Saddened But Not Defeated Larry Flynn Talks Maritime Museum

Larry FlynnKings Park resident Larry Flynn was never happy with New York State’s decision to demolish the 100 year-old boathouse at the Nissequogue River State Park (NRSP).  “The boathouse is part of Kings Park’s history. It is a part of the history of the people who grew up in the town. It was in good condition and withstood hurricanes even the recent storm Sandy. It is a shame to see a building like that torn down.” Said Larry.

A little resigned and quite a bit saddened by the January 15^th demolition, Larry Flynn sent off a letter to Commissioner of NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Properties, Rose Harvey. In the letter he requested the construction of a new boathouse to house a Kings Park Maritime Museum.

Historic BoathouseWhat’s unique about his idea is his willingness to do the difficult job of raising the money to pay for the Museum.  “It can be done. We have people in Kings Park who want to preserve the history of our town. We’ll get private funding, hold fundraisers and apply for grants. We can do it.”

What’s holding him back? New York State’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Properties has yet to give Flynn the okay to move forward.  

On January 15, 2013 Larry Flynn sent the following letter to Commissioner Rose Harvey:   

Dear Rose: Today, on the grounds of the Nissequogue River State Park, formerly the Kings Park Psychiatric Center, the Historical Boathouse in the Kings Park Basin was demolished. It had served the Kings Park community for over 100 years and even withstood the recent destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy.

With the boathouse now gone, this would be the perfect opportunity to fund and construct a new boathouse to serve as a maritime museum for the North Shore. The money to fund the project would come from donations and grants.

Your comments on this endeavor would be greatly appreciated. Attached please find images of the before and after of the existing building.

Lawrence G. Flynn, Kings Park Resident

Currently the State is busy with the demolition of buidings at the Park. LI Regional Director of State Parks, Brian Foley, has stated that the current focus is on phase I of the demolition - dangerous buildings. A second phase of demolition is projected and a master plan for the park will be created at some point in the future. Currently, The Nissequogue River State Park Foundation, which was created to protect and preserve the park, is working to have NYS develop a master plan for the park. On December 11, 2012 the Foundation sent a letter to Governor Cuomo requesting the creation of a master plan. NRSP Foundation encourages Governor Cuomo to establish the park’s master plan.

It remains to be seen if a boathouse and/or maritime museum will be a part of the Nissequogue River State Park’s master plan, but as most people have learned, Kings Park residents seldom give up on what they believe to be a good thing for their community.

As of January 22, 2013 Larry had not received a response to his proposal.