Parks and DOT announce preliminary Queens greenway plan

A proposed Central Queens greenway would connect parks from Flushing Meadows to the Joe Michaels Mile. Rendering courtesy of the Parks Department

By Rachel Vick

A Queens greenway is one step closer to becoming a reality with the completion of a conceptual plan, the New York City Parks Department and Department of Transportation announced Monday.

The ‘Destination: Greenways! Study’ identified areas in Central Queens that are prime for the investment into the pedestrian and cyclist pathways that connect borough residents with green space.

“The Destination: Greenways! study makes it abundantly clear that this project can increase critical access in Brooklyn and Queens and make greenways safer and more inviting for New Yorkers,” said NYC Parks Acting Commissioner Liam Kavanagh. “This work has the potential to enhance treasured open spaces, close the gap between neighborhoods and provide access to some of the city’s most scenic routes.”

Studies identified gaps in the existing greenway routes and ways to improve and transform key greenspaces into a destination and to increase access as a thoroughfare.

Under the plan, in Queens, the greenway path would run from Flushing Meadows Corona Park through Kissena Park, Cunningham Park, Alley Pond Park and Joe Michaels Mile to connect the borough’s parks.

“Queens parks are places of refuge and recreation for our neighborhoods, but they’re fragmented and cut off from each other,” said New York State Senator John Liu. “Connecting parks and open spaces throughout Queens via greenway has been a longtime dream of our community, and today we are one step closer to making that dream a reality. “

The next open meeting on the plan will be held virtually on Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Residents can attend the Zoom meeting via phone, at +1 929-205-6099, or with the Zoom meeting ID 813 3190 6760.