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Restrooms, food concessions, even a bait shop.
All that and more is being planned for a new welcome center at Smithtown’s Paul T. Given Park, across from the town’s landmark bull monument.
And yes, we’re talking about the former Oasis Gentlemen’s Club, where before that you would have found the Bull Creek Inn. The town purchased the property with plans for parkland in 2021 after decades of controversy, litigation and negotiation.
Construction has already begun. Here are the renderings, courtesy of the town:

“Creating a unique green space at the entryway to Smithtown has been a long-time vision of the Smithtown administration,” said Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. “We acquired the property in a park swap with Suffolk County and after finally receiving the necessary approvals from the State DEC, we are thrilled to be beginning construction on the welcome center.
“This project will not only restore the historic charm of the area but also help to rebuild the local ecosystem, all while providing a serene refuge for residents and wildlife.”
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The two-story welcome center will be completed after renovations and repairs to the existing building.
According to the town, the first floor will feature essential amenities for park visitors, including restrooms, bait shop, food concession and an office for a local canoe and kayak rental business.
That main floor will also feature educational nature exhibits for families, alongside a dedicated area to showcase local tourism.
Here, organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and other community groups can display marketing materials and informational pamphlets to highlight the rich cultural, historic and natural attractions, and special events available within the town, the announcement reads.
The second floor will play host to a multipurpose meeting room for classes, workshops and other town business.
In addition to the building, there’s upgrades planned for the park as well:
Coming park renovations
- Minor renovations and repairs to existing infrastructure.
- Removal of invasive Japanese knotweed to support native biodiversity.
- Installation of bioswales to mitigate stormwater runoff and protect the Nissequogue Headwaters.
- New landscaping and street trees along W. Main Street, Route 25A, to beautify the area.
- Development of new trails for hiking and wildlife education/awareness tours.
- Improved fishing access.
- Construction of a canoe launch, ADA-accessible pavilion with restrooms, and a raised deck/viewing platform for scenic enjoyment.
- Creation of a picnic area, playground, and enhanced open spaces for community use.
- Repairs to the historic steel bridge within the park.
— list source: Town of Smithtown
“Upon its culmination, the new welcome center and enhanced Paul T. Given Park will stand as a testament to Smithtown’s dedication to environmental stewardship, community well-being, and sustainable development,” the announcement also reads.

Top: Looking south at the old gentlemen’s club building from Smithtown’s bull monument in 2021. (Credit: Nick Esposito/GLI file photo)