Nissequogue River State Park Foundation's Regatta On The River 2024

Regatta on the River 2024 is now part of Nissequogue River State Park’s (NRSP) history. It occurred on Saturday, September 14th, at 8:00 am under an outstanding blue sky, perfect air temperature and the beautiful River. (photos available at ourstatepark.org)

2024 marked the triumphant return of the Regatta on the River event, postponed for four years due to COVID-19 and the cancellation of group activities. Regatta on The River was the brainchild of Foundation president John McQuaid. Previous regattas were organized by the NRSPF’s (Nissequogue River State Park Foundation) student board, but with students graduating and moving on, the regatta was at risk. However, John McQuaid,  never gave up his desire to reestablish the event he considers his favorite at the park. This year, with the board’s support, plans for the regatta began, and soon, like-minded people joined with the foundation to make the regatta a reality.

This year’s Regatta was dedicated to the memory of “Captain Jack Hessel,” a Kings Park resident who was oneCaptain Jack Hessel of the co-founders of the NRSPF. Captain Jack was an avid boater who was a presence in every organization that promoted quality of life issues in Kings Park. He was a member of the Kings Park Civic Association, Kings Park Community Association, and a Board member of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce. He often donated trips on his sailboat as raffle gifts for fundraising. Jack and his wife, Gail, frequently walked through the parkFive Mile Winners and chatted with visitors.

David Faverio winner single kayaker 10 mileThe Regatta was a resounding success. Over 53 vessels were divided into recreational and competitive groups, with the majority being recreational paddling a 5 mile course.  Six kayaks competed on the 10-mile course, and Smithtown resident David Faverio took First Place. Leo Nugent (12) was the first individual youth kayaker to finish and Vincent Troccoli (11) won the costumed Kayaker category.

This year’s regatta was special in many ways. It was a return to normalcy after the horror of COVID. It was a way to honor Jack Hessel for all his work and an opportunity for people to gather and celebrate the beauty of the Nissequogue River. Participants were diverse, representing all age groups and family structures. Some Double kayak winnerswere in kayaks, some were in canoes, and some were paddleboarders. Some were people who were seeing the river for the first time, and others were returnees. Everyone was in agreement the Nissequogue River is beautiful!

The mission of the NRSPF is to protect and advocate for the park. All funds raised go to improvements at the park. McQuaid invites the public to join the foundation, visit the park, participate in events and help the Nissequogue River State Park reach its potential.

Regatta on the River would not have been possible without the wonderful volunteers and the generous sponsors. IGA-Ft.Salonga and Larkfield, Nissequoque River Kayak and Canoe Rentals, Smithtown Matters, The Smithtown News, HIRSCH Fuels, Gaio’s, LE Advisors Scott Israel, Flynn Insurance, Smithtown Bagels, 1-800- Water Damage, Isla + Wolf Beauty, NYS Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, Dorothy Chanin, Paul & Kris Micciche, Sandy Trehy, Elaine & Bill Turley, Pat & Tom Biancaniello. 

Special recognition to boat safety patrol Lou and Anthony Puleo, John and Matt McQuaid, Smithtown Bay Constable, Commack Ambulance and Chris Thompson and the staff at the Nissequogue River State Park.

Remember to visit OURSTATEPARK.ORG to learn more about the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation and its most significant fundraiser of the year, the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot and Fun Run.

NRSPF's Turkey Trot Takes You Past Historic "York Hall" Celebrating Its 90th Birthday

YORK HALL, aka Building 80 (built 1930-32) Kings Park State Hospital/Psychiatric Center

York Hall was constructed on the grounds of the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center (currently the Nissequogue River State Park) between 1930 and 1932.  According to Preservation Long Island, it was completed September 7, 1932, “Constructed at a time when over 90% of the Kings Park community lived or worked at the Psychiatric Center.” 2022 marks the 90th anniversary of the completion of construction on York Hall.

At its peak York Hall was used by patients for recreational activities, performances, and plays (theater and drama were viewed as both therapeutic and a means by which to keep patients active and socially engaged), town residents used the building for community meetings, holiday celebrations, dances, receptions, and other social activities.

York Hall also served as a civic center for the Kings Park community into the late 1990s.  New York State Office of Mental Health decommissioned the hospital and transferred the property to the State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. The building sits at the entrance of the Nissequogue River State Park (NRSP) in Kings Park and has been vacant and deteriorating since 1996. It is also one of the buildings in the NRSP slated for preservation.

After years of neglect, vandalism, and the theft of copper flashing, the building’s roof has been replaced. The new roof will protect the interior of the once-glamorous one-story building with soaring ceilings and ornate balcony seating.The Nissequogue River State Park Foundation teamed up with the Charles and Helen Reichert Foundation and began the remediation of the grand building by funding a new roof at a cost of about $550,000. The roof remediation, completed this spring, will prevent further deterioration of the building’s interior. 

York Hall is a cornerstone for revitalization at NRSP. With imagination, elbow grease and funding the building will once again become a place for gathering, creativity and celebration.

Join the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation at its 15th Annual Turkey Trot/Kids Fun Run on Thursday, November 24th. Come out support the Nissequogue River State Park, the Foundation and give a nod to York Hall. Preserve KPPC will be available to answer questions.