“There’s not a lot of people in the world like Charlie Reichert. Charlie taught me that sometimes you have to take that extra step to help things move forward.” Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta
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L-R NRSP Foundation President John McQuaid, LI Region NYS Parks Director Wayne Horsley, Charles Reichert,, Legislaor Rob Trotta, Deputy Director LI Region NYS Parks Brian FoleyOn Friday, November 2, 2018 the Charles and Helen Reichert Family Foundation formalized their commitment to donate $1,000,000 to the Nissequogue River State Park (NRSP) when Charles Reichert presented LI Regional Director Wayne Horsley with a $200,000 check as the first installment of his donation. According to Nisequogue River State Park Foundation (NRSPF) board member and former president Mike Rosato this is the NRSP’s largest private donation “The donation was made in support of the NRSPF’s mission to enhance and beautify the park.” The money will be used to help fund the renovation of the park’s Visitors Center.
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Deputy Director of LI Region Parks Brian Foley worked closely with Charles Reichert, Legislator Trotta and Mike Rosato who carefully negotiated the donation and the timeline for the project. A request for proposals (RFP) issued by NYS Parks for the Administration Building includes the remediation of the buiding’s roof, HVAC system, addition of an elevator, restoration of windows and cupola, conference room, classroom, park displays, bathrooms and offices. The work is expected to commence in 2019 and be completed in 2020.
John McQuaid president of the NRSPF acknowledged the many contributions the Reicherts have made, “Thank you, we are so grateful for your generosity and your ten years of support for the park. Charles Reichert is the owner the of IGA Fort Salonga and Larkfield Supermarkets as well as three IGAs. He has been a supporter of the NRSPF since its inception in 2008 and has been the foundation’s largest financial supporter. Past contributions to the foundation have provided support for the annual Turkey Trot, Regatta on the River and Sunset Run.
LI Regional State Parks Director Wayne Horsley was quite pleased with the donation and quite eager to get the first installment saying, “The future is bright for NRSP, thank you Charlie Reichert.” “This private/public partnership shows we are in this together to make it a premier park in the NYS Park system.” Projects in the works include a marina and bringing water into the park. He also reminded those in attendance that the added security at the park had resulted in Halloween 2018 without any complaints. Historically, the park with its blighted buildings, has had its share of mischief on Halloween.
Mike Rosato has a long relationship with Charlie Reichert and the NRSPF and offered his heartfelt appreciation, “We could not be more thankful for Charles and Helen’s support and commitment to this park, our community and its residents. We are hopeful that more public-private partnerships, such as the one we’re celebrating here today, will help transform this former state hospital into an active state park that meets the recreational and entertainment needs of our residents.”