Halloween Crackdown Planned At Former Kings Park Psychiatric Center

KINGS PARK, NY — Travel restrictions and increased police patrols will return to Nissequogue River State Park during Halloween weekend to prevent trespassing and vandalism at the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center, state officials said.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation said restrictions on Kings Park Boulevard and other park roads will begin Friday, Oct. 30, and remain in effect through Sunday, Nov. 1.

During this period, officials said only vehicles and pedestrians with an authorized reason to access the property will be permitted on the restricted roads and grounds.

The New York State Park Police, New York State Park Rangers and park staff will conduct additional patrols throughout the weekend to deter trespassing, vandalism and other criminal activity.

Officials warned that the former psychiatric center buildings pose serious health and safety risks to anyone attempting to enter them.

Potential hazards include unstable walls and roofs that could collapse, as well as exposure to dangerous substances such as asbestos, lead and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), officials said.

The buildings and surrounding grounds also contain broken glass, sharp metal, poison ivy and potentially dangerous or diseased animals, according to the state.

The restrictions are intended to prevent criminal mischief and keep visitors away from potentially hazardous areas.

After Nov. 1, State Park Police, park rangers and staff will resume regular patrols and continue monitoring the grounds and buildings, officials said.