Flushing Meadows–Corona Park

{{Infobox park

| name = Flushing Meadows–Corona Park

| photo = Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.jpg

| photo_width = 300

| photo_caption = The Unisphere (left) and New York State Pavilion (right)

| type = Public park

| location = Queens, New York, U.S.

| coords = {{coord|40|44|45|N|73|50|41|W|display=inline,title}}

| mapframe-custom = {{Maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=300|frame-height=300|frame-lat=40.782|frame-long=-73.965|zoom=10|type=shape|stroke-color=#000|stroke-width=1|id=Q745296}}

| map_width = 300px

| map_caption = Location within New York City

| area = {{convert|897|acre}}

| created = 1939

| operator = NYC Parks

| visitation_num =

| status = Open all year

| publictransit = Subway: {{NYCS Flushing|time=bullets}} to Mets–Willets Point
LIRR: Port Washington Branch to Mets–Willets Point
Bus: {{NYC bus link|Q48|Q58|Q64|Q88}}

}}

Flushing Meadows–Corona Park (often referred to as Flushing Meadows Park or simply Flushing Meadows or Corona Park) is a public park in the northern part of Queens in New York City, New York, U.S. It is bounded by I-678 (Van Wyck Expressway) on the east, Grand Central Parkway on the west, Flushing Bay on the north, and Union Turnpike on the south. Flushing Meadows–Corona Park is the fourth-largest public park in New York City, with a total area of {{convert|897|acre|ha}}.

Until the 19th century, the site consisted of wetlands straddling the Flushing River, which traverses the region from north to south. Starting in the first decade of the 20th century, it was used as a dumping ground for ashes, since at the time, the land was so far away from the developed parts of New York City as to be considered almost worthless. New York City Parks Commissioner Robert Moses first conceived the idea of developing a large park in Flushing Meadow in the 1920s as part of a system of parks across eastern Queens. Flushing Meadows–Corona Park was created as the site of the 1939 New York World's Fair and also hosted the 1964 New York World's Fair. Following the 1964 fair, the park fell into disrepair, although some improvements have taken place since the 1990s and 2000s.

Flushing Meadows–Corona Park retains much of the layout from the 1939 World's Fair. Its attractions include the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the venue for the US Open tennis tournament; Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets baseball team; Etihad Park, the home of soccer team New York City FC; the New York Hall of Science; the Queens Museum; the Queens Theatre in the Park; the Queens Zoo; the Unisphere; and the New York State Pavilion. It formerly contained Shea Stadium, demolished in 2009. The Flushing River continues to run through the park, and two large lakes called Meadow and Willow Lakes take up much of the park's area south of the Long Island Expressway.

Flushing Meadows–Corona Park is owned and maintained by New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, also known as NYC Parks. Private, non-profit groups such as the Flushing Meadows–Corona Park Conservancy and the Alliance for Flushing Meadows–Corona Park provide additional funds, services, and support. The park is at the eastern edge of the area encompassed by Queens Community Board 4.[https://www.nyc.gov/site/cau/community-boards/queens-boards.page Queens Boards], New York City. Accessed January 26, 2024.

Etymology

File:Flushing Meadows–Corona Park-2.jpg

The park is named after the nearby neighborhoods of Flushing and Corona, which are separated by the park. The name "Flushing" is a corruption of the port town of Vlissingen in the Netherlands. By the 19th century, the word "flushing" had become associated with "a cleansing by rushing water".{{sfn|Steinberg|2015|p=220}} "Corona" was added to the name during the 1964 New York World's Fair.

History

=Early years=

During at least three glacial periods, including the Wisconsin glaciation around 20,000 years ago, ice sheets advanced south across North America carving moraines, valleys, and hills. In particular, bays and estuaries were formed along the north shore of Long Island. During glaciation, what is now Flushing Meadows Park was formed just north of the terminal moraine that runs across Long Island, which consisted of sand, gravel, clay and boulders.{{harvnb|Strategic Framework Plan|p=52}}; {{harvnb|Stage 1A Assessment|p=2}}; {{harvnb|Phase 1A Report|1985|p=3}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Mankiewicz|Mankiewicz|2002|p=31}} The moraine created a drainage divide, with rivers north of the moraine such as the future Flushing River emptying into the north shore.{{sfn|Mankiewicz|Mankiewicz|2002|p=32}} The Flushing Meadows site became a glacial lake, and then a salt marsh after the ice melted.{{sfn|Stage 1A Assessment|p=2}} Prior to glaciation, the Flushing River valley was used by the Hudson River to drain southward into the Atlantic Ocean.{{cite web |last1=Feller |first1=Michael |title=Kissena Park: The Wild Side; A Guide to Its Natural Areas |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_about/parks_divisions/nrg/documents/NRG_Publication_Kissena_Park_The_Wild_Side_A_Guide_to_its_Natural_Areas.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_about/parks_divisions/nrg/documents/NRG_Publication_Kissena_Park_The_Wild_Side_A_Guide_to_its_Natural_Areas.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, Natural Resources Group |access-date=June 2, 2018 |date=December 1988 |page=2−4}} Through the 19th century, the site continued to consist of wetlands straddling Flushing River.{{sfn|Strategic Framework Plan|p=52}} Species inhabiting the site included waterfowl and fiddler crab, with fish using water pools for spawning.{{sfn|Stage 1A Assessment|p=7}}

The area was first settled by Algonquian Native Americans of Long Island (referred to erroneously as "Mantinecocks").{{cite web |title=Flushing Meadows Corona Park: History |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/history |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=March 28, 2017 |archive-date=May 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507123856/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/history |url-status=live}}{{cite enc-nyc|page=462}} They consisted of the "Canarsee" and "Rockaway" Lenape groups,{{sfn|Stage 1A Assessment|p=5}} which inhabited coastal wetlands across Queens and Brooklyn.{{cite web |author1=Natural Resources Group |title=Natural Area Mapping and Inventory of Spring Creek 1988 Survey |url=http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_about/parks_divisions/nrg/documents/Ecological_Assessment_Spring_Creek.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_about/parks_divisions/nrg/documents/Ecological_Assessment_Spring_Creek.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=New York City Parks Department |access-date=November 18, 2015 |page=2}} Beginning in 1640, Dutch settlers moved into the area, establishing the town of Newtown to the west of the site (which would become Elmhurst, Corona, and other areas in western Queens), and the town of Flushing to the east. The meadows became known as the Corona Meadows.{{sfn|Stage 1A Assessment|p=8}} By 1666, the Native American population had been displaced from the Flushing Meadows site by European settlers, although a deed reserved the right to hunt on the land for the Native Americans. Several wealthy landowners began building farmhouses on the site in the mid-to-late 17th century. The meadows provided numerous natural resources for settlers, including timber, water, fertile soil, and grass and hay for grazing domestic animals.{{sfn|Stage 1A Assessment|p=8}} During the American Revolution, a farmhouse on the site of the modern World's Fair Marina was used as a headquarters for British forces.{{cite web |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/10392 |title=Flushing Meadows Corona Park: World's Fair Marina |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=March 28, 2017 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407072820/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/10392 |url-status=live}}

File:Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Autumn.jpg

By the 1800s, primitive roads were established crossing the meadows, running along what are now Northern Boulevard and the Long Island Expressway.{{sfn|Stage 1A Assessment|pp=8–9}} Several railroads were also laid through the site, including lines of the Flushing and North Side Railroad (today's LIRR Port Washington Branch and the defunct Whitestone Branch).{{sfn|Stage 1A Assessment|p=9}} Shortly after the American Civil War, the meadows became a waterfront resort due to its natural beauty, and affluent New Yorkers constructed homes in the area. British saloon-keeper Harry Hill built the Flushing Bay Hotel and Pavilion on the future marina site.

=Filling and use as a dumping ground=

Around 1907, contractor Michael Degnon, whose firm constructed the Williamsburg Bridge, the Cape Cod Canal, and the Steinway subway tunnel (used by today's {{NYCS trains|Flushing}}),{{harvnb|Stage 1A Assessment|p=10}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Phase 1A Report|1985|p=18}} purchased large tracts of marsh near Flushing Creek.{{harvnb|Strategic Framework Plan|p=52}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Steinberg|2015|p=211}}{{cite book |author=Vincent F. Seyfried |title=Corona: From Farmland to City Suburb, 1650–1935 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=09CitgAACAAJ |access-date=April 8, 2017 |date=1986 |publisher=publisher not identified |pages=66–70}} At the time, the land was considered "all but worthless".{{sfn|Stage 1A Assessment|p=11}} Degnon envisioned using the site to create a large industrial port around Flushing Bay, similar to a terminal he developed in Long Island City.{{harvnb|Steinberg|2015|p=211}}; {{harvnb|Stage 1A Assessment|p=11}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994|p=1⋅10}} By 1911, Degnon had created a plan along with the United States Department of War and the Queens Topographical Bureau. The plan envisioned widening Flushing River and creating docks for ships, with numerous factories and freight facilities. Meanwhile, the residential areas of Corona were expected to become the primary residence for factory workers.{{sfn|Phase 1A Report|1985|p=18}}{{cite news |title=Paragraphs of Interest |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25204%2FNewtown%2520NY%2520Register%2FNewtown%2520NY%2520Register%25201911%2520Grayscale%2FNewtown%2520NY%2520Register%25201911%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200469.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25204%2FNewtown%2520NY%2520Register%2FNewtown%2520NY%2520Register%25201911%2520Grayscale%2FNewtown%2520NY%2520Register%25201911%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200469.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=Newtown Register |via=Old Fulton New York Postcards |date=September 28, 1911 |page=4 |quote=The announcement made this week that the contractors who have filled in the Flushing meadows intend to develop the water front ...}}

File:Valley of Ashes.jpg

To create the port, beginning in 1910 Degnon proceeded to fill the land using household coal ash and street sweepings from Brooklyn. Degnon set up two companies of his own, one of which was contracted with the New York City Department of Sanitation. He also contracted the Brooklyn Ash Removal Company, owned by Fishhooks McCarthy, a member of the corrupt Tammany Hall political machine.{{Cite news |last=Schneider |first=Daniel B. |date=November 28, 1999 |title=F.y.i. |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/28/nyregion/fyi-574961.html |access-date=May 8, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508234401/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/28/nyregion/fyi-574961.html |url-status=live}} Residential ash was collected via trolleys of the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company, and loaded onto freight trains which traveled via the Long Island Rail Road branches, or other trolleys, which hauled the refuse to Corona.{{harvnb|Steinberg|2015|p=211}}; {{harvnb|Strategic Framework Plan|p=52}}; {{harvnb|Stage 1A Assessment|p=11}}; {{harvnb|Phase 1A Report|1985|p=19}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994|p=1⋅10}} The operation was referred to as a citywide refuse "conveyor belt", while the trains were nicknamed the "Talcum Powder Express" because they often ran uncovered and deposited soot onto the surroundings.{{harvnb|Stage 1A Assessment|p=11}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Steinberg|2015|p=212}} The northern end of the site was filled via now-conventional means, using dirt pumped from Flushing Bay which was being dredged to a lower depth. Material from the bay was extracted by an offshore hydraulic machine, and funneled through a {{convert|1500|ft|m|adj=on}} pipe across Northern Boulevard, before being deposited onto the wetlands.{{harvnb|Stage 1A Assessment|p=13}}; {{harvnb|Phase 1A Report|1985|p=23}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994|p=1⋅10}} The filling for the north meadow was complete in 1916.{{sfn|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994|p=1⋅10}}

The prospect of creating a port was halted in 1917 by material restrictions caused by World War I, and a lack of federal support for the project. Industrial activities in the borough were fulfilled by existing terminals in Long Island City, Maspeth, Flushing, and College Point.{{harvnb|Stage 1A Assessment|p=14}}; {{harvnb|Phase 1A Report|1985|p=26}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994|p=1⋅10}} Dumping of ash into the meadows continued, however, fueled by the increased use of garbage incinerators in the city.{{sfn|Steinberg|2015|p=213}} The area became known as the Corona Dump or Corona Ash Dumps.{{harvnb|Steinberg|2015|p=212}};

{{harvnb|ps=.|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994|p=1⋅10}} During nearly 30 years of filling, around 50 million cubic yards of ash and waste were dumped onto the meadows site.{{harvnb|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994|p=1⋅10}};

{{harvnb|ps=.|Willets Point DEIS|2013|p=1⋅3}} One particular mound of ash rose {{convert|90|ft|m}} high and was called "Mount Corona".{{harvnb|NYC Parks Tomorrow's World|2015}}; {{harvnb|Steinberg|2015|p=212}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Strategic Framework Plan|p=52}} Other mounds rose {{convert|40|-|50|ft|m}} high. The average thickness of the ash was {{convert|30|ft|m}}.{{sfn|Willets Point DEIS|2013|p=1⋅3}}

The dumps drew the ire of local residents, due to strong odors and being deemed unsightly, along with increasing rat infestations in the local neighborhoods.{{harvnb|Steinberg|2015|p=213}}; {{harvnb|Strategic Framework Plan|p=52}}; {{harvnb|Stage 1A Assessment|pp=14–15}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Willets Point DEIS|2013|p=1⋅3}}{{cite news |title=WAR DECLARED UPON RATS.; Extermination of Pests in Corona and Elmhurst Ordered by Copeland. |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E00E4DA1E30E433A25757C0A9679D946195D6CF&legacy=true |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=November 4, 1920 |archive-date=November 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122132404/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E00E4DA1E30E433A25757C0A9679D946195D6CF&legacy=true |url-status=live}} Much of the "street sweepings" collected consisted of horse manure from horse-drawn carriages. In addition, many residents simply threw out normal garbage along with the coal ashes.{{harvnb|Stage 1A Assessment|p=12}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Phase 1A Report|1985|p=21}} The meadows were also considered one of the worst breeding grounds for mosquitoes in the city.{{harvnb|Steinberg|2015|p=217}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Willets Point DEIS|2013|p=1⋅3}}{{cite news |title=Health Department Wars on Mosquitos; Great Number of Pests Laid to Heavy Rains |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/08/20/archives/health-department-wars-on-mosquitos-great-number-of-pests-laid-to.html |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=August 20, 1925 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616002002/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/08/20/archives/health-department-wars-on-mosquitos-great-number-of-pests-laid-to.html |url-status=live}} The dump was famously characterized as "a valley of ashes" in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.{{harvnb|Stage 1A Assessment|pp=14–15}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Strategic Framework Plan|p=52}} Fitzgerald meanwhile described the Flushing River, now polluted from the dumps, as "a small foul river".{{sfn|NYC Parks Tomorrow's World|2015|p=5}} The dumps and garbage trains were accused of facilitating a polio outbreak in Corona in 1916.{{sfn|Phase 1A Report|1985|p=24}} The Brooklyn Ash Removal Company was brought to court by local residents in 1923 for "violation of the sanitary code" due to the smoke emitted from the dumps.{{cite news |title=Smoke Nuisance Charge: Case Against Brooklyn Ash Removal Company Is Adjourned |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1923/09/14/105931103.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1923/09/14/105931103.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=September 14, 1923}}{{cite news |title=Ash Company Held on Nuisance Charge: Special Sessions Court to Act on Maintenance of Corona Meadows Smudge |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Standard%2520Union%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Standard%2520Union%25201923%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Standard%2520Union%25201923%2520-%25207805.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Standard%2520Union%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Standard%2520Union%25201923%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Standard%2520Union%25201923%2520-%25207805.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=Brooklyn Standard Union |via=Old Fulton New York Postcards |date=September 26, 1923 |page=14}} As a minor concession, the company opened the Corona Park Golf and Country Club in 1931, on a tract near Nassau Boulevard (today's Long Island Expressway).{{sfn|NYC Parks Tomorrow's World|2015|p=5}}{{cite news |title=PLAN GOLF COURSES IN CORONA MEADOWS; Brooklyn Owners to Convert Land Into a Sport Centre. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/07/22/archives/plan-golf-courses-in-corona-meadows-brooklyn-owners-to-convert-land.html |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=July 22, 1929 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616002000/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/07/22/archives/plan-golf-courses-in-corona-meadows-brooklyn-owners-to-convert-land.html |url-status=live}} When Etihad Park was built for Major League Soccer team New York City FC, "The Valley of Ashes" became one of the stadium's nicknames because of its proximity to the dump's site.{{cite web |last1=Leigh |first1=Andrew |title=Reader Poll: Welcome to The Valley of Ashes |url=https://www.hudsonriverblue.com/nycfc-stadium-new-york-city-fc-stadium-willets-point-nickname-valley-of-ashes/ |website=Hudson River Blue |access-date=June 6, 2024 |date=May 3, 2024}}

=Park planning and World's Fairs=

==1939–1940 Fair and aftermath==

File:USA, New York Fortepan 16945.jpg|alt=see caption]]

New York City Parks Commissioner Robert Moses first conceived the idea of developing a large park in Flushing Meadow in the 1920s.{{sfn|Caro|1974|p=1083}} At the time, he envisioned the site to become a "true 'Central Park'", especially with much of city population moving to Queens and Long Island due to urban sprawl. Moses also planned Flushing Meadows to be the westernmost of a chain of parks running across Queens, which would include Kissena Park, Cunningham Park, Alley Pond Park, and Douglaston Park.{{harvnb|30 Years of Progress: 1934–1965|p=56}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994|p=1⋅11}} In 1929, representatives from surrounding communities created a plan to turn the ash dump into a recreational complex, and presented them to Queens Borough President George U. Harvey.{{cite news |title=Harvey Asked to Make Park Out Of Dump: Community Councils Suggest Development of Wasteland |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201929%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201929%2520-%25204247.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201929%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201929%2520-%25204247.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=Long Island Daily Press |via=Old Fulton New York Postcards |date=September 11, 1929}}

In 1930, Moses released plans for numerous parks and highways in the city. This included the Grand Central Parkway, the construction of which would require taking land from the ash dumps. One of the provisional projects listed was a "Flushing River Park", along with a "Flushing River Parkway".{{sfn|Steinberg|2015|p=213}}{{cite web |title=ASKS NEW CITY PARKS TO COST $20,000,000; Metropolitan Conference Urges Prompt Purchases, Chiefly in Queens and Richmond. BERRY GETS HONOR SCROLL Calls for a 'Normal' Pace in Public Projects and Predicts Agency to Coordinate Them |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9D06E3DF1E39E43ABC4E51DFB466838B629EDE |work=The New York Times |access-date=November 19, 2015 |date=February 26, 1930 |archive-date=November 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122074425/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9D06E3DF1E39E43ABC4E51DFB466838B629EDE |url-status=live}} The Brooklyn Ash Removal Company's contract with the city expired in 1933,{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/12/30/archives/city-ash-removal-halted-by-court-brooklyn-company-gets-stay-to.html |title=City Ash Removal Halted by Court; Brooklyn Company Gets Stay to Prevent Municipality Operating Its Plants |date=December 30, 1933 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 27, 2017 |archive-date=July 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725214405/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/12/30/archives/city-ash-removal-halted-by-court-brooklyn-company-gets-stay-to.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/01/09/archives/city-now-removing-ashes-in-brooklyn-companys-agreement-to-drop-suit.html |title=CITY NOW REMOVING ASHES IN BROOKLYN; Company's Agreement to Drop Suit Speeds Municipal Operation of Three Plants |date=January 9, 1934 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 27, 2017 |archive-date=July 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725215324/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/01/09/archives/city-now-removing-ashes-in-brooklyn-companys-agreement-to-drop-suit.html |url-status=live}} and the city took over the company's assets and operations on May 25, 1934.{{cite web |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/12246 |title=Flushing Meadows Corona Park: Lawrence Playground |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=March 30, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330175627/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/12246 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Soper |first1=George R. |title=DISPOSAL OF WASTE AN URGENT PROBLEM; Supreme Court Order Against Dumping at Sea Points the Need for Incinerators READY FOR DUMPING |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E00E0DA133EE53ABC4052DFB566838F629EDE&legacy=true |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=March 18, 1934 |archive-date=March 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328105556/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E00E0DA133EE53ABC4052DFB566838F629EDE&legacy=true |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=ASH COMPANY VALUE UNDER CITY INQUIRY; Proposed Purchase of Brooklyn Concern Brings Charge of $1,000,000 'Hijacking' Plan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/02/10/archives/ash-company-value-under-city-inquiry-proposed-purchase-of-brooklyn.html |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=February 10, 1934 |archive-date=July 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725215634/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/02/10/archives/ash-company-value-under-city-inquiry-proposed-purchase-of-brooklyn.html |url-status=live}} The Brooklyn Ash property occupied around {{convert|300|acre|ha}} of the {{convert|1,000|acre|ha|adj=on}} site, north of what is now the Long Island Expressway.{{harvnb|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=7}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Steinberg|2015|p=213}} The remainder of the meadows still contained natural wildlife. It was frequented by fur trappers, local residents collecting firewood and growing vegetables, and later, squatters during the Great Depression.{{sfn|Steinberg|2015|p=217}} Areas of the dumps were also used for growing vegetables, with the soil fertilized by the garbage and manure.{{sfn|Phase 1A Report|1985|p=22}}

In 1935, the site, now planned as "Flushing Meadow Park", was selected for what would become the 1939 World's Fair.{{cite news |title=Great World Fair for City in 1939 on Site In Queens;...City To Lend New Park |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 23, 1935 |access-date=January 29, 2012 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/09/23/archives/great-world-fair-for-city-in-1939-on-site-in-queens-cost-to-be.html |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073005/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/09/23/archives/great-world-fair-for-city-in-1939-on-site-in-queens-cost-to-be.html |url-status=live}} In addition to the ash dumps and undeveloped meadows, houses in Corona east of 111th Street, adjacent to the dumps, were condemned and added to the site, displacing residents.{{harvnb|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=8}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Steinberg|2015|p=218}} The plans were drafted by Parks Department landscape architect Gilmore David Clarke and his partner Michael Rapuano, designed in Beaux-Arts style.{{sfn|Unisphere|1995|p=1}}{{cite web |title=Flushing Meadows Corona Park: Unisphere |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/12761 |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=April 3, 2017 |archive-date=December 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201230918/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/12761 |url-status=live}} Work on the World's Fair site began on June 16, 1936.{{cite news |title=Work at Fair Site Begins Without Ceremony; 700 Job-Seekers On Hand, 500 to Be Hired |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/06/16/archives/work-at-fair-site-begins-without-ceremony-700-jobseekers-on-hand.html |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=June 16, 1936 |archive-date=November 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123121416/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9B07E7DC113FEE3BBC4E52DFB066838D629EDE&legacy=true |url-status=live}} The project primarily involved leveling the ash mounds, with the leftover material used to fill other areas of the meadow. Two sites were excavated to create Meadow and Willow Lake, while much of the Flushing River was diverted into underground culverts. A floodgate was built to prevent tidal flow from flooding the lakes.{{harvnb|Caro|1974|p=1085}}; {{harvnb|NYC Parks Tomorrow's World|2015|p=5}}; {{harvnb|Steinberg|2015|p=213}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Strategic Framework Plan|pp=37, 52}}{{cite web |last1=Siegel |first1=Sarah |title=Flushing the Meadows – Relaxing a post-World's Fair Urban Landscape |url=http://iflaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IFLA_2006_Winners.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://iflaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IFLA_2006_Winners.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=International Federation of Landscape Architects |access-date=March 31, 2017 |date=2006 |page=3}} In addition to recreation, the lakes would serve as repositories for excess storm runoff.{{sfn|Mankiewicz|Mankiewicz|2002|p=9}} The dirt from the lake sites was used as additional topsoil for the park.{{cite news |title=Vast Queens Park Rising on Fair Site |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/12/06/archives/vast-queens-park-rising-on-fair-site-moses-says-improvements-in-are.html |access-date=April 4, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=December 6, 1936 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073023/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/12/06/archives/vast-queens-park-rising-on-fair-site-moses-says-improvements-in-are.html |url-status=live}} The project was an around-the-clock job, with 450 workers operating on three daily shifts.{{sfn|NYC Parks Tomorrow's World |2015|p=7}}{{cite news |title='Cut and Fill' Grading of World's Fair Site Reported More Than One-Third Complete |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9D0CE6D7143DE33BBC4952DFB667838D629EDE&legacy=true |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=October 11, 1936 |archive-date=March 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328105823/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9D0CE6D7143DE33BBC4952DFB667838D629EDE&legacy=true |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Task of Filling World's Fair Site Will Be Pushed Night and Day; Moving of 7,000,000 Cubic Yards of Ashes and Soil Will Be in Full Swing Next Week – Two Lakes to Be Dug as Part of Work to Last till Next March |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/08/archives/task-of-filling-worlds-fair-site-will-be-pushed-night-and-day.html |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=July 8, 1936 |archive-date=July 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725215424/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/08/archives/task-of-filling-worlds-fair-site-will-be-pushed-night-and-day.html |url-status=live}} Workers had to combat the effects of high tide, and dust storms created by the ash. The work significantly changed the topography of the meadows, differing from that created by glaciation. Thousands of trees were transplanted to the fair site in order to create a natural landscape. Meanwhile, thousands of {{convert|100|ft|m|adj=on}} Douglas fir timbers were driven into the ground to act as pilings for the foundations of the fair structures.{{sfn|Steinberg|2015|p=219}} The pedestrian plan called for numerous wide tree-lined pathways, including a central "Cascade Mall" leading to the Trylon and Perisphere, many of which would be retained for the park.

Faced with having to dispose of the mountains of ashes, Moses incorporated a significant portion of the refuse into the bases of several roadways that bordered or bisected the park. This included the Van Wyck Expressway (Interstate 678) running along the eastern side of the park, the nearby Interboro Parkway (now Jackie Robinson Parkway), and the Long Island Expressway (Interstate 495) that divides the park into north and south halves. The Grand Central Parkway separates a western lobe from the main part of the northern half, while the east-west Jewel Avenue bisects the southern half. The success of the Flushing Meadows site as a garbage dump-turned-park led Moses and the city to develop other wetlands in the city into parks via short-term refuse landfilling. This process was used to create Marine Park and Spring Creek Park in Brooklyn, and Ferry Point Park in the Bronx. This was also the original plan for the Fresh Kills and Edgemere landfills, which remained open past their expected tenure and became large and long-term municipal waste sites.{{harvnb|30 Years of Progress: 1934–1965|p=8}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Steinberg|2015|p=214}}{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Michael |title=Garbage Dump Today, Park Tomorrow |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/viewer/?file=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201962%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201962%2520-%25200097.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201962%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201962%2520-%25200097.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=January 7, 2017 |work=Long Island Star-Journal |via=Old Fulton New York Postcards |date=January 4, 1962}} The Fresh Kills site was developed into Freshkills Park in the early 21st century.{{sfn|Steinberg|2015|p=321}}

{{multiple image

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| image1 = 30 years of progress, 1934-1964 - Department of Parks - 300th anniversary of the City of New York - New York World's Fair. (1964) (16639606536).jpg

| image2 = 30 years of progress, 1934-1964 - Department of Parks - 300th anniversary of the City of New York - New York World's Fair. (1964) (16458228567).jpg

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| footer = Aerial views of the fair grounds during the 1964 World's Fair.

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In November 1939, a water main running through Flushing Meadows Park to supply water to Flushing failed. Unlike the fair buildings, the pipeline was not built on piling foundations and eventually sank into the marsh and landfill. In January 1940, Borough President Harvey demanded an investigation into the main's construction take place, while the Board of Estimate allocated $50,200 for repairs.{{cite news |title=Harvey Demands Probe of Sinking Fair Site Main; Water Pipe Laid in Mud, He Declares; Board Approves $50,200 Fund For Needed Repairs |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201940%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201940%2520-%25200260.pdf%23xml%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D7a944da0%26DocId%3D4290782%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520U%252dF%252dP%26HitCount%3D2%26hits%3D103%2B5f0%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201940%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201940%2520-%25200260.pdf&xml=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D7a944da0%26DocId%3D4290782%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520U%252dF%252dP%26HitCount%3D2%26hits%3D103%2B5f0%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3D7a944da0%26DocId%3D4290782%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520U%252dF%252dP%26HitCount%3D2%26hits%3D103%2B5f0%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=August 8, 2018 |work=Long Island Star-Journal |via=Old Fulton New York Postcards |date=January 19, 1940 |page=9}} Following the closure of the Fair in 1940, the site was supposed to be cleared in order to develop and open Flushing Meadows as a city park. The onset of World War II, however, delayed the project.{{cite news |title=Ready to Turn Fair Into Park; Moses Tells Mayor His Plans Are Set |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201940%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201940%2520a%2520-%25204231.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201940%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201940%2520a%2520-%25204231.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=The Sun (New York) |via=Old Fulton New York Postcards |date=August 15, 1940 |page=14}}{{cite news |title=Flushing Meadow |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201949%2FLong%2520Island%2520%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201949%2520-%25204917.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201949%2FLong%2520Island%2520%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201949%2520-%25204917.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=Long Island Star-Journal |via=Old Fulton New York Postcards |date=July 13, 1949 |page=4}} The profits from the World's Fair were supposed to pay for the development of the park, but in spite of its success the fair turned a financial loss.{{sfn|Unisphere|1995|p=3}} Only two permanent attractions were opened in 1941: an ice skating rink and roller rink{{cite news |title=Moses Seeks $134,073 For Meadow Park Pay |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201941%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201941%2520-%25200695.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201941%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201941%2520-%25200695.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=April 26, 2017 |work=Long Island Star-Journal |via=Old Fulton New York Postcards |date=February 15, 1941}}{{cite news |last1=Markland |first1=John |title=Park Rising on Fair Site: New Skating Rinks Are First Development in a Vast Project |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9D0CE3DB113AE33BBC4153DFB466838A659EDE&legacy=true |access-date=April 26, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=February 9, 1941 |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427003959/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9D0CE3DB113AE33BBC4153DFB466838A659EDE&legacy=true |url-status=live}} in the New York City Building, and a public pool located in the New York State Marine Amphitheatre (now demolished).{{cite news |title=Pool to Be Opened on Aquacade Site |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/07/14/archives/pool-to-be-opened-on-aquacade-site-state-amphitheatre-also-will.html |access-date=April 26, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=July 14, 1941 |archive-date=July 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725215017/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/07/14/archives/pool-to-be-opened-on-aquacade-site-state-amphitheatre-also-will.html |url-status=live}} The latter utilized the pool used for Billy Rose's Aquacade during the fair.{{harvnb|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=13}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|NYC Parks Tomorrow's World|2015|p=29}}

In the meantime, some of the buildings from the 1939 Fair were used for the first temporary headquarters of the United Nations beginning in 1946. The former New York City Building was used for the UN General Assembly during this time.{{harvnb|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|pp=14–15}}; {{harvnb|Strategic Framework Plan|p=53}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994|p=1⋅11}}{{cite news |title=FOUL LOT to FAIR: A SAGA by MOSES |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E0CEED81F30EF34BC4952DFB266838D679EDE&legacy=true |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=April 11, 1966 |archive-date=November 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122062437/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E0CEED81F30EF34BC4952DFB266838D679EDE&legacy=true |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.queensmuseum.org/building-history |title=Building History |publisher=Queens Museum |access-date=June 20, 2015 |archive-date=April 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426055704/http://www.queensmuseum.org/building-history |url-status=dead}} Moses attempted to sell Flushing Meadows as a permanent headquarters for the UN, which would have required new structures and a complete redesign of the fair ground layout. The proposal was rejected however, due to concerns over the strength of the former marshland for building construction, the lack of "scenic beauty" in the meadows, and the distance from Manhattan. The UN moved to their now-permanent headquarters in 1951.{{harvnb|Caro|1974|p=1085}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=21}}; {{cite book |last=Mires |first=Charlene |title=Capital of the World: The Race to Host the United Nations |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BDAVCgAAQBAJ&pg=PP3 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |date=April 8, 2015 |publisher=New York University Press |isbn=978-1-4798-3375-7 |pages=196, 199}} The New York City building was later refurbished for the 1964/1965 Fair as the New York City Pavilion, featuring the Panorama of the City of New York, an enormous scale model of the entire city.{{sfn|Historic Preservation Studio |2015|p=24}}[http://www.queensmuseum.org/exhibitions/visitpanorama The Panorama of the City of New York] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312124553/http://www.queensmuseum.org/exhibitions/visitpanorama |date=March 12, 2013}}. Queens Museum of Art. Retrieved May 16, 2012. It is one of two buildings that survive from the 1939/40 Fair, and the only one that remains in its original location.{{sfn|Strategic Framework Plan|p=53}} (The other is the Belgium exhibition building, disassembled and moved to the campus of Virginia Union University in 1941.{{sfn|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=18}}) It is now the home of the Queens Museum of Art, which still houses, and occasionally updates, the Panorama. The remainder of the park, meanwhile, had fallen into disrepair, with wild animals moving back into the area. Only minor upgrades to the park occurred during this time.{{sfn|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|pp=18–19}}

==1964–1965 Fair==

File:New York World's Fair August 1964.jpeg at the 1964/1965 World's Fair|alt=see caption]]

The Flushing Meadows site was selected in 1959 as the site of the 1964 World's Fair.{{Cite news |last=Illson |first=Murray |date=September 11, 1959 |title=Moses Shows Officials How Site of '64 World's Fair Could Be Expanded |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/09/11/archives/moses-shows-officials-how-site-of-64-worlds-fair-could-be-expanded.html |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522003842/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/09/11/archives/moses-shows-officials-how-site-of-64-worlds-fair-could-be-expanded.html |url-status=live}}{{sfn|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement |1994|p=1⋅11}} Gilmore D. Clarke and Michael Rapuano were retained to tailor the original 1939 park layout for the new fair.{{harvnb|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=16}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Unisphere|1995|p=3}} Three structures were retained from the 1939 Fair. Meanwhile, several new structures and attractions were built for the 1964 fair, including the Unisphere, Shea Stadium, the New York Hall of Science, and Queens Botanical Garden.{{harvnb|30 Years of Progress: 1934–1965|p=57}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Strategic Framework Plan|p=53}} The Unisphere, built as the theme symbol for the 1964/1965 World's Fair, has since become the main sculptural feature of the park.{{harvnb|Strategic Framework Plan|p=54}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Unisphere|1995|p=1}} It stands on the site occupied by the Perisphere during the earlier Fair.{{sfn|Unisphere|1995|pp=1, 3}} The Van Wyck Expressway was extended north through the park site along the right-of-way of the former World's Fair Railroad.{{sfn|Mankiewicz|Mankiewicz|2002|p=35}} Moses and the Parks Department also prepared post-fair plans to finish Flushing Meadows Park, as well as Kissena Corridor Park and Kissena Park, projected to be complete by 1967.{{harvnb|30 Years of Progress: 1934–1965|p=57}}; {{cite book |last=Moses |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Moses |title=Flushing Meadow and Beyond; Post World's Fair Program; Progress Report |date=July 14, 1964 |publisher=New York World's Fair 1964–1965 Corporation |url=http://www.worldsfairphotos.com/nywf64/fair-corp/post-fair-progress-7-14-64.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.worldsfairphotos.com/nywf64/fair-corp/post-fair-progress-7-14-64.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=March 31, 2017 |page=11}}

In early 1964, the New York City Council added "Corona" to the park's name; the park was now named "Flushing Meadows–Corona Park", in preparation for that year's World's Fair. Councilman Edward Sadowsky explained that this was intended to correct an injustice: "The people of Corona have long lived in the aroma of a junkyard or a dump named for their community. Now, when there is something beautiful to be seen, there is no mention of the name Corona."{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/02/05/bill-adds-corona-to-fair-sites-name.html |title=Bill Adds 'Corona' to Fair Site's Name |date=February 5, 1964 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=January 29, 2012 |archive-date=November 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113113505/http://www.nytimes.com/1964/02/05/bill-adds-corona-to-fair-sites-name.html |url-status=live}} Following the fair, most buildings from the fair were demolished. Some were relocated, such as the Wisconsin Pavilion, Uniroyal Giant Tire, and Golden Rondelle Theater, while others remained in the park, such as the Unisphere, Hall of Science, New York State Pavilion, and United States Pavilion.{{cite news |last=Cohn |first=Al |date=June 24, 1967 |title=What Ever Happened to the World's Fair |work=Newsday |page=14W |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|915293358}}}} Most of the remaining $11.6 million from the fair funds, as well as money from Moses' Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, were used to rehabilitate the site into a true park.{{harvnb|Caro|1974|p=1085}}; {{harvnb|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994|p=1⋅11}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Unisphere|1995|p=4}} City officials proposed repurposing the site as a "sports park" in 1966;{{Cite news |last=Lissner |first=Will |date=August 22, 1966 |title=City Considering a Sports Park Over Most of World's Fair Site; Modeled on Center in Tokyo, It Would Be Adaptable for Future World Olympics |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/08/22/archives/city-considering-a-sports-park-over-most-of-worlds-fair-site.html |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516225106/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/08/22/archives/city-considering-a-sports-park-over-most-of-worlds-fair-site.html |url-status=live}} ultimately, the Parks Department took back ownership of the site, which opened on June 3, 1967.{{Cite news |last=Schumach |first=Murray |date=June 4, 1967 |title=Moses Gives City Fair Site as Park; Flushing Meadows in Queens Becomes the 2d Biggest Recreation Area Here |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/06/04/archives/moses-gives-city-fair-site-as-park-flushing-meadows-in-queens.html |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407072907/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/06/04/archives/moses-gives-city-fair-site-as-park-flushing-meadows-in-queens.html |url-status=live}}

=Late 20th century=

{{multiple image

| align = left

| direction = horizontal

| total_width = 500

| image1 = FLushingPark5909.JPG

| caption1 = "Free Form" by Jose De Rivera, cast in 1964

| image2 = Swans & people statue FMCP jeh.jpg

| caption2 = "Freedom of the Human Spirit" by Marshall Fredericks, cast circa 1964

| image3 = FLMeCoPark8023.JPG

| caption3 = "Rocket Thrower" by Donald De Lue, commissioned for the 1964/1965 New York World's Fair

}}

Although the park was opened, it had yet to become the grand park Moses had originally envisioned.{{sfn|Caro|1974|pp=1086–1087}} In August 1967, new parks commissioner August Heckscher II sought to begin improvements on the park in order to turn it into the "Central Park of the 20th century". A new plan for the park had been designed by architects Marcel Breuer and Kenzō Tange, but the project did not receive funds due to communication issues with the New York City Comptroller's office.{{cite news |last1=Hoffman |first1=Paul |title=PARK IN FLUSHING GETS TOP PRIORITY; Heckscher Hopes to Make It the 'Park of the Century' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/08/28/archives/park-in-flushing-gets-top-priority-heckscher-hopes-to-make-it-the.html |access-date=March 30, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=August 28, 1967 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073155/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/08/28/archives/park-in-flushing-gets-top-priority-heckscher-hopes-to-make-it-the.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Huxtable |first1=Ada Louise |title=Flushing Meadows Park Plan Delayed by Auditing; AUDITING DELAYS PARK IN FLUSHING |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E07E6DC163BE637A25751C1A96E9C946691D6CF&legacy=true |access-date=March 30, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=August 12, 1967 |archive-date=October 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009093404/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E07E6DC163BE637A25751C1A96E9C946691D6CF&legacy=true |url-status=live}} By 1972, little development had taken place to improve the park, while many World's Fair structures remained in disrepair.{{cite news |last1=Weiss |first1=Samuel |title=Future of the Fair Site Still Debated |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/09/10/archives/future-of-the-fair-site-still-debated.html |access-date=March 30, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=September 10, 1972 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073205/https://www.nytimes.com/1972/09/10/archives/future-of-the-fair-site-still-debated.html |url-status=live}} The disrepair was systematic within the park system, a product of lack of funding during that decade's fiscal crisis.{{sfn|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=19}} This state of disrepair continued into the 1980s.{{cite news |last1=Coakley |first1=Michael |title='64 Flushing Meadows Fair Site Becomes $1 Billion Wasteland |url=http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1984/06/24/page/3/article/64-flushing-meadows-fair-site-becomes-1-billion-wasteland/index.html |access-date=March 30, 2017 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=August 24, 1984 |location=New York City |archive-date=March 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330180509/http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1984/06/24/page/3/article/64-flushing-meadows-fair-site-becomes-1-billion-wasteland/index.html |url-status=live}}

In 1975, a group of traditionalist Catholics started to assemble at the old Vatican Pavilion exedra monument of the 1964 New York World's Fair to have evening rosary prayer vigils, having been obligated to relocate from Bayside, Queens. This was led by a woman named Veronica Lueken who claimed she was experiencing visions there of the Virgin Mary, and giving out supposed messages from heaven, frequently apocalyptic in nature.{{cite book |last=Laycock |first=J.P. |title=The Seer of Bayside: Veronica Lueken and the Struggle to Define Catholicism |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2014 |isbn=978-0-19-937968-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WVZwBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT14 |page=14 |access-date=March 29, 2021 |archive-date=October 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001175647/https://books.google.com/books?id=WVZwBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT14 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Kilgannon |first=Corey |date=October 9, 2003 |title=Visions of Doom Endure in Queens; Prophecy, And a Rift, At a Shrine |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/09/nyregion/visions-of-doom-endure-in-queens-prophecy-and-a-rift-at-a-shrine.html |access-date=March 29, 2021 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411045652/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/09/nyregion/visions-of-doom-endure-in-queens-prophecy-and-a-rift-at-a-shrine.html |url-status=live}} At its height in the late 20th century, thousands of people attended the nightly events, held on different feast days. One event in June 1983 attracted fifteen thousand pilgrims. Despite the events' popularity, Bishop Francis Mugavero, then Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, stated in a 1986 "Declaration Concerning the Bayside Movement" that the events lacked credibility.{{Cite web |last=Mugavero |first=Francis |date=November 4, 1986 |title=Declaration Concerning the 'Bayside Movement' |url=https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/declaration-concerning-the-bayside-movement-11313 |url-status=live |access-date=March 29, 2021 |website=EWTN Global Catholic Television Network |archive-date=March 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323020955/https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/declaration-concerning-the-bayside-movement-11313}}{{cite web |date=December 20, 2019 |title=The Seer of Bayside |url=https://www.archives.nyc/blog/2019/12/20/the-seer-of-bayside |access-date=March 29, 2021 |website=NYC Department of Records & Information Services |archive-date=March 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304134326/https://www.archives.nyc/blog/2019/12/20/the-seer-of-bayside |url-status=live}} After Lueken's death in 1995, and her husband's death in 2002, their followers divided into two small camps that continued to visit the park for vigils.

Additionally, in 1978, the US Open tennis tournament was moved from the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The tournament was originally held in the Singer Bowl stadium (renamed the Louis Armstrong Stadium), a 1964 World's Fair structure which was renovated and expanded for the tournament. Other parts of the park were also repaired or expanded for the tournament, including the fountains of the Unisphere.{{cite news |last1=Shaman |first1=Diana |title=In Corona, They Look for a Lift From Tennis |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/12/03/archives/in-corona-they-look-for-a-lift-from-tennis-corona-looks-for-a.html |access-date=March 30, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=December 3, 1978 |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726170228/https://www.nytimes.com/1978/12/03/archives/in-corona-they-look-for-a-lift-from-tennis-corona-looks-for-a.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=U.S. Open Site Goes Public for '78 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/05/28/archives/us-open-site-goes-public-for-78.html |access-date=March 30, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=May 28, 1977 |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726171030/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/05/28/archives/us-open-site-goes-public-for-78.html |url-status=live}}

Arne Abramowitz became administrator of Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in 1986 and soon began planning a renovation of the park.{{Cite news |last=Rivera |first=Elaine |date=December 30, 1986 |title=New Park Chief Building a Career in Open Spaces |pages=21 |work=Newsday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82217784/new-park-chief-building-a-career-in/ |access-date=July 26, 2021 |via=newspapers.com {{open access}} |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726161020/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82217784/new-park-chief-building-a-career-in/ |url-status=live}} The following year, NYC Parks announced an $80 million rehabilitation of the park.{{Cite news |last=Anderson |first=Susan Heller |date=November 19, 1987 |title=Park in Queens to Get $80 Million Restoration |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/19/nyregion/park-in-queens-to-get-80-million-restoration.html |access-date=July 26, 2021 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726161015/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/19/nyregion/park-in-queens-to-get-80-million-restoration.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Neugebauer |first=William |date=September 20, 1987 |title=It May Be the Jewel in City Park Crown |pages=318, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82216838/flushing-meadows/ 319] |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82216761/it-may-be-the-jewel-in-city-park-crown/ |access-date=July 26, 2021 |via=newspapers.com {{open access}} |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726161007/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82216761/it-may-be-the-jewel-in-city-park-crown/ |url-status=live}} The renovation had been planned since the early 1980s but had been deferred due to a lack of funding.{{Cite news |last=Polsky |first=Carol |date=August 9, 1988 |title=Flushing Meadows Stuck in Park |pages=9, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82216396/queens-park-lurches-forward/ 24] |work=Newsday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82216298/flushing-meadows-stuck-in-park/ |access-date=July 26, 2021 |via=newspapers.com {{open access}} |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726161010/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82216298/flushing-meadows-stuck-in-park/ |url-status=live}} The grounds of the park's northern section were landscaped in 1992,{{Cite news |last=Newkirk |first=Pamela |date=May 17, 1992 |title=Overdue Facelift for Park in Works |pages=207, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82217132/ 216], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82217226/ 217] |work=Newsday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82217067/overdue-facelift-for-park-in-works/ |access-date=July 26, 2021 |via=newspapers.com {{Open access}} |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726161013/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82217067/overdue-facelift-for-park-in-works/ |url-status=live}} and the restoration of the Unisphere was completed in May 1994.{{cite news |last=Huang |first=Vivian |date=June 1, 1994 |title=Let Us Spray for Unisphere |page=293 |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38447214/ |access-date=November 4, 2019 |via=newspapers.com {{open access}} |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123222859/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38447214/let-us-spray-for-unisphere/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Muschamp |first=Herbert |date=September 2, 1994 |title=Summer's Last Hurrah: The Final Fling Before the Fall; Recircling the Globe |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/02/arts/summer-s-last-hurrah-the-final-fling-before-the-fall-recircling-the-globe.html |access-date=November 4, 2019 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019233411/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/02/arts/summer-s-last-hurrah-the-final-fling-before-the-fall-recircling-the-globe.html |url-status=live}} By the mid-1990s, NYC Parks was planning to spend another $19 million to rebuild fountains, build a new ramp to the Willets Point Boulevard station, add three entrances and a cultural walk, and enlarge the Hall of Science.{{cite news |last=Cheng |first=Mae M. |date=October 9, 1994 |title=Changing of the Yard Flushing Meadows Is Getting a Facelift – But Some Don't like What They See |work=Newsday |page=A100 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278790201}}}} The Aquacade amphitheater, which had decayed extensively,{{cite web |date=April 3, 1995 |title=Bid to Salvage Aquacade |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/1995/04/03/bid-to-salvage-aquacade/ |access-date=May 22, 2024 |website=New York Daily News |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Holloway |first=Lynette |date=June 6, 1995 |title=Love in the Ruins; Preservationists Fight to Save Crumbling Queens Aquacade |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/06/nyregion/love-in-the-ruins-preservationists-fight-to-save-crumbling-queens-aquacade.html |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} was demolished in 1996.{{cite web |last=Marzlock |first=Ron |date=March 22, 2012 |title=The Fair's Million-Dollar Aquacade |url=https://www.qchron.com/qboro/i_have_often_walked/the-fair-s-million-dollar-aquacade/article_185ee7eb-bb73-52f4-84a3-b537ebba079a.html |access-date=May 22, 2024 |website=Queens Chronicle}} Arthur Ashe Stadium opened in the park in 1997, replacing a smaller stadium.{{cite news |last=Klein |first=Frederick C. |date=August 29, 1997 |title=On Sports: Plenty of Lunch Seating, But U.S. Open Stadium Isn't All for the Masses |work=The Wall Street Journal |pages=B, 4:1 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|398588758}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Finn |first=Robin |date=August 26, 1997 |title=New Ashe Stadium Opens With a Big First Serve |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/26/sports/new-ashe-stadium-opens-with-a-big-first-serve.html |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} In addition, mosaic medallions commemorating the World's Fair were installed at David Dinkins Circle in 1998; it is unknown who designed the mosaics.{{cite web |last=Perlman |first=Historian Michael |date=November 14, 2024 |title=Communities Unite To Rescue World's Fair Tributary Mosaics |url=https://www.qgazette.com/articles/communities-unite-to-rescue-worlds-fair-tributary-mosaics/ |access-date=December 6, 2024 |website=Queens Gazette}}

=Early 21st century=

By the early 2000s, NYC Parks had spent $61 million to renovate the park, including $11 million on a promenade along Flushing Bay, $7 million for turf fields, and six new playgrounds.{{cite news |last=Ferris |first=Marc |date=August 27, 2000 |title=A Squawk In The Park / Despite Major Improvements, Some Say Poor Maintenance Has Dulled Queens Jewel – Flushing Meadows-Corona Park |work=Newsday |page=G08 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279299510}}}} The park had also become the residence of a number of homeless people.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/26/nyregion/26census.html |work=The New York Times |first=Alan |last=Feuer |title=Who Calls Central Park Home? Census Counts 25 |date=March 25, 2011 |access-date=February 19, 2017 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073255/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/26/nyregion/26census.html |url-status=live}} This fact received attention after five possibly homeless individuals abducted, raped, and threatened to kill a woman who had been sitting with her partner at the nearby Mets–Willets Point subway station.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/28/nyregion/squalid-site-of-queens-rape-unnoticed-by-public-nearby.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |work=The New York Times |first=Michael |last=Wilson |title=Squalid Site of Queens Rape Unnoticed by Public Nearby |date=December 28, 2002 |access-date=February 19, 2017 |archive-date=April 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406201304/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/28/nyregion/squalid-site-of-queens-rape-unnoticed-by-public-nearby.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm |url-status=live}}

File:Nike Go Play Day - Skate Kitchen and Quell skateboarding meet up hosted by Leo Baker.jpg

Several improvements were made to Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in the 2000s and 2010s. The Flushing Meadows–Corona Park Conservancy was formed in 2002 to advocate for parkland in the area.{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Shane |title=Willow Lake Trail Named for the Late Pat Dolan – A Nature Trail That Winds Around a Lake in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Was Renamed Sunday in Honor of a Woman Who Worked for Years to Preserve Its Natural Beauty. On Sunday Morning at a Kew Gardens... |website=Queens Ledger |date=April 24, 2013 |url=http://queensledger.com/view/full_story/22345219/article-Willow-Lake-trail-named-for-the-late-Pat-Dolan |access-date=August 22, 2019 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407074533/http://queensledger.com/view/full_story/22345219/article-Willow-Lake-trail-named-for-the-late-Pat-Dolan |url-status=live}} The $66.3 million Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatics Center, encompassing an Olympic-sized public indoor pool and an NHL regulation-sized skating rink, opened in 2008. The facility is the largest recreation complex in any New York City park, at {{convert|110000|sqft|m2}}.{{cite web |url=http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_about/parks_divisions/capital/parks/flushing_meadows_corona_park_pool_rink.html |title=Flushing Meadows Corona Park |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=March 19, 2018 |archive-date=November 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126045336/http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_about/parks_divisions/capital/parks/flushing_meadows_corona_park_pool_rink.html |url-status=live}} This was followed by the opening of Citi Field, a new baseball field to replace Shea Stadium, in 2009.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/30/sports/baseball/30vecsey.html |title=Ballpark Pioneers Witness Citi Field's First Pitch |last=Vecsey |first=George |date=March 29, 2009 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 22, 2019 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073335/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/30/sports/baseball/30vecsey.html |url-status=live}}

Another public-private partnership, the Alliance for Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, was created in 2015.{{Cite web |last=Honan |first=Katie |date=November 16, 2015 |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20151116/corona/new-alliance-for-flushing-meadows-corona-park-hopes-boost-funds |title=New Alliance for Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Hopes to Boost Funds |website=DNAinfo New York |access-date=May 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201192248/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20151116/corona/new-alliance-for-flushing-meadows-corona-park-hopes-boost-funds/ |archive-date=December 1, 2018 |url-status=dead}} It commenced construction on, or announced plans for, several improvement projects at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.{{Cite web |url=https://www.amny.com/news/worlds-fair-fountains-queens-1.16726028 |title=World's Fair Fountains in Queens to Get $5M Makeover |last=Honan |first=Katie |date=February 12, 2018 |website=am New York |access-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513205632/https://www.amny.com/news/worlds-fair-fountains-queens-1.16726028 |url-status=live}} These included a plan to restore the New York State Pavilion,{{cite web |url=http://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/fmcp-projects-win-design-awards/article_d4258bc1-5677-5a2e-bb79-e06306ed92ae.html |title=FMCP Projects Win Design Awards |last=Haynes |first=Daniel C. |date=June 2, 2018 |website=Queens Chronicle |access-date=June 2, 2018 |archive-date=January 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117131738/https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/fmcp-projects-win-design-awards/article_d4258bc1-5677-5a2e-bb79-e06306ed92ae.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/planning-and-building/capital-project-tracker/project/7009 |title=New York State Pavilion Observation Towers Reconstruction : NYC Parks |website=www.nycgovparks.org |access-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073419/https://www.nycgovparks.org/planning-and-building/capital-project-tracker/project/7009 |url-status=live}} as well as the construction of a "mist garden" in the park's Fountains of the Fairs.{{Cite web |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2018/2/13/17007934/queens-flushing-meadows-park-world-fair-fountains-renovation |title=World's Fair Fountains in Queens Will Transform into 'Mist Gardens' |last=Plitt |first=Amy |date=February 13, 2018 |website=Curbed NY |access-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726023508/https://ny.curbed.com/2018/2/13/17007934/queens-flushing-meadows-park-world-fair-fountains-renovation |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/planning-and-building/capital-project-tracker/project/7391 |title=Flushing Meadows Corona Park Fountain of the Fairs Reconstruction : NYC Parks |website=www.nycgovparks.org |access-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513205635/https://www.nycgovparks.org/planning-and-building/capital-project-tracker/project/7391 |url-status=live}} Other projects included the construction of a promenade around Meadow Lake{{Cite web |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/planning-and-building/capital-project-tracker/project/5977 |title=Flushing Meadows Corona Park Meadow Lake Promenade Reconstruction : NYC Parks |website=www.nycgovparks.org |access-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513205629/https://www.nycgovparks.org/planning-and-building/capital-project-tracker/project/5977 |url-status=live}} and the rehabilitation of the World's Fair Playground and the marina. In 2015, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park also started hosting the Queens Night Market, a summertime food market that features cuisine from dozens of countries.{{cite web |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/new-york-voted-best-city-in-the-world-in-massive-worldwide-survey-031119 |title=Citing Its Diversity and Culture, NYC Was Voted Best City in the World in New Global Survey |first=Will |last=Gleason |work=TimeOut |date=March 11, 2019 |access-date=June 23, 2019 |archive-date=May 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511000342/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/new-york-voted-best-city-in-the-world-in-massive-worldwide-survey-031119 |url-status=live}} The market became popular due to its affordability, since all food cost a maximum of $5–6.{{Cite web |url=https://qns.com/story/2019/04/18/queens-international-night-market-kicks-off-another-season-saturday-night/ |title=Queens International Night Market Kicks off Another Season Saturday Night |last=Parry |first=Bill |date=April 18, 2019 |website=QNS.com |access-date=May 22, 2019 |archive-date=May 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525021457/https://qns.com/story/2019/04/18/queens-international-night-market-kicks-off-another-season-saturday-night/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/queens-night-market-begins-a-new-chapter-11552005423 |title=Queens Night Market Begins a New Chapter |last=Passy |first=Charles |date=March 8, 2019 |work=Wall Street Journal |access-date=May 22, 2019 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=May 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517051413/https://www.wsj.com/articles/queens-night-market-begins-a-new-chapter-11552005423 |url-status=live}} Another food festival, the World's Fare, started in 2017 and is hosted in Citi Field's parking lot on about the third weekend of May.{{cite web |url=https://qns.com/story/2018/11/28/worlds-fare-return-flushings-citi-field-may-2019-second-helping-global-eats/ |title=The World's Fare Returns to Flushing's Citi Field in May of 2019 for Second Helping of Global Eats |last=Hallum |first=Mark |date=November 28, 2018 |website=QNS.com |access-date=May 22, 2019 |archive-date=May 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525025103/https://qns.com/story/2018/11/28/worlds-fare-return-flushings-citi-field-may-2019-second-helping-global-eats/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/foodnews/worlds-fare-returns-to-queens-for-weekend-of-global-cuisine/ar-AABvKSF |title='World's Fare' Returns To Queens For Weekend Of Global Cuisine |last=Kaufman |first=Maya |date=May 10, 2019 |website=MSN |access-date=May 22, 2019 |archive-date=December 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231091556/https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/foodnews/worlds-fare-returns-to-queens-for-weekend-of-global-cuisine/ar-AABvKSF |url-status=dead}} Restoration of the New York State Pavilion began in 2019,{{Cite web |title=NYC Parks Breaks Ground on $24 Million Project to Preserve the World's Fair Pavilion Towers |url=https://qns.com/story/2019/11/08/nyc-parks-breaks-ground-on-24-million-project-to-preserve-the-worlds-fair-pavilion-towers/ |last=Parry |first=Bill |date=November 8, 2019 |website=QNS.com |access-date=May 29, 2020 |archive-date=August 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815200413/https://qns.com/story/2019/11/08/nyc-parks-breaks-ground-on-24-million-project-to-preserve-the-worlds-fair-pavilion-towers/ |url-status=live}} as did work on the Fountains of the Fairs.{{Cite web |title=Flushing Meadows Corona Park Fountain of the Fairs Reconstruction |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/planning-and-building/capital-project-tracker/project/7391 |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=May 29, 2020 |archive-date=April 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426183309/https://www.nycgovparks.org/planning-and-building/capital-project-tracker/project/7391 |url-status=live}} The Fountains of the Fairs were dedicated in October 2020.{{cite web |last=Parry |first=Bill |title=City Completes $6.8 Million Restoration of Fountains at Flushing Meadows Corona Park |website=QNS.com |date=October 29, 2020 |url=https://qns.com/2020/10/city-completes-6-8-million-restoration-of-fountains-at-flushing-meadows-corona-park/ |access-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625113928/https://qns.com/2020/10/city-completes-6-8-million-restoration-of-fountains-at-flushing-meadows-corona-park/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Weaver |first=Shaye |title=See the New Misting Plaza at Flushing Meadows Corona Park |website=Time Out New York |date=October 30, 2020 |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/see-the-new-misting-plaza-at-flushing-meadows-corona-park-103020 |access-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726021756/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/see-the-new-misting-plaza-at-flushing-meadows-corona-park-103020 |url-status=live}}

In early 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) gave a local group, the Waterfront Alliance, a $530,000 grant to study the effects of climate change at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park after U.S. representative Grace Meng had requested the grant the previous year.{{cite web |title=Flood-Prone City Park Gets a Climate Resilience Plan |website=Crain's New York Business |last=Spivack |first=Caroline |date=March 31, 2022 |url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/climate-change/flood-prone-flushing-meadows-corona-park-gets-climate-resilience-plan |access-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031225315/https://www.crainsnewyork.com/climate-change/flood-prone-flushing-meadows-corona-park-gets-climate-resilience-plan |url-status=live}} The park was extremely vulnerable to flooding because of its topography and because of sea level rise caused by global warming. Climate scientists had predicted that parts of the park would be flooded regularly by the 2050s and that the entire park could be underwater by the 2080s.{{cite web |last=Parry |first=Bill |title=Waterfront Alliance Secures Federal Funding for Climate Resilience Plan for Flushing Meadows Corona Park – QNS.com |website=QNS.com |date=April 1, 2022 |url=https://qns.com/2022/04/waterfront-alliance-climate-resilience-plan-flushing-meadows-corona-park/ |access-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031222300/https://qns.com/2022/04/waterfront-alliance-climate-resilience-plan-flushing-meadows-corona-park/ |url-status=live}} At the time, the city government was spending $350 million on various upgrades at the park.{{cite web |last=Feldman |first=Ari Ephraim |title=Federal Grant Spurs Flushing Meadows Corona Park Resiliency Plan |website=Spectrum News NY1 New York City |date=March 17, 2022 |url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2022/03/17/federal-grant-spurs-flushing-meadows-corona-park-resiliency-plan |access-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031222259/https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2022/03/17/federal-grant-spurs-flushing-meadows-corona-park-resiliency-plan |url-status=live}} By mid-2023, the New York City government was considering erecting tents in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park to temporarily house asylum seekers.{{Cite news |last=Rubinstein |first=Dana |date=May 8, 2023 |title=Racetracks, Parks, Offices: A Frantic Search for Migrant Housing |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/08/nyregion/migrants-shelter-flatiron-nyc.html |access-date=May 12, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512155932/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/08/nyregion/migrants-shelter-flatiron-nyc.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Gloria Pazmino |first=Samantha Beech |title=New York City Mayor Announces Plan to Transport Willing Migrants to Locations Outside the City Ahead of Expected Surge |website=CNN |date=May 6, 2023 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/05/us/nyc-tent-housing-migrant-surge/index.html |access-date=May 12, 2023 |archive-date=May 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512001514/https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/05/us/nyc-tent-housing-migrant-surge/index.html |url-status=live}} The park had also become popular with Queens's large Latin-American population, who frequently played soccer there.{{cite web |last=Vilchis |first=Raúl |date=May 5, 2024 |title=Immigrants Find Fun and Community at Queens Soccer Fields |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/05/nyregion/soccer-migrants-corona-queens.html |access-date=September 30, 2024 |website=The New York Times}} The first phase of the New York State Pavilion's renovation was finished in 2023,{{cite web |last=Parry |first=Bill |date=April 17, 2023 |title=The Lights Are Back on at the NYS Pavilion in Flushing Meadows Corona Park – QNS |url=https://qns.com/2023/04/the-lights-are-back-on-at-the-nys-pavilion-in-flushing-meadows-corona-park/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429135329/https://qns.com/2023/04/the-lights-are-back-on-at-the-nys-pavilion-in-flushing-meadows-corona-park/ |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=May 12, 2024 |website=QNS |postscript=none}}; {{cite web |last=Weaver |first=Shaye |date=April 17, 2023 |title=The once-abandoned relics of the 1964 World's Fair will light up every night |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/nyc-will-light-up-the-once-abandoned-relics-of-the-1964-worlds-fair-every-night-041723 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926214547/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/nyc-will-light-up-the-once-abandoned-relics-of-the-1964-worlds-fair-every-night-041723 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |access-date=May 12, 2024 |website=Time Out New York}} with a second phase planned to be completed in 2025.{{cite web |last=Chayes |first=Matthew |date=April 27, 2024 |title=Restoration Aims to Restore Luster of Decaying 1964 World's Fair Pavilion |url=https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/1964-worlds-fair-nuvob91o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429135330/https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/1964-worlds-fair-nuvob91o |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Newsday |issn=2574-5298}} The mosaic medallions at David Dinkins Circle had become dilapidated by 2024, when NYC Parks announced plans to remove them, citing the fact that the mosaics were causing people to trip.{{cite web |last=McLogan |first=Elle |date=December 2, 2024 |title=NYC looking to remove the tiled mosaics at the site of the World's Fair in Queens |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/worlds-fair-mosaics-flushing-meadows-corona-park-queens/?intcid=CNR-02-0623&ftag=CNM-00-10aab4i |access-date=December 6, 2024 |website=CBS New York}}

==Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Metropolitan Park proposal==

{{Infobox casino

| name = Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Metropolitan Park

| logo =

| logo_size =

| logo_caption =

| image =

| image_size =

| image_caption =

| pushpin_map =

| pushpin_mapsize =

| pushpin_map_caption =

| pushpin_label_position = none

| coordinates =

| location = Flushing, New York City, New York, United States

| address =

| date_opened = TBD

| date_closed =

| theme =

| rooms = 2,300

| space_gaming =

| shows =

| attractions =

| notable_restaurants =

| casino_type = Resort

| owner =

| license_holder = Hard Rock International

| architect =

| names_pre =

| renovations =

| website = [https://www.metropolitanpark.com/ Metropolitan Park]
[https://casino.hardrock.com/metropolitan-park Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Metropolitan Park]

}}

New York state officials announced in April 2022 that they would issue three casino licenses in Downstate New York.{{Cite news |last1=Hong |first1=Nicole |last2=Rubinstein |first2=Dana |date=October 21, 2022 |title=Where Could a Casino Be Built in New York City? What We Know |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/nyc-casino-tracker.html |access-date=October 30, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}{{cite web |last=Short |first=Aaron |date=August 9, 2022 |title=Manhattan Casino Push Could Turn Out to Be a House of Cards |url=https://commercialobserver.com/2022/08/manhattan-casino-push/ |access-date=October 30, 2022 |website=Commercial Observer}} Following this announcement, in 2023, New York Mets owner Steven A. Cohen proposed a redevelopment of the parking lot west of Citi Field.{{cite web |last=Byfield |first=Erica |last2=Luck |first2=Brad |title=New York Mets Owner Steve Cohen Announces $8B Plan to Develop Area Around Citi Field in Queens |website=NBC New York |date=November 7, 2023 |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/new-york-mets-owner-steve-cohen-announces-8b-plan-to-develop-area-around-citi-field-in-queens/4840197/ |access-date=May 14, 2024}}{{cite web |last=Gannon |first=Devin |title=Mets Owner Reveals 'Metropolitan Park' Proposal for $8B Casino Complex Next to Citi Field |website=6sqft |date=November 7, 2023 |url=https://www.6sqft.com/mets-owner-reveals-metropolitan-park-proposal-for-8b-casino-complex-next-to-citi-field/ |access-date=May 14, 2024}} The proposed development would be known as Metropolitan Park and would feature a 2,300 room Hard Rock Hotel–themed Integrated Resort which would include a casino. The hotel could become the largest hotel in New York City and amongst the largest hotels in the world if built. It would also include cultural amenities, restaurants, shopping, and park space.{{cite web | last=Short | first=Aaron | title=Breaking down every 2025 New York casino license bid | website=City & State NY | date=February 10, 2025 | url=https://www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2025/02/breaking-down-every-2025-new-york-casino-licenses-bid/402815/ | access-date=February 19, 2025}}{{cite web |title=Mets Owner Steve Cohen's Metropolitan Park Plan Commits over $1B in Community Benefits If Casino Gets Green Light from State |website=Flushing Post |last=Parry |first=Bill |date=February 12, 2024 |url=https://flushingpost.com/mets-owner-steve-cohens-metropolitan-park-plan-commits-over-1b-in-community-benefits-if-casino-gets-green-light-from-state |access-date=May 14, 2024}}{{cite web |last=Parry |first=Bill |title=Hard Rock International CEO Pitches Metropolitan Park Opportunity with Queens Business Community |website=QNS |date=January 25, 2024 |url=https://qns.com/2024/01/hard-rock-international-ceo-pitches-metropolitan-park-opportunity-queens-business-community/ |access-date=May 14, 2024}} In May 2024, state senator Jessica Ramos stated she would not introduce legislation to help get the project approved.{{Cite news |last=Drellich |first=Evan |date=May 28, 2024 |title=Steve Cohen's Citi Field Casino Bid Suffers Major Blow, Project's Future Uncertain |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5524925/2024/05/28/steve-cohen-citi-field-casino-setback/ |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} In February 2025, the City Planning Commission voting in favor of approving zoning changes which would allow for the project to be built. The area is zoned as parkland and zoning changes are needed to allow the project to move forward. Neighboring community boards have also voted in favor of the proposed development.{{cite web | last=O’Brien | first=Shane | title=Flushing’s Metropolitan Park casino proposal gets City Planning Commission green light – QNS | website=QNS | date=February 20, 2025 | url=https://qns.com/2025/02/metropolitan-park-casino-city-planning-green-light/ | access-date=March 31, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Shriber | first=Todd | title=Queens Casino Plan Lands Important Zoning Changes | website=Casino.org | date=February 20, 2025 | url=https://www.casino.org/news/queens-casino-plan-lands-important-zoning-changes/ | access-date=March 31, 2025}} In March 2025, the City Council voted 41–2 to approve the zoning changes.{{cite web | last=Venugopal | first=Arun | title=Metropolitan Park casino project in Queens wins City Council zoning approval | website=Gothamist | date=March 14, 2025 | url=https://gothamist.com/news/metropolitan-park-casino-project-in-queens-wins-city-council-zoning-approval | access-date=March 15, 2025}} Later that month, State Senator John Liu announced that he would introduce a bill to reclassify the zoning of the parking lot next to Citi Field as commercial space, which if passed would allow the integrated resort to be built. Liu does not represent the district, but Jessica Ramos, who does represent this district, has refused to introduce this bill because she opposes the plan.{{cite web | last=Valle | first=Verónica Del | title=NY senator backs Citi Field casino plan with Flushing Skypark proposal and $100M pledge | website=Gothamist | date=March 30, 2025 | url=https://gothamist.com/news/ny-senator-backs-citi-field-casino-plan-with-flushing-skypark-proposal-and-100m-pledge | access-date=March 31, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Shriber | first=Todd | title=Queens Casino Plan Lifted by Liu Parkland Bill | website=Casino.org | date=March 30, 2025 | url=https://www.casino.org/news/queens-casino-plan-lifted-by-liu-parkland-bill/ | access-date=March 31, 2025}}

Geography

The layout of Flushing Meadows–Corona Park retains much of Gilmore D. Clarke and Michael Rapuano's Beaux-Arts planning from the 1939 and 1964 World's Fairs.{{harvnb|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=71}}; {{harvnb|Strategic Framework Plan|p=17}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Unisphere|1995|pp=3–4}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/26/realestate/a-queens-park-s-past-shapes-its-future.html |title=A Queens Park's Past Shapes Its Future |last1=Dunlap |first1=David W. |date=August 26, 2001 |work=The New York Times |access-date=April 3, 2017 |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726024551/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/26/realestate/a-queens-park-s-past-shapes-its-future.html |url-status=live}} Flushing Meadows–Corona Park is the fourth-largest public park in New York City. It was long believed to be {{convert|1,255|acre|ha}} in size, but a survey concluded in 2013 found its actual size to be {{convert|897|acre|ha}} when accounting for major roads and other exclusions within the park's perimeter.{{cite web |last=Foderaro |first=Lisa W. |date=May 31, 2013 |title=How Big Is That Park? City Now Has the Answer |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/01/nyregion/surveying-effort-alters-sizes-of-some-new-york-parks.html?hp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905092957/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/01/nyregion/surveying-effort-alters-sizes-of-some-new-york-parks.html?hp |archive-date=September 5, 2017 |access-date=May 31, 2013 |newspaper=The New York Times}} This does not take into account a disputed claim that the neighborhood of Willets Point, along the north edge of the park, is itself part of the park.{{cite web |last=Honan |first=Katie |date=February 11, 2014 |title=Suit Seeks to Quash Willets West Mall Project |url=http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20140211/willets-point/suit-seeks-quash-willets-west-mall-project |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226013948/http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20140211/willets-point/suit-seeks-quash-willets-west-mall-project |archive-date=December 26, 2014 |access-date=December 25, 2014 |work=DNA Info}}

= Layout =

The northern section of the park, the former fair grounds, revolves around large paved pathways which during the fairs led to focal points such as pavilions, fountains and sculptures. The Trylon and Perisphere, and later Unisphere, were placed at the main axial point.{{sfn|Strategic Framework Plan|pp=15, 18}} The Unisphere and Queens Museum currently sit at the west end of the main promenade. Near the center of the promenade (called Herbert Hoover Promenade on the north side, and Dwight D. Eisenhower Promenade on the south side) are the Fountains of the Fairs, which sit in the median of the paths. At the far east end is the Fountain of the Planets, originally called the Pool of Industry.{{sfn|Strategic Framework Plan|pp=15, 18}} This layout was used to guide fair goers to exhibits.{{harvnb|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=71}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Strategic Framework Plan|pp=15, 18, 21}} The layout was based on Gian Lorenzo Bernini's plan for St. Peter's Square in Vatican City.{{sfn|NYC Parks Tomorrow's World|2015|p=3}} The main promenade, measuring {{convert|2500|ft|m}},{{sfn|Wood|2004|p=19}} was provisionally called the "Cascade Mall" during its construction, and later named the "Constitution Mall" during the first fair.{{sfn|Wood|2004|p=19}} Many former exhibit and pavilion sites have since been replaced with soccer fields (artificial turf or dirt and grass), while others have been left as open grass fields.{{sfn|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|pp=46–47}}

The southern portion of the park is largely occupied by Meadow and Willow Lake.{{harvnb|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|pp=49–50}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Strategic Framework Plan|pp=15, 18, 21}} The two lakes, along with the Pool of Industry and Fountain of the Planets in the former fair grounds, are fed by the Flushing River, which flows north through both lakes and underneath the fountain as a subterranean river towards Flushing Bay.{{sfn|Strategic Framework Plan|p=37}} The two lakes are connected by a narrow channel, forming a peninsula in between the lakes. During the 1939 Fair, Meadow Lake was temporarily named "Fountain Lake" and "Liberty Lake".{{sfn|Wood|2004|p=13}}{{cite news |last1=Loeb |first1=August |title=Fine Park From Fair: Flushing Meadow's New Play Area Will Be 'Second to None' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/10/27/archives/fine-park-from-fair-flushing-meadows-new-play-area-will-be-second.html |access-date=April 27, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=October 27, 1940 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073524/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/10/27/archives/fine-park-from-fair-flushing-meadows-new-play-area-will-be-second.html |url-status=live}} The land around Meadow Lake contains much of the park's true "parkland", with open grass, picnic and grilling areas, and baseball and cricket fields.{{harvnb|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=46}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Strategic Framework Plan|p=21}} During the fairs, the land on the north shore and part of the eastern shore of the lake was used as an amusement area,{{harvnb|Cotter|Young|2014|p=13}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Wood|2004|p=108}} with large parking lots added on the east and west shores for the 1964 Fair.{{sfn|Cotter|Young|2014|p=13}}{{cite news |last1=Alden |first1=Robert |title=A LEGACY OF FAIR: UNWANTED RELICS; Exhibitors Are Required to Raze Pavilions, But 13 Have Gone Bankrupt |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E05EFDE173EE03ABC4952DFBE66838E679EDE&legacy=true |access-date=April 27, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=August 11, 1965 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107032032/https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E05EFDE173EE03ABC4952DFBE66838E679EDE&legacy=true |url-status=live}} The lots were removed and converted to parkland after the 1964 Fair. The Willow Lake area of the park is a nature reserve.{{sfn|Strategic Framework Plan|p=21}} The area around Willow Lake originally also contained sports fields and park trails,{{cite news |last1=Colangelo |first1=Lisa L. |title=Something Is Fishy in Flushing Meadows Corona Park's Willow Lake Where Scores of Fish Are Dying |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/dead-fish-spark-mystery-willow-lake-article-1.2019788 |access-date=April 27, 2017 |work=New York Daily News |date=November 24, 2014 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073502/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/dead-fish-spark-mystery-willow-lake-article-1.2019788 |url-status=live}} until it was fenced off and turned into a preserve in 1976.

The park is entirely circumscribed by highways constructed by Robert Moses. Its eastern boundary is formed by the Van Wyck Expressway (I-678). The south and west ends of the park are bound by the Grand Central Parkway, with the Kew Gardens Interchange situated at the southernmost point. The northern edge of the park is bound by the expressway portion of Northern Boulevard (New York State Route 25A) which connects the Grand Central and the Whitestone Expressway. The park is bisected by the Long Island Expressway, at the approximate south end of the former Corona Ash Dumps, which separate the northern and southern halves of the park. Jewel Avenue and its interchange with the Grand Central further separate the southern section into two halves, with Meadow Lake to the north of Jewel Avenue and Willow Lake to the south.{{harvnb|30 Years of Progress: 1934–1965|p=64}}; {{harvnb|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=126}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Strategic Framework Plan|p=14}} Access to the park is limited due to a lack of public transportation reaching many areas of the site, and presence of the highways at the perimeters of the park separating the site from local neighborhoods. The park also has very few formal entrances from local neighborhoods; this is a vestige of the World's Fairs, where access was controlled.{{sfn|Strategic Framework Plan|pp=13, 39}}

Studies by various groups have separated the park into a different number of sections. A study by the Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation divides the park into three areas: the "historic core" (former World's Fair grounds), Meadow Lake, and Willow Lake.{{sfn|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=}} The Flushing Meadows Corona Park Strategic Framework Plan divides the park into a total of seven "zones": the Marina along Flushing Bay (containing the World's Fair Marina), the "Sport Center" (containing Citi Field and the USTA), "West Park" (a small section extending west of the Grand Central Parkway and the fair grounds, housing the New York Hall of Science and the Queens Zoo), the "Recreation & Garden Botanical Area" (extending east of the fair grounds along the Kissena Creek corridor, housing the Queens Botanical Garden), the "Historic World's Fair Core Area", Meadow Lake, and Willow Lake.{{sfn|Strategic Framework Plan|p=21}}

=Hydrology and ecology=

{{multiple image

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The two lakes and the remainder of Flushing Creek are separated by a flood gate or dam called the "Porpoise Bridge" or "Tide Gate Bridge", located just south of the Long Island Rail Road's Port Washington Branch trestle, at the north end of the Flushing Meadows Golf Center. The dam only permits northward flows towards Flushing Bay to pass, while blocking south-flowing waters.{{sfn|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994|p=1⋅11}} As its name implies, the dam also acts as a bridge, carrying pedestrian and vehicular traffic over the creek. It measures {{convert|37|ft|m}} wide and {{convert|370|ft|m}} long.{{cite web |title=Request for Proposals: Porpoise Bridge |url=http://ddcftp.nyc.gov/rfpweb//docs/rfp/205.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://ddcftp.nyc.gov/rfpweb//docs/rfp/205.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=New York City Department of Design and Construction |access-date=April 26, 2017 |date=May 8, 2013 |page=RFP 5}} The lakes are fed by groundwater.{{harvnb|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994|p=1⋅11}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Mankiewicz|Mankiewicz|2002|p=19}}{{cite Hidden Waters NYC |page=101}}

Prior to human development, Flushing Meadows was originally a tidal marsh, with Flushing Creek receiving south-flowing waters from the tides of Flushing Bay. Although the lakes were built as freshwater lakes and dammed to mitigate tidal effects, flooding continues to affect the park.{{harvnb|ps=.|Strategic Framework Plan|p=43}} The lakes are also highly eutrophic, due to nutrients such as phosphorus from the former marshland seeping into the water, leading to the death of fish in the lakes. The regular tidal action that would filter the lakes is prevented by the dam.{{harvnb|Strategic Framework Plan|p=37}}; {{harvnb|Mankiewicz|Mankiewicz|2002|p=1}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994|p=1⋅11}} In addition, the lakes are subject to pollution and storm runoff from the nearby highways, via pipes which feed into the lakes.{{harvnb|Strategic Framework Plan|p=37}}; {{harvnb|Mankiewicz|Mankiewicz|2002|p=19}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994|p=1⋅11}}

Because of its connection with Flushing Bay, several fish species native to marine habitats regularly swim into and inhabit Meadow and Willow Lakes.{{cite web |title=Meadow Lake |url=http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/92715.html |publisher=New York State Department of Environmental Conservation |access-date=April 3, 2017 |archive-date=November 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118174105/https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/92715.html |url-status=live}} Fish species native to Meadow Lake include American eel, largemouth bass, northern snakehead (an invasive species), and white mullet. Willow Lake is named for the many species of willow plants which inhabit the area.{{cite web |title=Flushing Meadows Corona Park: Willow Lake Trail |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/12907 |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=April 3, 2017 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073636/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/12907 |url-status=live}} Invasive phragmites, a genus of wild grasses, are also abundant.{{sfn|Mankiewicz|Mankiewicz|2002|p=2}} Attempts to kill the phragmites with pesticides have led to further fish kill.{{cite web |title=Flushing Meadows Corona Park: Willow Lake Park – Invasive Phragmites |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/12911 |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073605/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/12911 |url-status=live}} Numerous berry-producing trees and shrubs near Willow Lake attract several migratory bird species. The biodiversity of the lakes has been found to be much lower than other water bodies of comparable size.{{sfn|Mankiewicz|Mankiewicz|2002|p=2}}

Notable structures

= Attractions =

== Sports stadiums ==

Near the northern end of the park, adjacent to Willets Point is the "Sport Center" zone, where the US Open tennis tournament is held.{{sfn|Strategic Framework Plan|pp=15, 18, 21}} In 2006, the tennis center was named USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center after professional tennis player Billie Jean King.{{cite news |last1=Sandomir |first1=Richard |title=Tennis Center to Be Named for Billie Jean King |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/03/sports/tennis/03tennis.html |access-date=April 27, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=August 3, 2006 |archive-date=September 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907031328/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/03/sports/tennis/03tennis.html |url-status=live}} Its center court is Arthur Ashe Stadium, and its secondary stadium court is Louis Armstrong Stadium.{{sfn|Strategic Framework Plan|p=15}} Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets since 2009, sits at the far north end of the park. Shea Stadium, the Mets' previous home and prior host to the New York Jets football team, once stood adjacent to the area now hosting Citi Field.{{sfn|Strategic Framework Plan|pp=15, 18, 21}}

{{multiple image

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In addition to the existing stadiums, several other sports venues have been proposed for the park. In the 1950s, Flushing Meadows was one of several proposed sites for the relocation of the Brooklyn Dodgers, until the franchise moved to Los Angeles in 1958.{{cite news |last1=Fetter |first1=Henry D. |title=The Queens Dodgers? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/14/opinion/nyregionopinions/the-queens-dodgers.html?_r=0 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=August 14, 2005 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407074907/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/14/opinion/nyregionopinions/the-queens-dodgers.html?_r=0 |url-status=live}} A racing circuit to host a Formula One grand prix event was proposed for New York City, with one of the potential circuits to be built around Meadow Lake, first for the 1975 season, and later for the 1983 season.{{cite news |last1=Katz |first1=Michael |title=New York Grand Prix Project Considered Again — At Flushing Meadow Park But With a Lot of Ifs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/15/archives/new-york-grand-prix-project-considered-againat-flushing-meadow.html?_r=0 |access-date=April 27, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=September 15, 1974 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073629/https://www.nytimes.com/1974/09/15/archives/new-york-grand-prix-project-considered-againat-flushing-meadow.html?_r=0 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=New York May Get '83 Auto Grand Prix |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/28/sports/new-york-may-get-83-auto-grand-prix.html |access-date=May 18, 2011 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=October 28, 1982 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073704/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/28/sports/new-york-may-get-83-auto-grand-prix.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=New York Grand Prix Scheduled |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tdExAAAAIBAJ&pg=4398,5763243 |access-date=May 18, 2011 |newspaper=Reading Eagle |date=October 28, 1982 |agency=UPI |pages=41, 47 |archive-date=May 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521235956/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=tdExAAAAIBAJ&pg=4398,5763243 |url-status=live}} The plans were opposed by the local community and environmental groups, and the race was postponed and ultimately canceled by 1985.{{sfn|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=}}{{cite news |title=No Auto Racing in New York |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3j9UAAAAIBAJ&pg=5607,698774 |access-date=May 18, 2011 |newspaper=Boca Raton News |date=June 3, 1983 |page=2D |archive-date=May 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521235953/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3j9UAAAAIBAJ&pg=5607,698774 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Purnick |first1=Joyce |author-link=Joyce Purnick |title=Auto Race in Queens Called Off |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/06/27/nyregion/auto-race-in-queens-called-off.html |access-date=April 27, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=June 27, 1985 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073711/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/06/27/nyregion/auto-race-in-queens-called-off.html |url-status=live}} One of the alternate sites, the Meadowlands Sports Complex in New Jersey, would host the Meadowlands Grand Prix Champ Car event in 1984.{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Mike |title=U.S. Grand Prix Success Is Vital to CART Future |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-DAqAAAAIBAJ&pg=3145,5557235 |access-date=May 18, 2011 |newspaper=Daily News |date=June 29, 1984 |agency=AP |location=Bowling Green, Kentucky |page=1–B |archive-date=May 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521235951/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-DAqAAAAIBAJ&pg=3145,5557235 |url-status=live}} Also in the 1980s, the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League (USFL) proposed to relocate to the park, with a new stadium to be built in Willets Point adjacent to Shea Stadium. The plans dissolved when the USFL folded in 1985.{{sfn|Willets Point DEIS|2013|p=1⋅4}}{{cite news |title=Real Estate Developer Donald Trump Has Proposed Building {{not a typo|An}} ... |url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/12/11/Real-estate-developer-Donald-Trump-has-proposed-building-an/4573471589200/ |access-date=April 26, 2017 |work=United Press International |date=December 11, 1984 |location=New York |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407081039/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/12/11/Real-estate-developer-Donald-Trump-has-proposed-building-an/4573471589200/ |url-status=live}} Shortly afterwards, the New York Jets rejected a plan to take over the proposed stadium.{{cite news |title=Jets Will Remain in New Jersey |first=Gerald |last=Eskenazi |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/02/07/sports/jets-will-remain-in-new-jersey.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=February 7, 1986 |access-date=January 18, 2010 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407074926/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/02/07/sports/jets-will-remain-in-new-jersey.html |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Plans for Domed Stadium in Queens in Doubt |first=Richard J. |last=Meislin |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/11/nyregion/plans-for-domed-stadium-in-queens-in-doubt.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 11, 1987 |access-date=January 18, 2010 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073753/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/11/nyregion/plans-for-domed-stadium-in-queens-in-doubt.html |url-status=live}} In the 2010s, a Major League Soccer stadium was proposed in the park after MLS founded New York City FC, the New York area's second soccer team. After examining several sites in the New York area, New York City FC finally decided on building its proposed stadium in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park by 2016, deeming the park as the only viable location for a stadium.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/06/sports/soccer/mls-sets-sights-on-team-and-stadium-in-queens.html |title=M.L.S. Promotes Stadium at a Town Hall Meeting |date=December 5, 2012 |newspaper=The New York Times |author=David Picker |access-date=January 22, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073745/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/06/sports/soccer/mls-sets-sights-on-team-and-stadium-in-queens.html |url-status=live}} The stadium, which would have been located on the site of the Pool of Industry/Fountain of the Planets,{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/guest-soccer-stadium-pollute-flushing-meadows-corona-park-article-1.1341551 |title=Be Our Guest: Major League Soccer Stadium Would Pollute Flushing Meadows-Corona Park |last=Leight |first=Holly |date=May 13, 2013 |newspaper=New York Daily News |access-date=June 3, 2014 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073751/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/guest-soccer-stadium-pollute-flushing-meadows-corona-park-article-1.1341551 |url-status=live}} was heavily opposed by the community,{{cite web |url=http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/soccerusa/id/2401?cc=5901 |title=Many Questions Surround Stadium Plans, NYC FC |last=Carlisle |first=Jeff |date=May 21, 2013 |work=ESPN |access-date=June 3, 2014 |archive-date=December 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231213744/http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/soccerusa/id/2401?cc=5901 |url-status=live}} which forced the team to change its plans and play at Yankee Stadium.{{cite magazine |url=http://soccer.si.com/2014/04/21/nycfc-new-york-city-fc-yankee-stadium/ |title=NYCFC Announces Plans to Play at Yankee Stadium; No Timetable Given for Stay |last=Bradley |first=Jeff |date=April 21, 2014 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=June 3, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424124726/http://soccer.si.com/2014/04/21/nycfc-new-york-city-fc-yankee-stadium/ |archive-date=April 24, 2014}} In November 2022, New York City and NYCFC agreed to build a 25,000-seat stadium, Etihad Park, in Willets Point adjacent to Citi Field; it is expected to be completed in 2027.{{Cite news |last1=Rubinstein |first1=Dana |last2=Belson |first2=Ken |date=November 15, 2022 |title=New York City Reaches Deal to Build Soccer Stadium in Queens |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/15/nyregion/soccer-stadium-nycfc-willets.html |access-date=March 29, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309104954/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/15/nyregion/soccer-stadium-nycfc-willets.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.amny.com/sports/nycfc-and-nyc-reach-deal-soccer-stadium/ |title=Nomads No More: NYCFC and NYC Reach Deal on Soccer Stadium in Queens |date=November 15, 2022 |website=AM New York |access-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-date=November 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116004207/https://www.amny.com/sports/nycfc-and-nyc-reach-deal-soccer-stadium/ |url-status=live}}

== Recreational facilities ==

The park's Meadow Lake contains a boat house, one of two structures that remain from the 1939 World's Fair, the other being the Queens Museum.{{Cite web |url=https://www.qchron.com/news/north/boathouse-to-reopen-soon-at-meadow-lake/article_ba2c6943-30a8-5b59-bd52-75e2a9dfe54e.html |title=Boathouse to Reopen Soon at Meadow Lake |website=Queens Chronicle |last=Rhoades |first=Liz |date=June 30, 2011 |access-date=January 15, 2020 |archive-date=July 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723000537/https://www.qchron.com/editions/north/boathouse-to-reopen-soon-at-meadow-lake/article_ba2c6943-30a8-5b59-bd52-75e2a9dfe54e.html |url-status=live}} Rental boats are available at the boathouse for rowing and paddleboating, and Meadow Lake is also the site of rowing activities for non-profit Row New York, with teams practicing on the lake for much of the year.{{cite web |title=Strokes of Genius |url=http://www.uft.org/feature-stories/strokes-genius |publisher=United Federation of Teachers |access-date=October 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130415031651/http://www.uft.org/feature-stories/strokes-genius |archive-date=April 15, 2013 |url-status=dead}} Meadow Lake also hosts the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York, and teams from New York practice in Meadow Lake during the summer months.See, for example: {{cite web | last=O'Neil | first=Meaghan McGoldrick | title=Dragons afloat: 32nd annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival sails through Flushing Meadows | website=amNewYork | date=August 4, 2024 | url=https://www.amny.com/entertainment/hong-kong-dragon-boat-festival-2024/ | access-date=February 18, 2025|postscript=none}}; {{cite web | last=Krichevsky | first=Sophie | title=Meadow Lake ready for Dragon Boat Festival | website=Queens Chronicle | date=August 1, 2024 | url=https://www.qchron.com/qboro/stories/meadow-lake-ready-for-dragon-boat-festival/article_aafcabc7-606f-5f7d-8bfa-05cc343101e7.html | access-date=February 18, 2025}} The American Small Craft Association (TASCA){{cite web |url=http://www.sailtasca.org/ |title=About TASCA |work=The American Small Craft Association |publisher=TASCA |access-date=April 7, 2008 |archive-date=July 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725093715/http://www.sailtasca.org/ |url-status=live}} also houses a fleet of over a dozen {{convert|14.5|ft|m|adj=on}} sloop-rigged sailboats, used for teaching, racing, and recreation by the club's members. Bicycling paths extend around Meadow Lake and connect to the Brooklyn–Queens Greenway.{{cite web |url=http://www.fmcpconservancy.org/mission.htm |title=Mission |access-date=May 23, 2008 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828120302/http://www.fmcpconservancy.org/mission.htm |archive-date=August 28, 2008}} Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Conservancy: mission.

The Willow Lake Trail, a nature trail around Willow Lake,{{cite web |title=Flushing Meadows Corona Park Highlights – Willow Lake Trail : NYC Parks |website=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation |date=June 26, 1939 |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/12907 |access-date=January 15, 2020 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073636/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/12907 |url-status=live}} was partially reopened in 2013 and is part of the Willow Lake nature preserve. The 78th Avenue gate to the lake remains shuttered and inaccessible despite being the closest gate to the {{stn|Kew Gardens–Union Turnpike}} subway station.{{cite web |last=Colangelo |first=Lisa L. |title=Nature Lovers Can Now Venture into Willow Lake Preserve in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and Explore It on Their Own |website=nydailynews.com |date=May 1, 2013 |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/hike-preserve-flushing-meadows-corona-park-article-1.1360303 |access-date=January 15, 2020 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073833/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/hike-preserve-flushing-meadows-corona-park-article-1.1360303 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Kern-Jedrychowska |first=Ewa |title=Reopened Trail Gives Forest Hills Residents Access to Willow Lake Preserve |website=DNAinfo New York |date=June 3, 2013 |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130603/forest-hills/reopened-trail-gives-forest-hills-residents-access-willow-lake-preserve |access-date=January 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115185613/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130603/forest-hills/reopened-trail-gives-forest-hills-residents-access-willow-lake-preserve/ |archive-date=January 15, 2020 |url-status=dead}} The chronic lack of maintenance of this portion of the trail has led to ordinary residents to resort to clearing the trail itself.{{Cite web |last=Velasquez |first=Aria |date=June 17, 2021 |title=NYC Park Lovers Say City Nature Trails Need More Green |url=https://www.thecity.nyc/2021/6/17/22539343/nyc-park-lovers-say-city-nature-trails-need-more-green |access-date=July 27, 2021 |website=THE CITY |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727161239/https://www.thecity.nyc/2021/6/17/22539343/nyc-park-lovers-say-city-nature-trails-need-more-green |url-status=live}} The trail is officially named the Pat Dolan Trail, commemorating the Flushing Meadows–Corona Park Conservancy's founder.{{cite news |last=Yan |first=Ellen |date=April 28, 2024 |title=World's Fair Site Has Modern Appeal: Wildlife, A Zoo, A Museum and International Fare |work=Newsday |page=3 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|3047467360}}}}{{cite web |title=Willow Lake Hiking Trails : NYC Parks |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/park-features/hiking/willow-lake |access-date=May 12, 2024 |website=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation}}

The many recreational playing fields and playgrounds in the park are used for activities that reflect the wide ethnic mix of Queens; soccer and cricket are especially popular.{{cite news |last1=Kilgannon |first1=Corey |title=CITY ROOM; Sweat; Wide World of Sports in a Queens Park |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9507EFD91438F931A2575AC0A9669D8B63 |access-date=April 3, 2017 |work=The New York Times |date=September 12, 2010 |archive-date=November 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121130657/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9507EFD91438F931A2575AC0A9669D8B63 |url-status=live}} New York Road Runners also hosts a weekly {{convert|3.30|mi|adj=on}} Open Run.{{cite web |date=August 23, 2023 |title=Corona Park |website=NYRR |url=https://www.nyrr.org/openrun/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park |access-date=August 23, 2023}} as well as an annual {{Convert|6.2|mi|adj=on}} 10K run.{{cite web |last=Schilling |first=John |date=June 23, 2023 |title=Thousands Participate in Annual NYRR Queens 10K at Flushing Meadows Corona Park |url=https://qns.com/2023/06/new-york-road-runners-queens-10k/ |access-date=August 23, 2023 |website=QNS.com}} By the 2020s, the park had eight playgrounds and a skate park. Near the northeast corner of the park are the Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatics Center, which opened in 2008,{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=February 29, 2008 |title=Modern Pool for Public Is Opening in Flushing |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/29/nyregion/29pool.html |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} and the Al Oerter Recreation Center, which also opened in 2008.{{cite web |last=Rhoades |first=Liz |title=Oerter Recreation Center Named 2009 Best in City |website=Queens Chronicle |date=January 7, 2010 |url=https://www.qchron.com/editions/north/oerter-recreation-center-named-2009-best-in-city/article_6cdc1c30-4f67-5e1b-aede-0b5224cb9723.html |access-date=May 20, 2024}}

== World's Fair facilities ==

{{multiple image

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| image1=Queens Theatre-1.jpg

| alt1=The New York State Pavilion, including Queens Theatre in the Park

| caption1=The New York State Pavilion, including Queens Theatre in the Park

| image2=FlushingMeadowNY HallofScience exterior.jpg

| alt2=The New York Hall of Science

| caption2=The New York Hall of Science

}}

Some 1964 World's Fair buildings remained in use after the fair. The Flushing Meadows Carousel, opened as part of the 1964 Fair, operates in the northwestern part of the park.{{cite news |url=http://www.thirteen.org/metrofocus/2012/03/you-spin-me-right-round-baby-right-round-like-a-carousel/ |title=You Spin Me Right Round, Baby, Right Round Like a Carousel ... |date=March 7, 2012 |work=WNET |access-date=April 3, 2017 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073856/https://www.thirteen.org/metrofocus/2012/03/you-spin-me-right-round-baby-right-round-like-a-carousel/ |url-status=live}} The New York Hall of Science at the park's northern corner, founded during the 1964 World's Fair,{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/09/22/archives/hopeful-future-museum-but-citys-hall-of-science-still-retains-aura.html |title=Hopeful Future Museum; But City's Hall of Science Still Retains Aura Reminiscent of the World's Fair |date=September 22, 1966 |access-date=April 6, 2008 |author=Walter Sullivan |work=The New York Times |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073905/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/09/22/archives/hopeful-future-museum-but-citys-hall-of-science-still-retains-aura.html |url-status=live}} still operates in its original location.{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Steve |date=February 23, 2022 |title=New York Hall of Science Is Happy to Be Open Again |url=https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/new-york-hall-science-reopened |access-date=May 16, 2024 |website=Gothamist}} The New York State Pavilion, constructed as the state's exhibit hall for the same World's Fair, sits derelict and decaying.{{sfn|NYC Parks Tomorrow's World|2015|p=41}} The pavilion was repainted yellow in 2015{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/ny-state-pavilion-3-million-facelift-free-article-1.2210973 |title=Iconic New York State Pavilion in Flushing Meadows Corona Park Getting $3 Million Facelift – FOR FREE |date=May 5, 2015 |work=New York Daily News |publisher=NYDailyNews.com |last1=Colangelo |first1=Lisa L. |access-date=July 27, 2015 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407075030/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/ny-state-pavilion-3-million-facelift-free-article-1.2210973 |url-status=live}} and underwent renovations in the 2020s.{{cite web |last=Parry |first=Bill |date=April 17, 2023 |title=The Lights Are Back on at the NYS Pavilion in Flushing Meadows Corona Park – QNS |url=https://qns.com/2023/04/the-lights-are-back-on-at-the-nys-pavilion-in-flushing-meadows-corona-park/ |access-date=May 12, 2024 |website=QNS |postscript=none |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429135329/https://qns.com/2023/04/the-lights-are-back-on-at-the-nys-pavilion-in-flushing-meadows-corona-park/ |url-status=live}}; {{cite web |last=Weaver |first=Shaye |date=April 17, 2023 |title=The once-abandoned relics of the 1964 World's Fair will light up every night |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/nyc-will-light-up-the-once-abandoned-relics-of-the-1964-worlds-fair-every-night-041723 |access-date=May 12, 2024 |website=Time Out New York |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926214547/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/nyc-will-light-up-the-once-abandoned-relics-of-the-1964-worlds-fair-every-night-041723 |url-status=live}} At the northern end of the New York State Pavilion is the Queens Theatre in the Park,{{Cite news |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/archives/boroughs/swing-latin-america-fest-article-1.774979 |title=Swing Thru Latin America Via Fest |last=Ruiz |first=Albor |date=July 21, 1997 |work=NY Daily News |access-date=April 5, 2017 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073917/https://www.nydailynews.com/archives/boroughs/swing-latin-america-fest-article-1.774979 |url-status=live}} originally the pavilion's "Theaterama" attraction,"[http://nymag.com/listings/attraction/flushing_meadows_corona_park/ Flushing Meadows Corona Park] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508111245/https://nymag.com/listings/attraction/flushing_meadows_corona_park/ |date=May 8, 2021}}" New York Magazine, December 11, 2015. which moved into its current building in 1993. Terrace on the Park, a banquet and catering facility, was originally the 1964 World's Fair's official helipad.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/12772 |title=Flushing Meadows Corona Park Highlights – Terrace on the Park |publisher=NYC Parks |access-date=April 5, 2017 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073927/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/12772 |url-status=live}} The Queens Museum, which became the headquarters of the United Nations General Assembly after the 1939 Fair, was adapted as the 1964 Fair's New York City Pavilion building. After the fair, it was subdivided into the Queens Center for Art and an ice-skating rink, the latter of which was removed when the museum was expanded in 2013.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/08/arts/design/the-expanded-queens-museum-reopens.html?_r=0 |title=A Local Place for a Global Neighborhood |last=Cotter, Holland |date=November 7, 2013 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=May 2, 2015 |archive-date=April 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430190038/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/08/arts/design/the-expanded-queens-museum-reopens.html?_r=0 |url-status=live}}

Other buildings remained for a while after the 1964 Fair's conclusion but were subsequently demolished. This included the Travel and Transportation Pavilion, destroyed in 1967 after a failed conversion to a fire station, and the United States Pavilion, demolished in 1977 after great deterioration.{{harvnb|Cotter|Young|2014|pp=55, 67}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=18}} One such parcel became the site of the Playground for All Children, one of the first playgrounds designed to include handicapped-accessible activities. The design competition for the playground was won by architect Hisham N. Ashkouri; the facility was completed in 1984, and it was refurbished and reopened in 1997.{{cite web |url=http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/12639 |title=Playground for All Children |work=NYC Parks |access-date=June 20, 2015 |archive-date=October 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030170500/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/12639 |url-status=live}}

= Art installations =

Immediately outside the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is a sculpture by Eric Fischl called Soul in Flight.{{Cite web |last=Toomey |first=Paul |title=Arthur Ashe Statue Unveiled By USTA At Flushing Meadows |url=https://www.qchron.com/news/queenswide/arthur-ashe-statue-unveiled-by-usta-at-flushing-meadows/article_eafc23bf-2d73-55f2-bcc8-7b5f9be78c41.html |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Queens Chronicle |date=August 31, 2000 |archive-date=July 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723000538/https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/arthur-ashe-statue-unveiled-by-usta-at-flushing-meadows/article_eafc23bf-2d73-55f2-bcc8-7b5f9be78c41.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Berkow |first=Ira |date=September 7, 2000 |title=Sports of The Times; Bronze Guy Stands Tall Sans Towel |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/07/sports/sports-of-the-times-bronze-guy-stands-tall-sans-towel.html |access-date=October 26, 2022 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026230139/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/07/sports/sports-of-the-times-bronze-guy-stands-tall-sans-towel.html |url-status=live}} The sculpture, unveiled in August 2000, is a 14-foot bronze nude statue that serves as a permanent memorial to Arthur Ashe and includes one of his favorite quotes, "From what we get we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life."{{Cite web |title=Soul in Flight: A Memorial to Arthur Ashe |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/19688 |url-status=live |access-date=October 26, 2022 |archive-date=May 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527224232/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/19688}}

In January 2022, sculptor Sherwin Banfield unveiled Going Back to the Meadows, a statue of Queens–born rapper LL Cool J. Located in David Dinkins Circle, the installation depicted him in a Kangol bucket hat and Cuban link chain, holding up a solar-powered boombox loaded with a cassette of his 1985 debut album, Radio.{{Cite magazine |last1=Kaufman |first1=Gil |date=January 7, 2022 |title=LL Cool J Statue in Queens Sustainably Rocks the Bells |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/ll-cool-j-statue-queens-solar-powered-1235016502/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |magazine=Billboard}}{{cite web |last=Rahmanan |first=Anna |date=January 6, 2022 |title=You Can Actually Charge Your Phone at This New Tree-Like Sculpture in Queens |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/you-can-charge-your-phone-at-this-new-tree-like-sculpture-in-flushing-meadows-corona-park-010622 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Time Out New York |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026230129/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/you-can-charge-your-phone-at-this-new-tree-like-sculpture-in-flushing-meadows-corona-park-010622 |url-status=live}} The sculpture, which remained through November 2022, featured speakers that were timed to play LL Cool J's music for five hours on several days of the week.{{Cite web |last=Rahmanan |first=Anna |title=A Statue of Rapper LL Cool J Is Now on Display in Queens |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/a-statue-of-rapper-ll-cool-j-is-now-on-display-in-queens-010422 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=Time Out New York |date=January 4, 2022 |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026173216/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/a-statue-of-rapper-ll-cool-j-is-now-on-display-in-queens-010422 |url-status=live}}

= Other infrastructure =

This park also contains three Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) maintenance facilities: the Jamaica subway yard, the Corona subway yard, and the Casey Stengel Bus Depot. The Jamaica Yard is located at the very south end of the park site, beyond Willow Lake, while the Corona Yard and Casey Stengel Depot are located across from Citi Field.{{sfn|Strategic Framework Plan|p=15}}

Transportation

File:NYC Subway TMC vc.jpg subway car leading the Train of Many Colors at Mets–Willets Point.|alt=The Train of Many Colors at Mets–Willets Point]]

The New York City Subway and Long Island Rail Road both serve the park's northern end. The IRT Flushing Line subway station at Mets–Willets Point is served by the {{NYCS trains|Flushing}}, and the similarly named LIRR station serves the Port Washington Branch. These stations are located at the northern end of the park adjacent to the Corona Yard and bus depot, primarily serving Citi Field and the USTA.{{cite NYCS map|neighborhood|Corona}}{{cite NYCS map|neighborhood|Flushing}} The 111th Street subway station is located just outside the park grounds, serving the Hall of Science. The {{NYC bus link|Q48|Q58|Q64|Q88|prose=y}} buses all travel through the park, but only the Q48 stops within the park perimeter, serving Citi Field and the USTA. The Q58 and Q88 stop outside either side of the park and cross the park via the Horace Harding Expressway, while the Q64 crosses the park along Jewel Avenue/69th Road.{{sfn|Strategic Framework Plan|p=38}}{{Cite NYC bus map|Q}}

In media

The fictional "Valley of Ashes" in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby (1925) is said to have been inspired by the site of Flushing Meadows–Corona Park when it was still a dump, as well as by nearby Willets Point.{{cite news |url=http://www.wnyc.org/story/216534-blog-mayor-valley-ashes-great-gatsby-was-inspired-willets-point/ |title=Mayor: Valley of Ashes in 'Great Gatsby' Was Inspired by Willets Point |date=June 14, 2012 |work=WNYC |access-date=December 11, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407074007/https://www.wnyc.org/story/216534-blog-mayor-valley-ashes-great-gatsby-was-inspired-willets-point/ |url-status=live}}

In the movie Men in Black (1997), the saucer-shaped restaurants atop the observation towers of the New York State Pavilion were portrayed as real alien UFOs used as a display to disguise its appearance to the public. Edgar the bug attempts to use one to escape Earth, but not before being shot down by the agents (destroying the Unisphere in the process), after which it attempts to climb aboard the second ship but is stopped by Jay, who tricks it into coming back down.{{cite web |last=Rosenberg |first=Zoe |title=New York State Pavilion Preservation Effort Gets Funding Infusion |website=Curbed NY |date=April 28, 2017 |url=https://ny.curbed.com/2017/4/28/15468644/new-york-state-pavilion-preservation-nyc |access-date=November 2, 2017 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407074020/https://ny.curbed.com/2017/4/28/15468644/new-york-state-pavilion-preservation-nyc |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Hirshon |first1=Nicholas |title='Men in Black III' Crews Turn the Clock Back to the 1960s in Queens |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/men-black-iii-crews-turn-clock-back-1960s-queens-article-1.130642 |access-date=April 18, 2017 |work=New York Daily News |date=June 7, 2011 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407074054/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/men-black-iii-crews-turn-clock-back-1960s-queens-article-1.130642 |url-status=live}} Scenes for the film Men in Black 3 (2012) were also filmed at Flushing Meadows. That film features a scene that recreates Shea Stadium, demolished in 2009, during the 1969 World Series.{{cite web |title=Men In Black 3 – Compositing Shea Stadium |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wt_xuMft4A |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/9Wt_xuMft4A |archive-date=November 17, 2021 |url-status=live |website=YouTube |publisher=Sony Pictures Imageworks |access-date=April 18, 2017 |date=February 26, 2015}}{{cbignore}}

Since the early 1990s, the New York State Pavilion's ledges, steps, and fountain grates have been utilized by skateboarders and featured in famous east coast skateboarding videos.{{cite news |last1=Thrasher |first1=Steven |date=May 18, 2010 |title=Maloof Money Brings NYC a Massive Skate Party, And a Free Park |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/content/printView/6664878 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419102228/http://www.villagevoice.com/content/printView/6664878 |archive-date=April 19, 2017 |access-date=April 18, 2017 |work=The Village Voice}}{{cite news |last1=Fischler |first1=Jacob |date=June 10, 2010 |title=Queens Tweaks Its Wheels at First Skate Tourney |url=http://www.qchron.com/editions/north/queens-tweaks-its-wheels-at-first-skate-tourney/article_6c62e43a-1967-5292-9259-67c6c3f3c119.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615074444/http://www.qchron.com/editions/north/queens-tweaks-its-wheels-at-first-skate-tourney/article_6c62e43a-1967-5292-9259-67c6c3f3c119.html |archive-date=June 15, 2018 |access-date=April 18, 2017 |work=Queens Chronicle}}{{cite web |last1=Mehring |first1=Jonathon |title=Tribute to NYC Street Skating: Testing Out Flushing Meadows |url=http://xgames.espn.com/xgames/gallery/13616668/image/2/testing-flushing-meadows |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419103931/http://xgames.espn.com/xgames/gallery/13616668/image/2/testing-flushing-meadows |archive-date=April 19, 2017 |access-date=April 19, 2017 |publisher=X Games}} The intro to the long-running 1990s sitcom The King of Queens was partly shot in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.{{Cite web |title='The King of Queens' 2 |url=https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/the-king-of-queens-2/image_0722793c-154c-548e-8f82-7b5d22855d52.html |date=June 24, 2015 |access-date=June 23, 2021 |website=Queens Chronicle |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624205749/https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/the-king-of-queens-2/image_0722793c-154c-548e-8f82-7b5d22855d52.html |url-status=live}} In 2001, during the first season of The Amazing Race, the Unisphere at Flushing Meadows Park served as the Finish Line. In 2014, it served as a stop on the first leg of Season 25.{{cite news |last1=Burrell |first1=Jackie |title='Amazing Race' Recap: Pearly Whites, Pen-Swiping And Pirates |url=http://www.mercurynews.com/2014/09/29/amazing-race-recap-pearly-whites-pen-swiping-and-pirates/ |access-date=April 18, 2017 |work=The Mercury News |date=September 29, 2014 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407074052/https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/09/29/amazing-race-recap-pearly-whites-pen-swiping-and-pirates/ |url-status=live}} In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Stark Expo—first featured in Iron Man 2 (2010)—takes place at the Flushing Meadows–Corona Park and appears in multiple films in the series, including Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) and briefly in Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017).{{cite web |last=Pereira |first=Ivan |title=Movie 'Iron Man 2' Features Expo in Flushing Meadows |website=QNS.com |date=April 14, 2010 |url=https://qns.com/story/2010/04/14/movie-iron-man-2-features-expo-in-flushing-meadows/ |access-date=March 9, 2019 |archive-date=December 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231091557/https://qns.com/story/2010/04/14/movie-iron-man-2-features-expo-in-flushing-meadows/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Hirshon |first=Nicholas |title=Relics from 1964 World's Fair in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Revived in 'Iron Man 2' |website=nydailynews.com |date=May 7, 2010 |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/relics-1964-world-fair-flushing-meadows-corona-park-revived-iron-man-2-article-1.446801 |access-date=March 9, 2019 |archive-date=December 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231091558/https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/relics-1964-world-fair-flushing-meadows-corona-park-revived-iron-man-2-article-1.446801 |url-status=live}}{{cite book |last=O'Sullivan |first=M. |title=Marvel Cinematic Universe Guidebook: The Avengers Initiative |publisher=Marvel Entertainment |year=2017 |isbn=978-1-302-49692-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w6YKDgAAQBAJ&pg=PT59 |access-date=March 9, 2019 |page=59 |archive-date=July 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723000559/https://books.google.com/books?id=w6YKDgAAQBAJ&pg=PT59 |url-status=live}} In early 2018, musician Paul Simon announced that he would perform his final live concert at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park on September 22, 2018. Simon had grown up near the neighborhood and had visited the park frequently.{{cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |title=Paul Simon to Stage 'Unique' Farewell Concert at Queens' Flushing Meadows Corona Park |website=Variety |date=June 20, 2018 |url=https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/paul-simon-to-stage-farewell-concert-at-queens-flushing-meadows-corona-park-1202851949/ |access-date=July 23, 2018 |archive-date=October 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009045828/https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/paul-simon-to-stage-farewell-concert-at-queens-flushing-meadows-corona-park-1202851949/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Davenport |first=Emily |title=Paul Simon to Conclude His 'Farewell Tour' at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in September |website=QNS.com |date=June 20, 2018 |url=https://qns.com/story/2018/06/20/paul-simon-conclude-farewell-tour-flushing-meadows-corona-park-september/ |access-date=July 23, 2018 |archive-date=April 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423014841/https://qns.com/story/2018/06/20/paul-simon-conclude-farewell-tour-flushing-meadows-corona-park-september/ |url-status=live}}

References

=Citations=

=Sources=

{{cite book |title=30 Years of Progress: 1934–1965 |date=June 9, 1964 |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_about/parks_history/library/pdf/thirty_years_of_progress.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_about/parks_history/library/pdf/thirty_years_of_progress.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |access-date=March 31, 2017 |ref={{sfnref|30 Years of Progress: 1934–1965}}}}
{{Cite Power Broker}}
{{cite book |first1=Bill |last1=Cotter |first2=Bill |last2=Young |title=The 1964–1965 New York World's Fair |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y-7zAgAAQBAJ |access-date=April 26, 2017 |date=January 20, 2014 |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |isbn=978-1-4396-4214-6}}
{{cite web |title=Flushing Meadows-Corona Park: Historic Preservation Studio |url=https://issuu.com/barrettreiter/docs/fmcp_hpstudioii2015_printedition_re |publisher=Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation |access-date=March 31, 2017 |date=May 3, 2015 |ref={{sfnref|Historic Preservation Studio|2015}} |archive-date=April 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401145529/https://issuu.com/barrettreiter/docs/fmcp_hpstudioii2015_printedition_re |url-status=live}}
{{cite book |title=La Guardia International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Airport Access Program, Automated Guideway Transit System (NY, NJ): Environmental Impact Statement |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ruI0AQAAMAAJ&pg=SA1-PA10 |date=June 1994 |publisher=Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, United States Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, New York State Department of Transportation |ref={{sfnref|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994}} |access-date=March 28, 2017 |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123222858/https://books.google.com/books?id=ruI0AQAAMAAJ&pg=SA1-PA10 |url-status=live}}
{{cite web |last1=Mankiewicz |first1=Paul S. |last2=Mankiewicz |first2=Julie A. |title=Ecological Engineering and Restoration Study Flushing Meadows Lakes and Watershed |url=http://www.thegaiainstitute.org/Gaia/Flushing%20Meadows%20Lakes%20and%20Watershed%20Restoration_files/Gaia%20Institute%20Ecological%20Engineering%20and%20Restoration%20Study-%20Flushing%20Meadows%20Lakes%20and%20Watershed.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.thegaiainstitute.org/Gaia/Flushing%20Meadows%20Lakes%20and%20Watershed%20Restoration_files/Gaia%20Institute%20Ecological%20Engineering%20and%20Restoration%20Study-%20Flushing%20Meadows%20Lakes%20and%20Watershed.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=The Gaia Institute |access-date=April 3, 2017 |date=June 2002}}
{{cite web |title=PHASE I-A ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPACT REPORT for the SPORTSPLEX PROJECT |url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/arch_reports/568.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/arch_reports/568.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=Historical Perspectives |access-date=March 27, 2017 |date=August 22, 1985 |ref={{harvid|Phase 1A Report|1985}}}}
{{cite journal |title=Flushing Meadows Corona Park Strategic Framework Plan |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |author=Quennell Rothschild & Partners |author2=Smith-Miller + Hawkinson Architects |ref={{harvid|Strategic Framework Plan}} |postscript=– For links to specific pages, see:}}
{{cite journal |title=Data Sources, physical Conditions & Assessments |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/presentation/02siteanalysis.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/presentation/02siteanalysis.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=November 12, 2017 |pages=12–15}}
{{cite journal |title=Conceptual Framework |volume=Part 1 |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/presentation/03conceptualframework1.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/presentation/03conceptualframework1.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=November 12, 2017 |pages=16–19}}
{{cite journal |title=Conceptual Framework |volume=Part 2 |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/presentation/04conceptualframework_2.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/presentation/04conceptualframework_2.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=November 12, 2017 |pages=20–27}}
{{cite journal |title=Vision & Goals |volume=Part 1 |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/presentation/05visionandgoals.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/presentation/05visionandgoals.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=November 12, 2017 |pages=28–35}}
{{cite journal |title=Vision & Goals |volume=Part 2 |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/presentation/06visionandgoals.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/presentation/06visionandgoals.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=November 12, 2017 |pages=36–48}}
{{cite journal |title=Appendix: The History of Flushing Meadows Corona Park |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/presentation/07appendix.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/presentation/07appendix.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=November 12, 2017 |pages=49–72}}
{{cite web |title=STAGE 1A ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT; SHEA STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT FLUSHING MEADOWS – CORONA PARK |url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/arch_reports/594.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/arch_reports/594.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |website=nyc.gov |publisher=Historical Perspectives, Inc. |date=October 2001 |access-date=November 12, 2017 |ref={{harvid|Stage 1A Assessment}}}}
{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=arkrCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA211 |title=Gotham Unbound: The Ecological History of Greater New York |last=Steinberg |first=Ted |date=July 21, 2015 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-4767-4128-4 |pages=209–225}}
{{cite web |title=Tomorrow's World: The New York World's Fairs and Flushing Meadows Corona Park |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/pagefiles/73/tomorrows-world-publication.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.nycgovparks.org/pagefiles/73/tomorrows-world-publication.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=March 27, 2017 |date=June 26, 2015 |ref={{harvid|NYC Parks Tomorrow's World|2015}}}}
{{cite web |title=Unisphere |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/reports/unisphere.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/reports/unisphere.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission |access-date=March 28, 2017 |date=May 16, 1995 |ref={{sfnref|Unisphere|1995}}}}
{{cite web |title=WILLETS POINT Development: Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement; Chapter 1: Project Description |url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/oec/downloads/pdf/dme_projects/07DME014Q/DGEIS/07DME014Q_DGEIS_01_Project_Description.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.nyc.gov/html/oec/downloads/pdf/dme_projects/07DME014Q/DGEIS/07DME014Q_DGEIS_01_Project_Description.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live |publisher=New York City Economic Development Corporation |access-date=April 26, 2017 |date=March 2013 |ref={{harvid|Willets Point DEIS|2013}}}}
{{cite book |last=Wood |first=Andrew F. |title=New York's 1939–1940 World's Fair |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=20TBYI5K46oC&pg=PA62 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |year=2004 |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |isbn=978-0-7385-3585-2}}

External links

{{official website|http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/fmcp/}}
[https://web.archive.org/web/20070929115254/http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/vt_flushing_06.html The Playground For All Children] (archived September 29, 2007)
{{URL|1=https://www.nyrr.org/openrun/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park|2=NYRR Open Run Corona Park}}

=Entities within the park=

[http://www.nywf64.com/ New York World's Fair 1964/1965]
[http://www.newyorkstatepavilion.org New York State Pavilion]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20081018064828/http://tentoftomorrow.com/default.aspx Tent of Tomorrow] – New York State Pavilion (archived October 18, 2008)
[http://64nywf65.20m.com World's Fair Carousels]

Category:1939 establishments in New York City

Category:1939 New York World's Fair

Category:1964 New York World's Fair

Category:Parks in Queens, New York

Category:Robert Moses projects

Category:Skateparks in New York City

Category:Urban public parks

Category:World's fair sites in New York (state)