As part of its “Wi-Fi in the Parks” program, AT&T and the Parks Department will install charging stations in Flushing Meadows Corona Park and extend the program for an additional five years.
The program was started in 2011 to add Wi-Fi to public parks and is responsible for 8.6 million connections. After New Yorkers experienced power and connection issues during Hurricane Sandy in 2013, AT&T partnered with the Parks Department to also install charging ports around parks and public spaces.
On Tuesday, AT&T announced they would be extending this program for another five years and increase the number of free solar mobile charging stations to 34 units at 15 parks and beaches, which now includes Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The Wi-Fi is available at 27 locations in 21 parks regardless of cell carrier.
On May 15, units were installed near the Willets Point 7 train entrance and near the paddle boat rentals by Meadow Lake. On June 15, units will be installed by the Tennis Center.
“Over the past five years, millions of visitors to New York’s parks and beaches have connected over Wi-Fi in the Parks and charged their devices at AT&T Street Charge units,” said Marissa Shorenstein, AT&T’s New York State President. “It’s been exciting to watch these programs become proof points for how a city can leverage advances in technology to keep its citizens connected.”
In addition to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Astoria Park and McDonald in Forest Hills provide free Wi-Fi to parkgoers. Charging ports will be installed at Flushing Meadows Corona Park at David Dinkins Circle, Ederle Terrace and West Side Tennis Center.
Currently, other charging ports can be found around Queens including Rockaway Beach at 107th, 97th and 86th streets and Corona Plaza at Roosevelt Avenue and 104th Street.
“Thanks to AT&T Wi-Fi in the Parks and AT&T Street Charge, Queens residents and visitors don’t have to choose between staying connected or enjoying some time at one of our beautiful parks,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “NYC Parks and AT&T deserve to be commended for extending the AT&T Wi-Fi in the Parks program for five more years and for increasing the availability of AT&T Street Charge units. This modern technology allows our parks to be even more fun to visit.”
