Nissequogue River State Park...Our newest State Park (announced Nov. 1999) is a study in contrasts. The park is 159 acres, 25 0f which are pristine coastline overlooking the river and the Long Island Sound. The other 134 acres, the former grounds of the now defunct Kings Park Psychiatric Center, is comprised of over 150 derelect and abandoned institutional buildings. Haunting and depressing these mostly brick structures, with boarded and barred windows, are inter-mingled with picnic tables, new playground equipment and hikking trails. In a rather bizarre attempt to improve the atmosphere, some bulidings display student artwork on the boarded up windows.

It just didn't work for me, I think the park commission is in denial. Perhaps a more enlightened administration will demolish or refurbrish these relics of a very depressing era.