Flushing Meadows Aquatic Center closes for emergency repairs

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A child prepares to make a splash at the Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatic Center, which will close for emergency repairs next month. Photo via the Parks Department.

A child prepares to make a splash at the Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatic Center, which will close for emergency repairs next month. Photo via the Parks Department.

By Jonathan Sperling

Emergency repair work will temporarily shutter the Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatic Center beginning on Jan. 13, barring people from using the pool at the facility for at least six weeks.

The New York City Parks Department announced the closure on Tuesday, citing the need to install extensive ceiling netting in the pool and rink areas. While the pool is closed, all aquatics programming will be cancelled, according to the Parks Department. There are no current plans to close the ice rink, however.

“While we never wish to close our facilities, essential repairs must be made to ensure the safety of all who use the Aquatic Center,” said Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver. 

In the meantime, the Parks Department will encourage Aquatic Center members to use other Queens recreation centers. These include:

  • Al Oerter Recreation Center (131-40 Fowler Ave.)

  • Lost Battalion Hall Recreation Center (93-29 Queens Blvd.)

  • Roy Wilkins Recreation Center (177th St and Baisley Boulevard)

  • Sorrentino Recreation Center (18-48 Cornaga Ave.)

City residents can also visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters to search for other Parks Department recreation centers citywide. Contact the Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatic Center at (718) 271-7572 for more information.

Silver thanked Queens residents for their patience during the emergency repairs process.

“We are committed to the needs of the Queens community and will work hard to expedite these repairs and get everyone back into the pools before winter’s end,” Silver said.