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Parks Breaks Ground On Restoration Of 1939 World’s Fair Relic

IMMEDIATE
Monday, November 16, 2009
No. 118
http://www.nyc.gov/parks

Today, Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and Council Member James Gennaro broke ground on renovations to the Boathouse on Meadow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Representatives of the Boathouse’s users, TASCA, Hong Dragon Boat, Row NY and community members, also attended.

“The Boathouse at Flushing Meadows Corona Park has provided visitors with a connection to the water and the park’s history (it is one of many 1939 World’s Fair relics). Meadow Lake has hosted numerous cultural events including the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat race, and has provided the community with opportunities to learn sailing and rowing,” said Commissioner Benepe. “Thanks to a generous allocation by Queens Borough President Marshall, the Boathouse will feature a new dock built with sustainable plastic lumber, a full interior and exterior restoration, along with a new public restroom.”

Thanks to $5.6 million from Queens Borough President Marshall and $441,000 from Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, the 1939 World’s Fair Boathouse and dock at Flushing Meadows Corona Park will undergo a full exterior and interior restoration. Along with a renewal of the boathouse’s roof, windows and façade, the old wooden dock will be replaced with a wood alternative: plastic lumber. Half of the interior space will be winterized to allow for meeting spaces for groups to use during winter. Public restrooms will be added to the Boathouse’s southernmost wing.

Additionally, areas surrounding the Boathouse will be paved to provide disabled access to the building. Under a separate $1.7 million contract funded by $1 million from Council Member Gennaro, $625,000 from a multi-modal grant from the State and $115,000 provided by Mayor Bloomberg, surrounding pathways and relocated portions of the lake edge will be reconfigured to address drainage problems.

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Know Before You Go

Marinas
World's Fair Marina
Due to a major planned reconstruction project, Pier 1 at the World's Fair Marina is currently closed. There is presently no transient dockage nor passenger pick-ups and drop-offs allowed. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please check back with the World's Fair Marina in the future for updates.
Recreation Centers
Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatics Center & Ice Rink

Membership Extension



During the summer, we have had to temporarily reduce operating hours at several of our indoor pools. We understand the impact this has had on our members, and we want to ensure that our members have as much pool time and access as possible.



That said, we are offering qualifying individuals the opportunity to extend their membership by three months for free. To be eligible to receive the extension, you must meet all three qualification criteria:



          
  • Have obtained your membership prior to June 26, 2025, and were an active member on that date.


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  • Be a paying member who possesses either an adult indoor pool membership or a senior, people with disabilities, or veteran membership.


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  • Have visited a qualifying indoor pool site between January 1, 2025 to June 26, 2025.

          


                  
    • St. John’s Recreation Center

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    • Chelsea Recreation Center

      •             
    • Constance Baker Motley Recreation Center

      •             
    • Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center

      •             
    • Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatics Center

      •       

          


If you believe you meet these qualifications, you may submit a request by completing the online form. The deadline to opt-in for the extension is November 16, 2025.

Recreation Centers
Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatics Center & Ice Rink
Tide Gate Bridge Construction



Due to construction on the Tide Gate Bridge, located on Meridian Road within Flushing Meadows Corona Park, vehicular traffic will not be allowed to cross the bridge in either direction. Please follow posted detour signs around Meridian Road and plan for additional travel time. Pedestrian traffic will still be permitted to cross the bridge.

Recreation Centers
Al Oerter Recreation Center
Tide Gate Bridge Construction

Due to construction on the Tide Gate Bridge, located on Meridian Road within Flushing Meadows Corona Park, vehicular traffic will not be allowed to cross the bridge in either direction. Please follow posted detour signs around Meridian Road and plan for additional travel time. Pedestrian traffic will still be permitted to cross the bridge.

Contacts

General Park Info: (718) 760-6565
Pitch N Putt Golf and Miniature Golf : (718) 271-8182
World's Fair Marina on Flushing Bay : (718) 478-0480
World's Fair Marina Restaurant: (718) 898-1200
Terrace on the Park: (718) 592-5000
Citi Field: (718) 699-4220
Mets Ticketing: (718) 507-TIXX
USTA National Tennis Center: (718) 760-6200
US Open/USTA: (914) 696-7000
New York Hall of Science: (718) 699-0005
Queens Museum: (718) 592-9700
Queens Botanical Garden: (718) 886-3800
Queens Theatre: (718) 760-0064
Queens Wildlife Conservation Center: (718) 271-1500
Sports Permits: (718) 393-7272
Picnic/Barbeque Permit for Large Groups: (718) 393-7272
Wheel Fun Rentals: (917) 231-5519
World Ice Arena: (718) 760-9001
Al Oerter Recreation Center: (718) 353-7853
Flushing Meadows Corona Park Pool & Rink: (718) 271-7572
Special Events Permits: (718) 760-6560
Tennis Permits: (718) 393-7276
Volunteer Coordinator: (718) 760-6561