The city has completed a $4.5 million renovation project at Flushing Meadows Corona Park that reconstructed the entrance, expanded the planting area and widened pedestrian routes at 111th Street between 53rd and 56th Avenues. Improvements also include a reconstructed central plaza and new sidewalks.
The brand new Henry Hudson Entrance was completed through the city’s Parks Without Borders Initiative, part of OneNYC, a design concept that improves the areas where parks meet their neighborhoods including entrances, edges, and spaces adjacent to parks. By extending parks into communities, opening sightlines, adjusting gates, and adding furnishings outside the park’s traditional borders, Parks Without Borders is improving New Yorker’s access to quality parks.
“Through Parks WithoutBorders, we’ve restored vibrancy to one of Flushing Meadows Corona Park’s most popular gateways,” NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver said. “Thanks to Mayor de Blasio’s investment, the new Henry Hudson Entrance will continue to serve as a welcoming pathway for generations of families to pass through and explore everything that this historic park has to offer.”
The project features new ADA accessible features in time for the federal statute’s 30th anniversary. The new entrance welcomes visitors from the Corona side of the park and leads them directly to the Unisphere, the focal point of Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
“This project literally removes the barrier to entry for our borough’s flagship park. I’m thrilled to see the Henry Hudson Entrance reopened at a time when we need accessible outdoor space to enjoy and unwind in,” Councilman Francisco Moya said. “I want to thank the Mayor’s office, Parks Department, Community Board 4, and the Flushing Meadows Park Conservancy for their work in making this initiative a success.”
Utilizing an online survey and 37 conferences with area residents, Parks received more than 6,000 nominations for 691 parks, nearly 30 percent of public green space across the five boroughs. The eight selected showcase projects, sharing $40 million in funding from the Mayor’s office, were revealed in May 2016; and an additional $10 million has been applied to another 40 capital projects in parks across the city.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park draws over 3 million visitors from all over the world for both spectator and recreational activities.
