Long Island Game Farm [longislandgamefarm.com] is thrilled to announce it has received a $568,000 grant from Suffolk County as part of the JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program, which provides funding to support downtown growth and to help local businesses and institutions to remain economically competitive. The game farm will use the funds to create a universal access trail and renovate the amphitheater to expand programs and offerings.
“I am sincerely grateful for the generous support from Suffolk County and JumpSMART program awarded to the Long Island Game Farm,” shares Melinda Novak, president of the game farm. “This grant will enable us to renovate our amphitheater and develop a universal access trail, which has been a long-time dream for us to be able to share with all members of our community. This expansion coincides with the efforts of our new nonprofit arm, the Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability, as it develops programs in the cultural, educational, and wellness categories. Knowing Suffolk County believes in us gives us great hope for our future aspirations as the Long Island Game Farm continues to grow.”
Suffolk County executive Steve Bellone, legislator James Mazzarella, legislator Nick Caracappa, and legislator minority leader Jason Richberg visited the game farm on December 15 to present the check to Novak, Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability Tricia Snyder, game farm staff, and even two of the resident goats. Many of those in attendance agreed that the game farm is an iconic piece of Long Island’s history, dating back to 1970, and have fond memories of visiting in their childhood.
As per the Suffolk County website: Suffolk County is committed to supporting the growth of small businesses and the strength and vibrancy of traditional “Main Streets” or downtowns through strategic investments in projects or activities, promotions, support systems or services. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our downtowns represent the heart of our communities. Accordingly, the county has established the JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program to provide funding to support downtown growth and to help local businesses and institutions to remain economically competitive.
ABOUT LONG ISLAND GAME FARM
Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park and Children’s Zoo was founded in 1970 by Stanley and Diane Novak. As the largest combined children’s zoo and wildlife park on Long Island, they offer families a natural environment where they can learn about wildlife and animals through education and entertainment. A member of American Association of Zookeepers and Zoological Association of America, the farm is located at 489 Chapman Boulevard, Manorville, New York 11949.
For more information, visit longislandgamefarm.com, email info@longislandgamefarm.com, or call 631.878.6644. Find Long Island Game Farm on Instagram and Facebook at @longislandgamefarm. For press inquiries, contact Rachel Bosworth at rachel@rachelbosworth.com or 631.220.1220.