Flushing Meadows–Corona Park

==Description==
{{Flushing Meadows-Corona Park map}}

===Layout===
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.<ref>{{harvnb|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=71}}; {{harvnb|Strategic Framework Plan|p=17}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Unisphere|1995|pp=3–4}}</ref><ref name="NYTimes-FMCP-PastFuture-2001">{{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}}</ref> The northern section of the park, the former fair grounds,<ref name="NYTimes-QnsPkRising-1936"/> 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.<ref name="NYCPk-FMCP-Unisphere" /><ref name="NYTimes-FMCP-PastFuture-2001" />{{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.<ref>{{harvnb|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=71}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Strategic Framework Plan|pp=15, 18, 21}}</ref> The layout was based on [[Gian Lorenzo Bernini]]'s plan for [[St. Peter's Square]] in [[Vatican City]].<ref name="NYCPk-FMCP-Unisphere"/>{{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,<ref name="NYTimes-QnsPkRising-1936"/> 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.<ref>{{harvnb|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|pp=49–50}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Strategic Framework Plan|pp=15, 18, 21}}</ref> The two lakes, along with the Pool of Industry/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.<ref name="NYTimes-FMCP-PastFuture-2001"/> During the 1939 Fair, Meadow Lake was temporarily named "Fountain Lake" and "Liberty Lake".{{sfn|Wood|2004|p=13}}<ref name="NYTimes-FineParkFromFair">{{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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{harvnb|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=46}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Strategic Framework Plan|p=21}}</ref> During the fairs, the land on the north shore and part of the eastern shore of the lake was used as an amusement area,<ref>{{harvnb|Cotter|Young|2014|p=13}};  {{harvnb|ps=.|Wood|2004|p=108}}</ref><ref name="Kadinsky2016" /> with large parking lots added on the east and west shores for the 1964 Fair.{{sfn|Cotter|Young|2014|p=13}}<ref name="Kadinsky2016" /><ref name="NYTimes-UnwantedRelics">{{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}}</ref> The lots were removed and converted to parkland after the 1964 Fair.<ref name="NYTimes-UnwantedRelics"/> 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,<ref name="Kadinsky2016"/><ref name="NYTimes-QnsPkRising-1936"/><ref name="NYDaily-WillowLake-Fishy-2014">{{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}}</ref> until it was fenced off and turned into a preserve in 1976.<ref name="Kadinsky2016"/>

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 [[Limited-access road|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.<ref name=30YrsP64-HPSP126-SFPP14>{{harvnb|30 Years of Progress: 1934–1965|p=64}}; {{harvnb|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=126}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Strategic Framework Plan|p=14}}</ref> 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}}<ref name="ChiTribune-FMCP-Wasteland" />

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 Billie Jean King National Tennis Center|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}}

===Size===
Flushing Meadows–Corona Park is the [[List of New York City parks|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.<ref>{{cite web |last=Foderaro |first=Lisa W. |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 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 31, 2013 |access-date=May 31, 2013 |archive-date=September 5, 2017 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> This does not take into account a disputed claim that the neighborhood of [[Willets Point, Queens|Willets Point]], along the north edge of the park, is itself part of the park.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20140211/willets-point/suit-seeks-quash-willets-west-mall-project |title=Suit Seeks to Quash Willets West Mall Project |work=DNA Info |date=February 11, 2014 |access-date=December 25, 2014 |last=Honan |first=Katie |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 }}</ref>

===Ecology===
{{multiple image
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| image1 = Flushing Meadow Park.JPG
| alt1 = Looking across Meadow Lake.
| image2 = Flushing Meadows Willow Lake td (2019-04-10) 09.jpg
| alt2 = Looking south at Willow Lake.
| width = 250
| footer = Meadow Lake (top) and Willow Lake (bottom).
| footer_align = left
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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}}<ref name="Kadinsky2016"/> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The lakes are fed by [[groundwater]].<ref>{{harvnb|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994|p=1⋅11}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Mankiewicz|Mankiewicz|2002|p=19}}</ref><ref name="Kadinsky2016">{{cite Hidden Waters NYC|page=101}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{harvnb|ps=.|Strategic Framework Plan|p=43}}</ref><ref name="IFLA-FlushingTheMeadows"/> The lakes are also highly [[Eutrophication|eutrophic]], due to nutrients such as [[phosphorus]] from the former marshland seeping into the water, leading to the [[Fish kill|death of fish]] in the lakes. The regular tidal action that would filter the lakes is prevented by the dam.<ref>{{harvnb|Strategic Framework Plan|p=37}}; {{harvnb|Mankiewicz|Mankiewicz|2002|p=1}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994|p=1⋅11}}</ref> In addition, the lakes are subject to pollution and storm runoff from the nearby highways, via pipes which feed into the lakes.<ref>{{harvnb|Strategic Framework Plan|p=37}}; {{harvnb|Mankiewicz|Mankiewicz|2002|p=19}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|PANYNJ Airport Transit Environmental Impact Statement|1994|p=1⋅11}}</ref><ref name="IFLA-FlushingTheMeadows"/>

Because of its connection with Flushing Bay, several fish species native to marine habitats regularly swim into and inhabit Meadow and Willow Lakes.<ref name="NYDEC-MeadowLake">{{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}}</ref> Fish species native to Meadow Lake include [[American eel]], [[largemouth bass]], [[northern snakehead]] (an invasive species), and [[white mullet]].<ref name="NYDEC-MeadowLake"/> Willow Lake is named for the many species of [[willow]] plants which inhabit the area.<ref name="NYCPk-FMCP-WillowTrail">{{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}}</ref> Invasive [[phragmites]], a genus of wild grasses, are also abundant.{{sfn|Mankiewicz|Mankiewicz|2002|p=2}}<ref name="NYCPk-FMCP-WillowTrail"/><ref name="NYDaily-WillowLake-Fishy-2014"/> Attempts to kill the phragmites with pesticides have led to further fish kill.<ref name="NYDaily-WillowLake-Fishy-2014"/><ref>{{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}}</ref> Numerous berry-producing trees and shrubs near Willow Lake attract several migratory bird species.<ref name="NYCPk-FMCP-WillowTrail"/> 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====
Near the northern end of the park, adjacent to [[Willets Point, Queens|Willets Point]] is the "Sport Center" zone, where the [[US Open (tennis)|US Open]] tennis tournament is held.{{sfn|Strategic Framework Plan|pp=15, 18, 21}} In 2006<!--After "Flushing Meadows" became the (secondary) name of the tennis tournament itself-->, the tennis center was named [[USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center]] after professional tennis player [[Billie Jean King]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sandomir|first1=Richard|title=ennis 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}}</ref> 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
| align = center
| direction = horizontal
| total_width = 900
| image1 = Citi Field and Apple.JPG
| alt1 = Citi Field
| width1 = 800
| height1 = 483
| image2 = ArthurAsheStadium crop.jpg
| alt2 = Arthur Ashe Stadium
| width2 = 800
| height2 = 432
| image3 = Louis Armstrong Stadium.jpg
| alt3 = Louis Armstrong Stadium
| width3 = 800
| height3 = 600
| footer = Left to right: [[Citi Field]], [[Arthur Ashe Stadium]], and [[Louis Armstrong Stadium]].
}}

In addition to the existing stadiums, several other sports venues have been proposed for the park. In the 1950s, Flushing Meadows was one of [[Proposed domed Brooklyn Dodgers stadium|several proposed sites]] for the relocation of the [[Brooklyn Dodgers]], until the franchise moved to [[Los Angeles]] in 1958.<ref>{{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}}</ref> 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 Formula One season|1975 season]], and later for the [[1983 Formula One season|1983 season]].<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> 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=}}<ref>{{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}}</ref><ref>{{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}}</ref> One of the alternate sites, the [[Meadowlands Sports Complex]] in New Jersey, would host the [[Meadowlands Grand Prix]] [[Champ Car]]   event in 1984.<ref>{{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=[[The Daily News (Kentucky)|Daily News]]|date=June 29, 1984|agency=[[Associated Press|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}}</ref> 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}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Real estate developer Donald Trump has proposed building an&nbsp;...|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 City|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}}</ref> Shortly afterwards, the New York Jets rejected a plan to take over the proposed stadium.<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref> In the 2010s, a [[Major League Soccer]] stadium was proposed in the park after MLS founded [[New York City FC]], the [[New York metropolitan area|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> The stadium, which would have been located on the site of the Pool of Industry/Fountain of the Planets,<ref name="daily news">{{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}}</ref> was heavily opposed by the community,<ref name="Carlisle stadium controversy">{{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}}</ref> which forced the team to change its plans and play at [[Yankee Stadium]].<ref name="Jeff Bradley 2014">{{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}}</ref> In November 2022, New York City and NYCFC agreed to build the soccer club's [[New York City FC stadium|25,000-seat stadium]] in Willets Point adjacent to Citi Field; it is expected to be completed in 2027.<ref>{{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|language=en-US|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}}</ref><ref>{{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|language=en|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}}</ref>

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]].<ref>{{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|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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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. The American Small Craft Association<ref>{{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 }}</ref> (TASCA) 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]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fmcpconservancy.org/mission.htm |title=Mission |access-date=May 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |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.</ref> The Willow Lake Trail, a nature trail around Willow Lake,<ref>{{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 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref> The chronic lack of maintenance of this portion of the trail has led to ordinary residents to resort to clearing the trail itself.<ref>{{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|language=en|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}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> [[New York Road Runners]] also hosts a weekly {{convert|3.30|mi|adj=on}} Open Run.<ref>{{cite web |last=Staff |first=NYRR |date=August 23, 2023 |title=Corona Parksite=NYRR |url=https://www.nyrr.org/openrun/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park |access-date=August 23, 2023}}</ref> as well as an annual {{Convert|6.2|mi|adj=on}} [[10K run]].<ref name="Schilling 2023 d446">{{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}}</ref>

{{multiple image
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| caption1=Queens Theatre in the Park and the World's Fair Pavilion
| image2=FlushingMeadowNY HallofScience exterior.jpg
| caption2=The New York Hall of Science
}}
Some World's Fair buildings continued to be in use after the 1964 Fair. The [[Flushing Meadows Carousel]], opened as part of the 1964 Fair, operates in the northwestern part of the park.<ref>{{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&nbsp;...|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}}</ref> The [[New York Hall of Science]], founded during the 1964 World's Fair, was one of the country's first science museums and still operates in its original location at the park's northern corner.<ref name="remi">{{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}}</ref> The [[New York State Pavilion]], constructed as the state's exhibit hall for the same World's Fair, is also a feature of the park. However, no new use for the building was found after the Fair, and the structure sits derelict and decaying,{{sfn|NYC Parks Tomorrow's World|2015|p=41}}<ref name="Curbed-MIB-WF" /> although it was repainted yellow in 2015.<ref name="Colangelo">{{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}}</ref><ref name="Curbed-MIB-WF" /> Next to the New York State Pavilion is the [[Queens Theatre in the Park]],<ref name=":1">{{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|language=en|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}}</ref> originally the 1964 Fair's "Theaterama" attraction,<ref>"[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</ref> which moved into its current building in 1993.<ref name=":1" /> [[Terrace on the Park]], a banquet and catering facility, was originally the 1964 World's Fair's official helipad.<ref>{{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|language=en|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}}</ref> 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.<ref name="nyt 201311">{{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}}</ref>

Other buildings remained for a while after the 1964 Fair's conclusion to see if a new use for them could be found, but were subsequently demolished. This included the Travel and Transportation Pavilion, destroyed in 1967 after a failed conversion to a [[fire station]], and the Federal Pavilion, demolished in 1977 after great deterioration.<ref>{{harvnb|Cotter|Young|2014|pp=55, 67}}; {{harvnb|ps=.|Historic Preservation Studio|2015|p=18}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

==== Art installations ====
Immediately outside the [[USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center]] is a sculpture by [[Eric Fischl]] called ''Soul in Flight''.<ref>{{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 |language=en |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 }}</ref><ref name="nyt-2000-09-07">{{Cite news |last=Berkow |first=Ira |date=September 7, 2000 |title=Sports of The Times; Bronze Guy Stands Tall Sans Towel |language=en-US |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 }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

In January 2022, sculptor Sherwin Banfield unveiled ''Going Back to the Meadows'', a statue of Queens-born [[LL Cool J]]. Located in David Dinkins Circle, the installation depicts 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 (LL Cool J album)|Radio]]''.<ref>{{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 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Rahmanan 2022">{{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 }}</ref> The sculpture, which is planned to remain through November 2022, features speakers that are timed to play LL Cool J's music for five hours on several days of the week.<ref>{{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 |language=en-US |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 }}</ref>

==== Other infrastructure ====
This park also contains three [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] (MTA) maintenance facilities: the [[Jamaica Yard|Jamaica subway yard]], the [[Corona Yard|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}}