Flushing Meadows Corona Park Fountain Debuts $6.8M Upgrade

QUEENS, NY — Flushing Meadows Corona Park's iconic Fountain of the Fairs debuted a ritzy new set of spritzers Wednesday.

The fountain, which dates back to the 1964 World's Fair, got a $6.8 million upgrade transforming its reflecting pool into an interactive mist garden with specialized jets that will help summertime visitors stay cool, according to the city's parks department.

Also included in the project are new seating, a drinking fountain, updated plumbing and new pavement in the Art Deco style of 1930s-era New York.

“The Fountain of the Fairs is an iconic symbol of the 1964 World’s Fair that keeps us connected to our city’s rich history,” NYC Department of Parks & Recreation Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to restore vibrancy to this historic site for the enjoyment of New Yorkers and visitors."

The Fountain of the Fairs was revived in 2000 after decades of inactivity, but it fell into a state of disrepair after suffering sustained flooding damage during Superstorm Sandy.

Funding for the upgrades comes from Mayor Bill de Blasio, according to a news release.