Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens is New York City’s fourth largest park, and Queens residents take full advantage of its diverse offerings. Whether it’s a pick-up game or organized leagues, there is plenty of room to play. On any given afternoon, a walk through the park’s sprawling grandeur might bring you to a soccer match, volleyball, tennis or cricket to name just a few. Under the shadow of Arthur Ashe Stadium, the New York State Pavilion and the World’s Fair Unisphere, New Yorkers use every inch of the park. Below are just some of the sports tribes that gather in the park on warm summer nights and we asked them why they love to play at Flushing-Meadows.
“It’s all about love and fun. We share the love out here, we come out here to spend time together like a family.” — Joel Pharous, Scorpions Cricket Club
“I come out once a week. It means spending time with family because half my family is here. There’s a town from Ecuador that everyone here comes from.” — Jason Valladolie, Soccer
“It’s in the shadow of Arthur Ashe stadium and its one of the premiere tennis locations in the world. I always brag about this place, I think it’s the best in the City. I’m from Queens so I walk here through the park.” — Melvin Morgan, Tennis