State Senator Tony Avella has petitioned the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission for landmark status for Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, citing its history and remaining historical structures.

 To:      Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras ([email protected])
            Councilman James F. Gennaro ([email protected])
            Assemblyman MichaelSimanowitz ([email protected])
            Save Flushing Meadows-Corona Park ([email protected])

This year marks the 50th anniversary of my family moving to Queens.  We have lived around Flushing Meadows-Corona Park the entire time.  My earliest memories are from the 1964 - 1965 World’s Fair.  As the fair is approaching its 50th anniversary next year as well as the 75th anniversary of the 1939 World’s Fair I am appalled by what is happening to our great park.

With all due respect to people who do not remember these fairs, the land is historical, and whatever is left standing from these fairs needs to be preserved for future generations.

Let me give you a short history lesson on the Pool Of Industry.  This is where the MLS would like to build a soccer stadium. On the third page is a quote from the 1964 and the 1965 World’s Fair guide books.

We need to repair this once great fountain and return it to its glorious past in time to celebrate the anniversaries.  Please go to the following website to learn about the 1964 World’s Fair.  I do not know if you are aware of the historical value of this park.  http://www.nywf64.com.  I am sure most people would find this fascinating and a great learning experience.

The city needs to look into the best way to restore the Pool of Industry.  I propose the following based on a recent experience I had.  For winter break this year, I took my children to Los Angeles, we visited the California Adventure Theme Park at Disneyland.  In the park they have an area called Paradise Pier.  In this area they have rides around a large pool called Paradise Bay.  This is shaped like the Pool of Industry.  At night they have a show called “World of Color” that includes water, color, fire and animation.  Here is a link to the show information with a video. http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneys-california-adventure/world-of-color/  It is a modern version of what the Pool of Industry used to be.  I am also attaching Youtube links to see other videos of the “World of Color” and two that are an overview of the 1964 World’s Fair.

World of Color

1964-1965 World’s Fair

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V41NW5m7Scg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPHbVY-Kq_A

There are many other videos on Youtube that you can view.

Disney had great influence on the designs of the 1964 World’s Fair.  At one time, Walt Disney wanted to build an amusement park there.  Even though his plans did not work out, Disney has a historical tie to the park.  We need to approach Walt Disney, Inc. and see if they would like to restore the Pool of Industry and put on similar shows as they have in California for the people of NY.  What better way to celebrate the 50th and 75th anniversaries of the World’s Fairs then to bring back the Pool of Industry.

Would the city tear down the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park or the Bandshell in Prospect Park to build a soccer stadium?  I would think not.  So why tear down a historical part of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park?

Please consider having the city contact Disney.  We need to restore and remember our past, not destroy it.

Thank You,

Alan Sherman
Fresh Meadows, NY