Discover Kings Park
Kings Park is a hamlet located on the north shore of Long Island, in the town of Smithtown, in the state of New York. According to the 2010 census, there are approximately 17,200 residents living in this quant, richly historic and quiet community, which borders the north shores of the Long Island Sound. Covering about 6.6 square miles, Kings Park is a small, close knit community that offers rustic and natural beauty in its parks, beaches and hiking trails, an accredited school district and a safe and comfortable living environment for its suburban residents.
History
While it is well known for the infamous Kings Park Psychiatric Center which became a landmark in the community, the hamlet of Kings Park has an interesting history that began before the psychiatric hospital was erected.
Established in the early 1860’s, by an episcopal priest named William Augustus Muhlenberg, Kings Park was originally called Saint Johnland and the community was created as a Christian farming community that included many incoming Irish and Italian immigrant workers. The “society” of Saint Johnland was also considered a haven and respite for poor members of the Protestant working class and orphaned children.
In the 1880’s, approximately 870 acres of adjoining land to Saint Johnland was sold to officials from Brooklyn (part of Kings County). In 1885, on this land, the Kings County Farm was established as an area to house and care for the poor and mentally ill. Eventually, multiple buildings were erected and a self-sufficient community was established on the grounds to support this hospital for mental and criminal patients. It later came to be called the Kings Park State Hospital and the surrounding community adopted the name Kings Park. One of the largest mental institutions in the country, Kings Park State Hospital treated thousands of patients from New York City and the surrounding areas. The hospital was closed in the early 1990’s after almost 100 years in operation. Many of the old, dilapidated buildings were torn down and part of the land (which has beautiful views of the Long Island Sound) was turned into a state park.
School District
The Kings Park Central School District is a public school system that serves approximately 3,400 students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade. The district is comprised of two elementary schools (kindergarten – 3rd grade), one intermediate school (4th and 5th grade), one middle school (6th grade – 8th grade) and one high school as follows: Parkview Elementary School and Fort Salonga Elementary School, R.J.O. Intermediate School, William T. Rogers Middle School and Kings Park High School. The school system has an average student/teacher ratio of 14 to 1. The district offers a variety of courses including many in music and the arts, AP level courses for high school students as well as competitive sports teams.
Medical Care
Saint Catherine of Sienna Medical Center
Saint Catherine of Sienna Medical Center is the main hospital and advanced healthcare offering for residents of Kings Park. It offers medical care in many different medical specialties and disciplines. The campus features a community hospital, a nursing and rehabilitation care center and medical office and administrative building.
Parks and Recreation
The natural beauty and picturesque north shore location of Kings Park makes it an ideal place for hiking, boating, swimming, canoeing and enjoying many outdoor activities. Following are some great spots to visit.
Sunken Meadow State Park
Sunken Meadow State Park is fun and relaxing place to spend the day. It has a beautiful sandy beach for swimming in the calm Long Island sound, several large picnic areas, a playground and a one and a half mile boardwalk that is the perfect location for an evening stroll. In the summer months, the park offers a delicious Wednesday night seafood fest at its concession stand as well as live music at least four nights a week.
Nissequougue River State Park
Located on some of the most scenic grounds of the old Kings Park State Hospital, this land has been transformed into rustic hiking trails, picnic areas and an educational venue for school children. Offering some of the most breathtaking views of the cliffs and the sparkling blue waters of the north shore, this new state park has become a gem to the community.
Kings Park Bluff
The Kings Park Bluff is another Kings Park location that offers panoramic views of the Long Island sound. You can drive to the top of a cliff and look out at the beautiful view. It is a great location to watch the sunset. It also has a boat ramp for launching boats as well as a small pier for fishing. The Old Dock Inn is a well-known restaurant that is also located at the bluff.
Superior Ice Rink
Superior Ice Rink is located on Indian Head Road and has been a recreational staple in the Kings Park Community for over 40 years. It has a large indoor ice rink that is open for public skating sessions, private hockey leagues and skating lessons. It also features a snack bar with delicious treats and drinks.
Kings Park Heritage Museum
Located within the building of the RJO Intermediate School which is situated on the corner of Old Dock Road and Church Street, the Kings Park Heritage Museum was developed to preserve the history and culture of Kings Park. Featuring many pictures and artifacts of the community, the museum strives to educate students, the community and the public. Along with dedicated volunteers, it is managed under the supervision of the Kings Park School District.
Restaurants and Night Life
While Kings Park may be considered a small town, there are several notable spots for an enjoyable meal, a tasty snack or a delectable beverage.
Relish
Great for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Relish offers a casual, family atmosphere with delicious food including burgers, salads and pancakes as well as some notable milk shakes!
Professors Diner
For over 25 years, Professors Diner has been serving classic comfort food to the Kings Park community. Family run since 1991, it’s a great place for a hearty breakfast or lunch any day of the week.
Café Red
Café Red offers a finer dining option in Kings Park. Café Red features inventive Italian and American fare, a lively cocktail menu and great food in a warm and rustic environment.
Old Dock Inn
Located on the grounds of the scenic Kings Park Bluff, the Old Dock Inn has been serving delectable Greek and American seafood cuisine for over 20 years. It’s a great place to enjoy a delicious meal while watching the sunset over the Long Island sound.
Shanahan’s Bar and Grill
Shanahan’s Bar and Grill is a fun place to have a cold beer, watch a game, or feast on a juicy burger or their famous chicken wings. This local venue is very popular during football season!
Celtic Crossing Tavern
Celtic Crossing is a friendly neighborhood tavern that offers terrific drink specials, cold beer on tap and a lively juke box. This is a fun and exciting spot to watch the Kings Park Saint Patrick’s Day parade!
Shopping, Etc.
Kings Park has one main shopping center with a Key Food Grocery Store, a TJ Maxx Department Store, a Rite Aid Pharmacy (across the street) and it is also home to numerous, small and privately owned community businesses including pizzerias, dry cleaning services, a card store, fish store and Park Bakery Shop.
Sources:
Kings Park Chamber of Commerce
Kings Park History
Kings Park Heritage Museum
Saint Catherine of Sienna Medical Canter