Queens Residents Launch Campaign for a Stronger Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Rally for a Stronger Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Thursday, August 13 | 6 PM
Flushing Meadows Corona Park, near Queens Theatre

RSVP here!

---

QUEENS, NY (August 11, 2026) — Queens residents, community organizations, and advocates will gather on Thursday, August 13 at 6:00 p.m. near the Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows Corona Park to launch a community campaign for long-term investment in Queens' flagship park, beginning with a public rally organized by Queens Community House (QCH), one of the borough’s largest nonprofit organizations. 
  
At 897 acres, Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the largest park in Queens and serves hundreds of thousands of residents every year. Despite its size and importance, the park continues to face longstanding challenges related to maintenance, sanitation, staffing, and infrastructure. It is estimated that the park requires an additional $15 million annually to address deferred maintenance and meet its basic operational needs. 
  
Later this month, the park will once again welcome visitors from around the world during the U.S. Open. Organizers say the timing underscores the park's dual role as an international destination and an essential public space that serves Queens families every day. 
  
The August 13 rally is intended to build momentum for a long-term community campaign that encourages residents, civic institutions, and public leaders to work together toward a shared vision for Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Rather than advocating for a single solution, organizers hope to demonstrate that meaningful improvements begin when communities come together, make their voices heard, and remain engaged over time. 
  
“Flushing Meadows Corona Park is one of Queens’ greatest public assets, but it has not received the sustained investment it deserves,” said Ben Thomases, Chief Executive Officer of Queens Community House. “This rally is the beginning of a broader community effort to build support for the long-term public and private investment our flagship park needs. We hope residents from every corner of Queens will join us in making the case for its future, because lasting change begins with a strong, united community voice.” 
  
For many residents, the campaign is deeply personal. 
  
Flor Marina Romero has called Queens home for nearly three decades and has spent countless weekends with her family at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. As a volunteer with Queens Community House's Neighbors in Action program for more than five years, she has also helped lead monthly park cleanups and community stewardship efforts. 
  
"I've watched this park change over the years," said Romero. "It has always been a place where families come together, where children play, where neighbors gather, and where so many of us have created lasting memories. I'm committed to caring for this park because it belongs to all of us. Our volunteers have made a real difference, but a park this large needs sustained investment and partnership so it can be the place our communities deserve." 
  
The event is being co-sponsored by Queens Power, a coalition of more than 40 faith congregations, social service organizations, unions, and civic groups committed to building a stronger, more equitable borough through community organizing and advocacy. 
  
"Flushing Meadows Corona Park is more than a playground for the rich or the sports enthusiast. It is the backyard for many Queens families. Let's make it work for everyone!" said Rev. Patrick O'Connor, Co-Chair of Queens Power. 
  
Thomases said the campaign reflects Queens Power's belief that meaningful change begins when communities organize around the issues that matter most to them. 
  
“Flushing Meadows Corona Park is one of Queens’ greatest public assets, yet the park itself has not benefited from the level of investment occurring all around it,” said Thomases. “With billions of dollars being invested in major destinations surrounding the park, this is an important moment to ensure that the park itself —and the Queens residents who rely on it every day—are not left behind.” 
  
Organizers emphasize that the August 13 rally is only the first step in a sustained community effort to ensure Flushing Meadows Corona Park receives the attention, investment, and care it deserves for generations to come. 
  
Rally Information
  
What: Rally for a Stronger Flushing Meadows Corona Park 
  
When: Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. 
  
Where: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, near the Queens Theatre 
  
Residents, community organizations, and park supporters are encouraged to attend and stand together in support of a healthier, more vibrant future for Queens' flagship park. 
  
###  
  
About Queens Community House:  
  
Queens Community House is the borough’s largest settlement house, committed to serving the diverse neighborhoods of Queens. Serving more than 34,000 children, youth, adults, and older adults every year, QCH provides individuals and families with the tools to enrich their lives and build healthy, inclusive communities. Through a broad network of programs, QCH offers Queens residents a needed support system at every stage of life, helping them to develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills to change their lives for the better and become active participants in their larger community.