The 1964 World’s Fair was based off of the 1939 plan, but Flushing Meadows has changed a great deal since then. The figure to the below shows a simplified comparison of the 1964 site and the park as it is today. The temporary Fair structures are gone, although many statues and structures remain on site. The Beaux Arts pathway system has mostly been preserved, despite some of the symmetry being lost over time.
Comparison site map.
The park serves many roles; it is heavily used as a community park, a regional park, as well as the host of large events such as New York Mets games and the US Open. The size and history of the site creates unique conditions for multiple uses across the park. In addition to the lakes, the Unisphere, the New York State Pavilion, and the Queens Museum, the park contains a marine park, the USTA National Tennis Center, Citi Field, the Queens Botanical Garden, and an indoor pool and ice rink.[1] A variety of events also take place in the park for its various users; these can be categorized into three groups – neighborhood and community recreation use, large sports and cultural events, and tourism.[2]
First and foremost, Flushing Meadows is a community park. Its main users come from the surrounding communities, using the site for sports, birthday parties, barbeques, and other community-focused events. Many of these people do not have backyards, and Flushing Meadows is that space for them. Understanding this role, the park is responsive to community needs and changes as the community changes. For example, as new groups move into the area and different sports become popular in the park, the park space is adapted to reflect those changing needs. In reference to its use and place within the community, Flushing Meadows has been referred to as “the utilitarian park of the city.”[3]
Large cultural events, such as the Korean Harvest Festival, bring large groups into the park.[4] These events draw from both the surrounding communities and the broader city. For example, the Dragon Boat Festival brings in around 50,000 people; and Cinco de Mayo about 100,000 people.[5] The park also hosts large sporting events, drawing visitors to the USTA Center and Citi Field. These events, while important functions, limit what other events can take place. For example, the park does not schedule large events when the Mets play home games because of the concurrent parking needs that would not be able to be accommodated.[6]
Similar to many parks, Flushing Meadows has very seasonal use patterns. The park is very busy from April to October, with use decreasing in the winter. Distinguishing it from other parks, Flushing Meadows has many indoor activity options, providing flexibility for winter uses.[7] Access to the park is through highways, trains, subways, and buses; pedestrian access is limited.[8]
Continue to Situating Design Concepts Relative to the Strategic Framework Plan
Footnotes
[1] Quennell Rothschild & Partners, LLP & Smith-Miller + Hawkinson Architects, “Flushing Meadows Corona Park Strategic Framework Plan,” New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, 2005.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Janice Melnick, tour of Flushing Meadows Corona Park, September 12, 2014.
[4] Quennell Rothschild & Partners, LLP & Smith-Miller + Hawkinson Architects, “Flushing Meadows Corona Park Strategic Framework Plan,” New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, 2005.
[5] Janice Melnick, tour of Flushing Meadows Corona Park, September 12, 2014.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Quennell Rothschild & Partners, LLP & Smith-Miller + Hawkinson Architects, “Flushing Meadows Corona Park Strategic Framework Plan,” New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, 2005.