Kings Park, New York 2025

Kings Park is a hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) in the town of Smithtown, Suffolk County, New York, United States. It is located on the North Shore of Long Island, New York. The population was 17,245 at the 2020 census.

Kings Park was originally called "Indian Village" and was first settled by the Manhasset people, one of the many tribes of the Lenape Nation. In 1665, the English colonists established an animal pasturage in the area, which they named "King's Park" in recognition of the British monarchy.

By the early 18th century, the area was known for its fertile soil and agricultural resources. In 1790, a road was built through the area and was named present-day King'z Road. During the 19th century, various hamlets and villages were developed along the road and the area became a center for the production of roses and other flowers. In 1882, the Kings Park library, the first public library in Suffolk County, was established.

Today, Kings Park is a primarily residential suburb. According to the town's Comprehensive Plan, 'the hamlet of Kings Park has a charming, small-town quality that is cherished by its residents.'

Recreational resources in Kings Park include three town parks, the 46-acre Veterans Memorial Park, the 34-acre Fairway Park, and the 10-acre Crooked Hill Park. There is also a county park, the 63-acre Caleb Smith State Park, which features hiking trails and a nature center. The Kings Park Community garden, adjacent to the library, is a popular spot for gardening enthusiasts.

Some popular local attractions in Kings Park include the Kings Park Historical Society and Museum; St. Joseph's College; the Kings Park Psychiatric Center, a former state psychiatric hospital turned filming location; and the scenic shore of the Long Island Sound. Cultural events in the area include concerts in the park, an art show, and Shakespeare in the Park. The town has a weekly farmers market during the warmer months.

The town has local newspapers such as The Northport Observer and the Smithtown News. Local news is also covered by Smithtown Patch, a digital news service.

Prominent residents of Kings Park include professional golfer and commentator John Feinstein, actor/comedian, and writer, James Cromwell, and novelist Dina Santorelli.

The town is located along the North Shore of Long Island, and is bordered by the Long Island Sound (one of the three bodies of water that comprise the Atlantic Coastal Plain estuaries), to the north, the hamlet of Fort Salonga to the west, the town of Commack to the south, and the town of Smithtown to the east. The area is served by the Kings Park Central School District.

There are several different neighborhoods within the hamlet, including, but not limited to, the Village of Kings Park, Baywood, Indian Head Park, and part of the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center. The hamlet is also home to several parks, including Caleb State Park and Veterans Memorial Park.

Kings Park residents are known for their love of land preservation, as evidenced by the dedication of the local scouts with Eagle Scout projects and the Adopt-a-Park program. Most recently, Kings Park has become home to many second-generation Italian Americans tracing their roots back to the town's founding families. The Italian-American culture is celebrated with annual Italian festivals, such as Festa Italiana, which features cultural events and foods from Italy.