What's next for Hyde Park Drive-In Movie Theatre? Park Service seeks new operator
The National Park Service is still in the market for a new operator of the Hyde Park Drive-In Movie Theatre.
The National Park Service on Monday announced that it has cancelled a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking someone to lease, operate and maintain the drive-in on Route 9 (4114 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park). A revised RFP will be announced this summer.
The RFP was initially issued in February, with proposals due April 14. The National Park Service said it received “valuable feedback and suggestions from interested applicants” but the new RFP will reduce restrictions and “increase the competitiveness of the opportunity.”
The initial RFP targeted May 19 as a start date for the lease.
“We appreciate the great feedback by potential applicants and want to ensure the treasured drive-in has the best caretakers moving forward,” said Park Superintendent Amy Bracewell. “We recognize that the initial timeline goal of operating this summer was tight and hope by re-releasing a new RFP at the end of the summer, we can make a selection in the fall and a prospective operator can use the winter to make any needed improvements before the 2024 season.
"This landmark is iconic for our community and we want to make sure it is a success.”
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What is included in the lease?
The Hyde Park Drive-In Movie Theatre has operated in Dutchess County for over 70 years since opening in 1950. The lease covers around nine acres and includes a single-story building spanning about 2,370 square feet. The building features restrooms, a concession stand, storage and administrative space.
The Hyde Park site also includes a marquee sign, ticket booth and projection screen. The drive-in can park up to 670 vehicles.
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Who can apply?
The National Park Service said the lease opportunity is open to all interested persons and businesses on a competitive basis. Any individual or business may submit a proposal, including past operators. The proposal judged best under the selection criteria will be given an opportunity to negotiate a final lease agreeable to both parties.
The National Park Service is “seeking a continuation of the outdoor movie operations to attract diverse visitors and serve the surrounding community as well as visitors to the park.”
When will the RFP be available?
The new RFP will be released sometime within the next two months. Information will be listed on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/hofr. The previous RFP included the opportunity for applicants to tour the site.
The National Park Service expects to select an applicant in the fall.
What about the Overlook Drive-In?
The Overlook Drive-In Theatre, founded in 1955 at 126 Degarmo Road in Poughkeepsie, opened for the season May 12 with showings Friday through Monday. Both the Overlook and Hyde Park were founded by the Cohen family.
“Due to unfortunate circumstances beyond our control, the Hyde Park Drive-In Theatre has been forced to close its doors after 72 years in business,” the business posted on its website. “It has been an honor and privilege for our family to serve you during this time. We thank you for your patronage and hope you will continue to visit us here at our Overlook Drive-In Theatre location.”
In addition to Overlook, there are also drive-ins in Dutchess County in Amenia (Four Brothers Drive-In) and Beacon (Story Screen Drive-In).
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Hyde Park Drive-In: National Park Service seeks new operator
