Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Preservation and new programing sought for historic theater building

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a potential private and/or not-for-profit partner to rehabilitate, restore and operate the historic York Hall in Nissequogue River State Park as a performance space or similar park-appropriate venue.

"There is potential for a unique artistic and cultural partnership to create vital community space at Nissequogue River State Park," State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. "State Parks is seeking creative ideas to bring new life to York Hall."

The RFP seeks proposals for private capital investment and preferred end uses for York Hall to include performing arts, community theater, and related programming consistent with the Suffolk County park's setting and the park master plan. The scope of this opportunity includes a private partner's operation and maintenance of York Hall and management of a compatible program.  Proposals must demonstrate a respondent's relevant experience, expertise, program alignment, and the financial resources necessary to fund the design, preservation, rehabilitation, and construction, and to successfully operate the venue in collaboration with State Parks.

Proposals are due by December 20, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. The RFP will be available on the New York State Contract Reporter website. Visit  https://www.nyscr.ny.gov and search for X001461.

State Parks would award a lease or license to the business or organization that would provide the greatest public benefit and financial value to the park. State Parks has authority to contract for a term up to 40 years, in consideration of a private capital investment exceeding $1 million provided it is sufficient to comply with the terms of the RFP and complete and operate the improvements.

Built between 1930 and 1932, the Colonial Revival-style theatre building was conceived to function as a mixed-use facility providing theatre, auditorium, sports, and social space for the Kings Park Psychiatric Center and those it served. The building was also used by the outlying Kings Park community throughout the course of its active life. 

Nissequogue River State Park is located on the north shore of Long Island on the former campus of the Kings Park Psychiatric Center. It features variety of habitats including tidal and freshwater wetlands and hardwood forests provide habitat to a variety of shore birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The Greenbelt Trail, for walking and hiking, parallels the Nissequogue River and provides scenic views of the river and the Long Island Sound from the top of the bluffs. The park also has athletic fields, a canoe and kayak launch, fishing, bird watching, and environmental education programs.