Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission

HAUPPAUGE, NY- (JUNE 6, 2005)- The opening of Long Island’s newest State Park- the 225-acre beachfront Jamesport State Park and Preserve- will give visitors to Long Island’s North Fork another reason to linger in what is one of the most rural and pristine areas of the Island.

Held out as a model for other parks around the country, the New York State Parks Department said the Jamesport State Park acts not only as a place for public recreation and enjoyment, but also as an open space and nature preserve, with a designated agricultural tie-in that together work to maintain the area’s distinct local flavor.

The Jamesport State Park also represents a unique perspective on cooperation between local governments, the State of NewYork, local preservation groups, farmers, as well as the former corporate owner of the parcel.

Although it has yet to go through a master plan development process, which could bring activities such as camping, swimming and day use, a portion of the property includes a designated State Park Preserve for hiking, nature walks and bird watching. The park also includes almost a mile of beach frontage along the Long Island Sound The 300 acres adjacent to the park has been set aside permanently for local farming, with a conservation easement in place to preserve the agricultural parcels and the rural appeal of the area.

The Jamesport State Park is situated in the heart of Long Island’s wine and agricultural region, with the historic Hallockville Museum Farm and the Long Island Antique Power Association nearby, as well as outstanding lodging accommodations, restaurants, other recreational opportunities, abundant farm stands and charming Main Street shopping.

Previously known as the "Keyspan property," the Jamesport State Park once served as a Boys Club called Camp Carey. Keyspan Corporation at one point, had plans to use the property for a power plant.

Keyspan dedicated $1.5 million of the $16 million sale to offset property tax losses for the Town. A check for $3.3 million was also presented to the State by the Trust for Public Land, which sold by lottery the 300 acres of designated agricultural land to local farmers. The funds will be used for future development of the Jamesport State Park.

Working to further preserve the natural beauty of Long Island, Jamesport State Park becomes the 26th State Park on the Island. Long Island's state parks offer a range of opportunities for nature enthusiasts: from camping, picnicking and horseback riding to exciting oceanfront swimming, surfing and fishing to tranquil hiking, biking and golfing.

The Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission (LICVB &SC) was established in 1979 as a marketing arm for the destination’s nearly $5 billion travel and tourism industry. Based on Long Island in Hauppauge, NY, the LICVB & SC contributes to the economic development and quality of life on Long Island by promoting Long Island as a world-class destination and by attracting individuals, tours, meetings and conventions, trade shows, sporting events, related activities and business to Long Island. For more information about Long Island, please contact the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission by calling 1-877-FUN-ON-LI or visit the web site at http://www.funonli.com.