Flushing Meadows Corona Park (NYC Parks, Daniel Avila)
July 29, 2020 By Michael Dorgan
A busy entrance to Flushing Meadows Corona Park has been revamped following a major redevelopment by the city.
The new-look Henry Hudson Entrance – located on the western side of the park at 111th Street, between 53rd and 56th avenues – has been reconstructed and expanded after a $4.5 million renovation.
The new design makes it easier for visitors to access the park and was unveiled by local leaders and park officials Wednesday.
The new layout includes a reconstructed central entrance plaza, new sidewalks and wider pedestrian routes. The paths lead visitors up to the iconic Unisphere, a focal point of the park. The refurbished entrance also features an expanded planting area.
The project was funded through the mayor’s Parks Without Borders program. The $50 million initiative is tasked with improving various park entrances across the city.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park (NYC Parks, Daniel Avila)
Council Member Francisco Moya said that the new entrance provides residents with proper access to the park.
“I’m thrilled to see the Henry Hudson Entrance reopened at a time when we most need accessible outdoor space to enjoy and unwind in,” Moya said.
“I want to thank the Mayor’s office, Parks Department, Community Board 4, and the Flushing Meadows Park Conservancy for their work in making this initiative a success,” he said.
Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver said that the city had restored vibrancy to one of the park’s most popular gateways.
Silver said that the new entrance “will continue to serve as a welcoming pathway for generations of families.”
He said that families will now be able to explore everything that the historic park has to offer.
Former Entrance to Park (Google Maps)
