The Kings Park Psychiatric Center is less than 2 miles from my dad's apartment. Over the millions of years it seems he and my sister lived in Kings Park I had only ever driven through the complex of what was once 100+ buildings. The center opened in 1885 to relieve the overcrowded NY state mental health facilities. It was a self sustaining city housing over 9000 patients complete with its own power plants, water towers, medical hospital, farm and fire station. It closed for good in 1996.

My son and I decided to explore some of the grounds and buildings. We didn't get to explore very long because it was 17 degrees with a windchill of 1. The police heavily patrol the area. There was one parked hidden behind building 93. Twice we attempted to get inside. The last time there were other kids also attempting entry and they were caught and simultaneously we were both run off by the cops. Them chased, me however, just had a police cruiser sit idle by my truck until I left without incident. I guess urban exploring with your 12 year old is less frowned upon. We did manage to peak into a couple of the buildings but due to the cold, and fear for my child's safety, I did not go far into the buildings. Honestly though the outside is far more fantastic than anything we found inside. The buildings are mostly empty with poor graffiti. Still, very spooky and supposedly haunted.

Half of the buildings sit in what is now the Nissequogue River State Park. The marina of the park has seen better days. Seems fitting considering the setting. The area has paved running/walking trails throughout and is frequented often, even in this frigid weather.

Once you leave the park you will drive across the street to the rest of the complex.

You can see how massive building 93 is.

Below is the back entrance from inside the fence...just before we heard the police over the loud speaker.

The way in...

There were many more buildings besides these that we were unable to wander toward because it was insanely cold. We had already came back to the truck several times to warm up after trying to get a closer look. If the weather had been "normal" we would have been able to access more off the trails. Regardless it was an adventure and my son got a kick out of escaping the clutches of the police.