Flushing Meadows–Corona Park Service Hub: Hours, Permits, Dog Rules & Everything You Need to Plan Your Visit

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Flushing Meadows–Corona Park is Queens’ crown jewel and one of New York City’s largest parks at over 897 acres. Whether you’re planning a family picnic, booking a tennis court, walking your dog, or navigating the park for the first time, this guide covers every essential service detail — from ranger contacts and restroom locations to permits and accessibility — so your visit runs smoothly.

Park Address & General Information

Address: 131-04 Meridian Road, Flushing, NY 11368
General Park Info: (718) 760-6565
Special Events Permits: (718) 760-6560
Sports & BBQ Permits: (718) 393-7272
Tennis Permits: (718) 393-7276
Volunteer Coordinator: (718) 760-6561

Source: NYC Parks — Flushing Meadows–Corona Park

Park Hours

Flushing Meadows–Corona Park is open dawn to dusk, seven days a week, year-round — consistent with standard NYC Parks Department operating hours for open-ground parks. Individual facilities (Aquatic Center, Recreation Centers, tennis courts) maintain their own separate schedules; call (718) 760-6565 to confirm current facility hours before your visit.

Ranger Contact

NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers serve Flushing Meadows–Corona Park throughout the year, leading educational programs, nature walks, and providing park safety support.

Urban Park Rangers (Queens): (718) 352-1769

Rangers host free programs including birding walks, nature exploration, and seasonal recreation programming. Check the park events calendar for current ranger-led programs.

Restrooms

Public restrooms are available at multiple locations throughout Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. The NYC Parks Department maintains a dedicated restroom facilities page for the park listing current locations. Restrooms are typically located near major facilities including the Aquatic Center, recreation centers, and sports fields.

To report a restroom that is locked, damaged, or inaccessible, call 311 or report online at NYC 311 Park Maintenance Complaint.

Parking

Flushing Meadows–Corona Park has multiple parking areas depending on which section of the park you’re visiting:

Aquatic Center parking: Lots D, E & F — located adjacent to the Aquatic Center under the Van Wyck Expressway. Handicap parking is directly across the street from the pool.
South Field area: Commuter parking lot available on Roosevelt Avenue.
Street parking is also available on surrounding blocks, though it fills quickly on weekends and during events at Citi Field.

Getting Here by Transit

Public transit is strongly recommended, especially on weekends:

Subway: 7 train to Mets–Willets Point or 111th Street stations
Bus: Q48 serves the park directly
LIRR: Mets–Willets Point station (Port Washington Branch)

Source: NYC Parks — Aquatic Center Directions

Permits: Fields, BBQ, Groups & Special Events

BBQ & Picnic Permits

Barbecuing is permitted at designated areas within Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. Groups of more than 20 people require a special events permit.

To get a BBQ or large-group picnic permit:
Call the Flushing Meadows Passerelle Building (across from the outdoor tennis courts): (718) 393-7272
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For events with over 500 people or commercial/promotional events, contact the Citywide Special Events Office: (212) 360-1319

BBQ safety rules (mandatory): Keep at least 10 feet from trees, tree roots, and buildings. Elevate your grill at least 3 feet off the ground. Charcoal and propane grills are subject to NYC Parks rules — check current regulations at the permit office before your visit.

Source: NYC Parks — FMCP Barbecue Areas | NYC 311 — Park Event Permit

Athletic Field & Court Permits

Organized leagues and special events require a permit to use athletic fields and courts. Individual drop-in play does not require a permit.

Soccer, baseball, basketball, handball, volleyball: Apply online via NYC Parks Field and Court Permits
Tennis permits: Call (718) 393-7276 or visit the NYC Parks Tennis Permit page
Fees: Free for users under 18. Fee required for adults 18 and over (fees updated November 2024 — check current schedule at nycgovparks.org/permits/sport-field)
Questions: Call (718) 393-7272 or visit the Field and Court Permit Help page

Source: NYC Parks — Field and Court Permits

Dog Rules & Off-Leash Hours

Dogs are welcome at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park but must follow NYC Parks rules:

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times, except in designated off-leash areas during prescribed hours.
You must pick up after your dog and dispose of waste in park containers.
Dogs are not permitted in: playgrounds, zoos, fountains, ball fields, basketball/handball/tennis courts, swimming pools, or bathing areas.

Off-Leash Hours

In designated park areas, dogs may be off-leash from park opening until 9:00 a.m. and from 9:00 p.m. until park closing. For the specific off-leash designated zones within Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, visit the FMCP Dog-Friendly Areas page or call (718) 760-6565.

Source: NYC Parks — FMCP Dog-Friendly Areas

Seasonal Schedule

Flushing Meadows–Corona Park is open year-round, with seasonal variation in facility operations:

Aquatic Center & Ice Rink: Seasonal — pool open in summer; ice rink open in fall/winter. Call (718) 760-6565 or visit the Aquatics Center & Ice Rink page for current schedule.
Recreation Centers: Year-round operation with varying hours — see the Recreation Centers page.
Athletic fields & courts: Open year-round during park hours, subject to weather and maintenance closures.
Ranger programs: Run year-round; frequency increases in spring and summer. Check the events calendar at nycgovparks.org for current schedules.

Accessibility

Flushing Meadows–Corona Park has undergone significant accessibility improvements through the NYC Parks Without Borders initiative. The park now features an ADA-accessible entrance at the Henry Hudson Entrance, improved pathways, and accessible parking directly adjacent to the Aquatic Center.

ADA parking: Directly across from the Aquatic Center
Accessible restrooms: Available at major facility locations
To report an accessibility issue: Call 311 or use the NYC 311 Park Maintenance portal

Source: NYC Parks — Parks Without Borders Completion