Making Nissequogue a Place of “Healing”

The push to construct a public garden in Nissequogue State Park grounds

By Chad Kushins

Last week, details were unveiled for New York’s state parks within the Town of Smithtown, including plans for funding allocated towards Nissequogue River State Park. 

At a Kings Park Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting on April 18^th, Deputy Director of the Long Island Region of State Parks, and former State Senator, Brian X. Foley spoke in regards to $14 million that was secured for the park by State Senator John J. Flanagan.  According to Foley, those funds are slated for the demolition of some of the condemned and vacant structures of the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center.

In an additional effort towards beautification, the Commack-Kings Park Rotary is planning to install a “healing garden” on the property, kicking off with an upcoming “wine and cheese” fundraiser on May 2^nd. 

“The biggest project taking place within he property will be the demolition of fifteen buildings and a few other, smaller structures,” Director of the Long Island Region of State Parks Ron Foley [no relation] told Smithtown Matters.  “Once that is complete, then the main focus is to clear the full area of dangerous and hazardous materials, which is always part of that type of project.”

According to Foley, the actual demolition is slated to begin in early July of 2012, with an approximate completion date of November 2013 – however, it could be finished well before that time.  “The contractors are confident that the work could be done quite a while before November and we agree, once it’s underway.” 

Additionally, Foley stated that the proposed “Healing Garden”, while only being one facet of the finished park, will bring an area of “serenity and quiet” to the property as a whole.  “Right now, much of the park property off of St. Johnland Road is already open to the public and people are free to come and enjoy it.  But the garden will be a specific area where visitors can sit in peace and quiet, see the butterflies, and have a place of serenity.”

According to Foley, the “Healing Garden” is a collaboration between the Commack-Kings Park Rotary Club and the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation. 

The park is located on the banks and bluffs of the Nissequogue River.  The park was initially announced in 1999 on the site of the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center.  Many of the hospital’s original buildings remain standing in the park, and a few have been renovated and reused, most notably Building 125, the former Veterans Administration Building which currently serves as the main park office.  Recreational events for residents usually take place there, in the public-friendly areas, including, bird-watching, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, biking, and guided tours, many of which are conducted by the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation. 

The proposed “Healing Garden” takes as its inspiration the numerous such designated areas located within public sanctuaries, monasteries, and other places of mediation, where the design and layout is made to exist concurrently with the natural surroundings.  In New York’s Central Park, eight separate areas are officially designated as “quiet zones” and the Nissequogue State Park “Healing Garden” would function for similar usage. 

According to Commack – Kings Park Rotary Club President, Pat Biancaniello, “the idea of a “healing garden” came about when Assemblyman Steve Engelbright suggested a tour of Snug Harbor Park in Staten Island. One look at the wonderful gardens at Snug Harbor and its creative reuse of the property and I was sold.”

Our Rotary Club was looking for a local project that was meaningful and would have a lasting impact on the community.  “A “healing garden” on the grounds of a former psychiatric center was very appealing.  But the intent of the garden is so much more. We are hoping to create a place of serenity for reflection and rejuvenation.”

According to Nissequogue River State Park Foundation Chairman Mike Rosato, the “Healing Garden” is slated for construction in the more northern end of the grounds.  “Right now, we’re just preparing for the first phase of the demolition,” Rosato told Smithtown Matters.  “We’re looking forward to partnering with New York State Parks Recreation and Historic Reservation and the Rotary to establish the garden.  It will provide the public with a peaceful place with the park, overlooking the Long Island Sound and the Nissequogue River.”

Additional information regarding the future plans for Nissequogue State Park are available through the Foundation at their official website: http://www.ourstatepark.com/ as well as the park’s official site through New York’s Park and Recreation: http://nysparks.com/parks/110/details.aspx

The Commack-Kings Park Rotary’s “Wine and Cheese” fundraising event, aiming to meet the financial needs of the proposed “Healing Garden”, will be taking place at Nissequogue State Park, 799 Saint Johnland Road in Kings Park, on Wednesday, May 2^nd.  As a formal affair, the event is a donation of $50 per plate, or $75 per couple.  Further information is available at http://www.commackrotary.org/