The Amazin’ Mets Foundation, along with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and the LandTek Group, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 27 to celebrate the completion of renovations to Baseball Field 10 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The ribbon-cutting marked the completion of the renovation work that first started on May 1.
Among those on hand for the celebration were Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, LandTek CEO John Sulinski, New York City Parks and Recreation Queens Borough Commissioner Jackie Langsam, Mr. and Mrs. Met and Amazin’ Mets Foundation President and New York Mets Co-owner Alex Cohen. Thanks to these renovations, kids within the community will now be provided with a high-quality baseball field where they can play the game.
“On behalf of all 2.4 million residents of Queens, I express my deepest thanks to all who made this possible,” Richards said. “Special thanks goes out to the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. The Mets have been such tremendous partners for our borough. It was the foundation’s generous donations that made these renovations possible. The foundation’s generous donation helps us deal with the important needs in our community, for more and better outdoor recreational facilities.”
According to Richards, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the importance of being able to give everyone equitable access to open recreational spaces like this. This field is one of many spaces that can give those within the community the opportunity to be active and live healthier lives as a result.
“I would like to express my thanks to the New York Mets for their partnership and for their extensive work in our Queens communities,” Langsam said. “We are so lucky to have such a supportive organization, not only in our home borough, but within one of our flagship parks. Thank you once again for supporting our local public parks and I look forward to celebrating many more partnership opportunities with the Mets in the future.”
Among the upgrades given to the field were a full infield renovation, a new irrigation system, an added drainage system and new fencing and concrete. These upgrades have also made the field ADA compliant.
“On behalf of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, we are thrilled to have our first field renovation be right in Citi Field’s backyard,” Amazin’ Mets Foundation Community Engagement Co-head Julianna Sabra said. “We recognize how important it is to make sure that the youth in our community have a fun and safe place to play the game of baseball. Our mission is to ensure that all of the children in our area have the access and ability to play the game that we love so much. Baseball is about building community, character and letting our kids play a team sport that we believe truly will help them and bring them success in the future.”
Salinski noted that the LandTek Group and New York Mets have worked together for a long time, including in the development of Citi Field. He emphasized the immense amount of heart and effort put into this project. Additionally, he expressed optimism that this project will help strengthen LandTek’s relationship with the Mets as well as the community.
“The Amazin’ Mets Foundation is committed to supporting our neighbors in Queens and expanding access to the sport of baseball,” Cohen said. “We are proud to sponsor the renovation of Baseball Field #10 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park and are excited to open the new field for everyone in the community to enjoy.”
