to see for the future of Nissequogue State Park? Tell us in the comments.