MANORVILLE, N.Y. — The Long Island Game Farm just got a major boost toward its future: The facility received a $568,000 grant from Suffolk County as part of the JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program, representatives said.
The county grant provides funding to support downtown growth and help local businesses and institutions remain economically competitive.
The game farm will use the funds to create a universal access trail and renovate the auditorium to expand programs and offerings, officials said.
“I am truly grateful for the generous support from Suffolk County and the JumpSMART program awarded to Long Island Game Farm,” said Melinda Novak, president of the game farm. “This grant will allow us to renovate our auditorium and develop a universal access trail, which has been a longtime dream of ours to be able to share with all members of our community. This expansion coincides with the efforts of our new non-profit, the Wildlife Sustainability Foundation, as it develops programs in the cultural, educational and wellness categories. Knowing that Suffolk County believes in us gives us great hope for our future aspirations as Long Island Game Farm continues to grow.”
Former Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Legislator James Mazzarella, Legislator Nick Caracappa and Legislator Minority Leader Jason Richberg visited the game farm Dec. 15 to present the check to Novak, Foundation for Wildlife Sustainability Tricia Snyder, staff of the toy farm and resident goats, a statement said.
Many in attendance agreed the toy farm is an iconic piece of Long Island history, dating back to 1970, and they have fond memories of visiting as children, spokespeople said.
The game farm was struck by tragedy when Bobo, a beloved giraffe, died suddenly in October.
