UPDATE: A damning new report confirms that Flushing Meadows Corona Park is suffering from severe infrastructure neglect, with critical systems deteriorating due to years of underfunding. The study, titled “The Park Queens Deserves,” released by the Center for an Urban Future, highlights alarming issues such as failing plumbing, degraded electrical systems, and weathered sports fields, all impacting a park visited by hundreds of thousands annually.
Co-author Jonathan Bowles stated, “The infrastructure is completely underinvested in, and it’s failing. Those public dollars just haven’t been coming.” The report underscores the urgent need for revitalization in a park originally built for the 1939 World’s Fair and expanded in the 1960s, now facing infrastructure challenges that have far exceeded their natural lifespan.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park serves as a vital green space for low- and middle-income communities in Jackson Heights, Flushing, and Corona. It is a hub for activities like tai chi, picnicking, and lakeside strolls, and hosts major events like the US Open and Governor’s Ball. Bowles expressed outrage, stating, “For such an important park, the fact that it is flooding regularly is appalling.”
The report calls for immediate attention to hard-to-reach entrances and an outdated layout. Co-author John Surico emphasized, “This park needs a 10-year plan,” to address its myriad issues.
In response, the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation acknowledged the report, stating, “Flushing Meadows Corona Park stands as one of the crown jewels of New York City’s park system.” They are currently overseeing $65 million in flood resiliency projects aimed at mitigating some of the park’s water issues.
However, the report urges the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to step in and address critical repairs, including the replacement of collapsed catch basins and water mains. “Because of all of the water issues that are at play here, DEP should really step in,” Bowles urged, though the DEP has not yet confirmed any plans for intervention.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards is actively seeking creative funding solutions for much-needed park upgrades. “We’ve even got support to open up a few new ballfields through private-public partnerships with the New York Mets,” he disclosed. He also noted that the proposed Metropolitan Park casino project could provide funding for ongoing maintenance at Flushing Meadows.
Beyond restoration, the report advocates for enhancements such as dining options and live theater to broaden the park’s appeal. Bowles called for a solid commitment from city officials, stating, “I think that, in many ways, our report was a call for the next mayor to really finally invest in this park. Right now, it’s a gem for Queens in so many ways, but it could be so much more.”
As the city grapples with these pressing issues, the future of Flushing Meadows Corona Park hangs in the balance. Residents and park lovers alike are urged to advocate for immediate action to preserve and enhance this vital community resource. Share your thoughts on the park’s future and join the conversation!
