Kings Park Hike and Bike Trail to be Extended

The 1.5-mile Kings Park Hike and Bike Trail has been part of the Kings Park Community since 2004 and it’s about to be extended. The current trail, which was originally an initiative of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce with support from local and state government, is now a Town of Smithtown park.

This recreational trail, funded in part through a "Rails to Trails" federal grant, currently begins on Old Dock Road, approximately 300 feet east of Church Street, and runs along the former Kings Park State Hospital old railroad spur. The paved trail is used by walkers, joggers, bicyclists and by cross country skiers during winter months.

Since 2004, there have been many improvements to the trail sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. According to Charles Gardner, the Chamber’s current president, these improvements have included landscaping, plantings, benches, historical markers and cleanups of overgrowth and debris.

In keeping with the trail’s history, the community is again working together to extend the trail. The Kings Park Civic Association’s president, Sean Lehmann, explains the trail will soon extend from the southwest portion of the existing trail, down to Main Street, adding approximately 950 feet of trail. An aerial view depicting the planned extension is attached to this story. 

It is the civics’ goal, says Lehmann, to bring foot and bike traffic to the area. The extension will tie the trail to the stores on Main Street, the soon-to-be renovated library and its playground.

“It will be a real asset to the community,” says Lehmann, “Families will be able to enjoy a nice day in town.”  

Funding for the extension will come from several sources. With the help of Suffolk County Legislator Lynne C. Nowick, the civic organization received a Downtown Revitalization Grant in the amount of $17,000.

"As chair of the Legislature’s Parks and Recreation Committee, I am pleased that these funds will enhance recreational activities in Kings Park,” said Nowick.

The Nissequogue River State Park Foundation is donating $2,500. Chairman Michael Rosato believes the project is significant to both the Nissequogue River State Park and to the Kings Park's downtown district.

"The Nissequogue River State Park Foundation encouraged the application and provided the matching funds for the grant because we recognized the significance of this project to both the park and to Kings Park's downtown district," said Rosato. 

The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce is donating historical podiums and benches for the extension. “The current plans for extension will hopefully raise awareness of the trail, make it even more accessible and thereby increase its use,” says Gardner. “Some of that increased use could lead to more people visiting Kings Park and supporting our local businesses.”

According to Frank DeRubeis, Director of Planning for the Town of Smithtown, the town expects to send the job out to bid this summer, with construction starting next fall.

Patch will continue to keep its readers updated on the progress of the planned extension.