Many thousands of tennis fans have been flooding Flushing Meadows Corona Park to watch tennis greats compete at the US Open, among the biggest events in New York City, complete with new construction and multi-million-dollar facilities.
But the park that houses this jewel itself is also home to two iconic fountains that have run dry and provide a sort of desert instead of the beautiful water fixtures they might offer.
About five years after a $7 million upgrade, the Fountain of the Fairs, a symbol of the 1964 World’s Fair, has run dry at least for now, due to electrical problems. And the fountain near the Unisphere is also dry due to electrical issues — both near the luxurious and lush setting for one of the world’s greatest tennis competitions, attracting huge crowds.
A spokesperson for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation said “electrical equipment damaged this spring due to a leak in one of the water lines” leading to the Fountain of the Fairs in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
The spokesman said they had reached out for help in repairing and restoring the Fountain of the Fairs just east of the Unisphere in the park.
“We are actively working with the vendor who designed the unit to secure replacement parts and complete repairs as quickly as possible,” the spokesman said.
The fountain near the Unisphere is also out due to electrical issues that need to be addressed, so visitors passing these two Queens icons are greeted by absence rather than water wonders.
“Due to electrical issues, the Unisphere fountain is currently nonfunctioning,” the spokesman said.
While the US Open is played nearby, complete with a big, beautiful stadium, the city is working on fixing the fountains.
“NYC Parks is in the process of securing funding to have the fountains repaired and running next summer,” the spokesman said.
The Fountain of the Fairs served as a dramatic entrance to the 1964 World’s Fair, but was damaged by flooding from Superstorm Sandy in 2012. That led to a dramatic $6.8 million restoration, converting the fountains into a mist garden to cool visitors on hot days.
“We’re thrilled to restore vibrancy to this historic site for the enjoyment of New Yorkers and visitors,” New York City Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, under Mayor Bill de Blasio, said at the time. “The revitalized Fountain of the Fairs will continue to serve as a symbol of Queens and a place for peaceful respite for generations to come.”
Officials, after the project was completed, described the Fountain of the Fairs as an “iconic” feature and “hallmark of the borough of Queens,” as well as a wonderful attraction where residents could cool off and enjoy the summer.
The project included specialized jets, new seating, a drinking fountain, updated plumbing and infrastructure and new pavement designed to reflect the Art Deco style of 1930s New York.
The fountain includes 1.8 miles of water pipes up to eight inches in diameter, as well as a surface including pavers over six inches thick above an area filled in with gravel.
But at least for now, “fountain on the Fritz” might be a more appropriate name as the US Open plays out nearby.
It is located near the Unisphere, which includes shapes of continents, designed to reflect the World’s Fair theme of “Peace Through Understanding.”
The fountain at the Unisphere is also out of order due to electrical problems, even as crowds pack the nearby tennis courts.
The Unisphere, commissioned for the New York World’s Fair of 1964-’65, was designed by landscape architect Gilmore D. Clarke with a 350-ton, 120-foot-diameter globe, which was the centerpiece and icon of the fair.
The Unisphere was conserved, cleaned and reinforced in 1994 as part of a 15-year, $80 million project to restore Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
The number of spray jets in the fountain doubled, from 48 to 96, and in 1995, the Unisphere was designated an official City landmark. But for now it seems like a forgotten fountain and a landmark in limbo.
While the athletes put on a great show, and the USTA invests heavily to create a beautiful experience, the fountains nearby are off, awaiting funds and a fix to make the park a little bit more beautiful all year long.
