High Bids Setback Extension of Kings Park Hike and Bike Trail

The high costs of asphalt paving and work has caused further delays on the completion of the Kings Park Hike and Bike trail. 

Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio said all bids received by town's Oct. 3 deadline to extend the existing 1.5-mile bike trail by approximately 975 feet, from the southwest portion down to Kings ParkMain Street were over budget for the project. 

Vecchio said the project will not sent out for rebid after the planning department has time to re-examine the project. 

Funding for the extension has come from several sources including a Downtown Revitalization Grant for $17,000 obtained with help of Legis. Lynne Nowick, R- St. James, in 2009 and a $2,500 from the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation. Town of Smithtown will cover the remaining costs. 

The Kings Park Hike and Bike Trail was created with help of a "Rails to Trails" federal grant in 2004. The trail 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.

The proposed extension would connect to the southwest portion of the trail. The path would lead bicyclists, joggers and walkers behind Gaio's Auto Collision connecting to Main Street near the Kings Park Fire Department. 

The idea of extending the Kings Park Hike and Bike Trail was first raised back in 2011 by the Kings Park Civic Association to help bring bike and foot traffic into the downtown area.