State police stepping up Halloween patrols of Nissequogue River State Park
The restrictions will be in place from Oct. 30 until Sunday, Nov. 1.
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The New York State Parks Department won't be playing any tricks this Halloween.
Starting today, travel restrictions and extra enforcement will be in place around Nissequogue State Park, which encompasses the former King Park Psychiatric Center.
The 500-acre park is notoriously known for people attempting to trespass into abandoned buildings year-round, but draws extra interest around this time of year from people seeking thrills and paranormal experiences.
Additional travel restrictions on Kings Park Boulevard and police patrols around the property begin Oct. 30.
State parks officials said only vehicles and people with an appropriate reason will be authorized to travel the roadway or walk within the park.
Officials said the extra enforcement is to prevent vandalism and criminal mischief, and to prohibit access to potentially dangerous areas.
The former Kings Park Psychiatric Center presents numerous safety hazards, including unstable walls and roofs that could collapse, airborne asbestos, lead and PCBs that may pose health risks, poison ivy surrounding the buildings, and exposed broken glass.
These stepped-up patrols will continue until Sunday, Nov. 1.
After that, State Park police, rangers and staff will resume regular patrols throughout the grounds.
