The site of the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center is a popular destination for thrill-seekers, particularly around Halloween. But the buildings are dilapidated and dangerous, authorities say, and they’re warning people to stay away.
Patrols will be increased and roads will be restricted to people who are authorized to be on them.
Hundreds of acres and years of folklore make the site a draw for people looking for some Halloween spooks.
George Gorman, New York State Parks Regional director for Long Island said, “It boils down to ghosts. People think there’s ghosts in this facility and that’s why they come.”
But the buildings are dangerous.
“You can fall down staircases” and elevator shafts. Authorities said there’s broken glass and sharp-edged metal, and walls and roofs at risk of collapsing. There's also asbestos," Gorman warned.
For a different and perhaps safer Halloween experience, the public can check out the Kings Park Heritage Museum, containing items from the psych center.