New Chairman for Nissequogue River State Park Foundation

Kings Park local John Mcquaid will take the place of chairman Mike Rosato for the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation.

The foundation, according to its website, is a not-for-profit organization committed to protecting and preserving the park’s historical and environmental assets.

Rosato, who will remain on the board, has been the board’s chairman for almost five year, but felt it was time to move on.

“I’m very proud of everything the foundation has been able to accomplish, such as our popuar fundraising event, cleanups and restoration projects,” said Rosato.

McQuaid, a member of the foundation’s advisory board for the past two years is no strange to civic causes. He currently sits on the board of Kings Park Youth, the areas largest organized sports group, has advocated for Automated External Defibrillators in Flynn Memorial Park and helped to organize KPY's effort to rebuild a ballfield at Kings Park High School.

“I decided to take on the responsibility because I am passionate about the Park and believe that it’s critically important to Kings Park and wider Long Island community,” said McQuaid.

McQuaid said there are many challenges the foundation is currently facing.

“The most important, in my opinion,” said McQuaid, “is supporting the master plan process for the park. “The master plan, which the parks department has said would be done after the next phase of demolition, will determine how the park is developed for our children and generations to come.”

The next few years should be an exciting time for the park and foundation, said McQuaid. While he said the board remains focused on maintaing and growing the popular yearly events the foundation conducts such as the Turkey Trot and the Sunset Run, he said the several more events will be added this year.

"I'm very confident that John will take the foundation to new heights," said Rosato. "He has many good ideas and will work tirelessly to ensure the park continues to evolve into a tremendous recreational and cultural center for our residents."