Is the Hyde Park Drive-In Opening This Year?

Many are wondering if the once-popular drive-in movie theater on Route 9 in Hyde Park, New York, will be reopening in 2025.

Back in 2023, we learned that after 72 years of providing movie lovers the opportunity to see popular movies from the comfort of their vehicles, the popular drive-in movie theater in Hyde Park, New York, was closing for good.

Hyde Park Drive-In Closes

It was a sad day in May(2023) when the previous operators of the Hyde Park Drive-In announced on social media that they wouldn't be opening, saying, "Due to unfortunate circumstances beyond our control, the Hyde Park Drive-In has been forced to close its doors after 72 years in business."

Many Hudson Valley residents were sad to hear about the closing, which was prompted after the lease for the drive-in that the previous operators (Scenic Hudson) had with the property owners, the National Park Service, had expired.

After the lease expired, the National Park Service (NPS) announced it would begin accepting proposals from operators who were interested in leasing and running the facility for the next 10 years, leading many to believe it would reopen soon.

SEE ALSO: Popular Roller Skating Rink Abruptly Closes Hudson Valley Location

Unfortunately, soon after requesting proposals, the NPS stopped accepting them after concerns were raised by potential operators about some of the requirements and restrictions required by the park service.

Drive-In Reopening in Hyde Park, NY?

The drive-in didn't open in 2024, but a recent report stated that it could happen this year. According to the Daily Freeman, the NPS has selected an operator for the drive-in, but the lease has not yet been signed.

Amy Bracewell, the superintendent of the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, told the Freeman,

"We have not yet finalized the agreement … for the Hyde Park drive-in theater. The agreement is currently sitting in the National Park Service Washington, DC office, and I unfortunately have no control over the timeline to get them to sign it and finalize it."

 

Bracewell also said that there is no anticipated opening date for the drive-in located on Route 9, as the lease is currently awaiting a signature from President Trump's administration. If and when that happens, the drive-in can move closer to reopening.

Not Likely in 2025

After sitting unused for almost two years, the drive-in is in need of numerous repairs and upgrades before it can reopen. Unfortunately, the new operators can't begin any of that work until the lease is signed.

As soon as that happens, then the new operators can begin to prepare to reopen, but it doesn't appear it's likely to happen this year.