Kings Park, N.Y.: A Slice of America, With Lots of Shoreline

Turn Kings Park Psych Ctr. into a golf resort!

Grew up in Fort Solonga, wouldn’t live there if you paid me to. Long Island Traffic density is nuts. House prices, property taxes and utility costs are out of sight. Work in NYC, spend a third of your life commuting. No Thanks! But: good delis, pizza and beaches.

I was fortunate to live in KP during my high school years (class of 1970). A big thank you to my teachers, especially Mr Dolce, Mr Barney, Mr Duffy, Monsieur Assalian, and many more. And so many cute girls! XO Jose

My Mom did a "clerkship" at Kings Park when she was getting her Ph.D in Clinical Psychology from St. John's University in the late 1960s. She had to learn to drive on the highway from Queens after 15 years of avoiding it.

For some reason PIlgrim's State Hospital has fascinated me for years. When I drove alone to Long Island, especially in the fall, I would always stop there. I hope some buildings remain because I hope to stop there next month. If only those buildings could tell what they know, what a story they could tell.

I had the privilege of living in kings park for 7 glorious years. kings park is a place like no other. growing up there was full of great memories of that small town feel,the beaches, and neighborhoods full of kids playing outside all day. riding bikes to sunken meadow beach,walking into town for Carvel ice cream or waiting for mr softie to come to get an italian ice in the green cup. I lived in a neighborhood where everyone knew their neighbors and all the kids hung out together. when i moved away i was heart broken. when I grew up,got married and had kids I search for a neighborhood like the one I grew up in and could not find one, where the kids played outside. I then realized what an exceptional place kings park was.

I consider myself fortunate to have moved to KP with my family from Queens; KP’s public schools were top notch. However, I know my father & eldest brother, who chose to raise his family near, KP, sacrificed, literally, a lot of precious time in their lives commuting to & from work in NYC, not to mention deteriorating health. For those who will put up with it, good for you; the NYC metro area is the financial heart of our country so I’m glad others are willing to fight traffic. The Island is a nice place to be from but I like the warmer weather, longer growing season, & that there are a lot less people to share the highways my adopted state provides.

We lived there almost thirty years and moved away two years ago. Long Island is not affordable for seniors and retirees, however , we loved it there and miss it very much.

Correct me if I am wrong but you did not mention the three executive type inexpensive state golf courses there. They are so popular they draw people from out of the area. I live in NYC and go there regularly.