Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani says he's increasing the city's parks budget. Will Flushing Meadows' Unisphere finally be restored to its former glory? - QNS

"The centerpiece of the 1964-65 World's Fair has suffered from a lack of modernized infrastructure and frequent flooding within the park. The Unisphere's water features and the Fountain of the Fairs, a misting fountain for residents to cool off in during the summer, are both currently out of operation. Nonetheless, Mamdani chose to stand in front of the Unisphere a day after his election as the city's 111th mayor - and the first ever to hail from Queens."

"While Mamdani has not announced any plans on the park itself, a spokesperson has confirmed his administration will work with the City Council to nearly double the NYC Parks budget in the coming years. However, his office did not respond for comment with any current plans dedicated to restoring the fountains or Flushing Meadows Corona Park in particular."

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani delivered a transition-team speech in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in front of the Unisphere, a symbol of Queens. The Unisphere's water features and the Fountain of the Fairs are currently out of operation after frequent flooding and an underground electrical system inundated by a leaking water line. NYC Parks has been unable to secure full funding to repair the systems. The new administration plans to work with the City Council to nearly double the NYC Parks budget, but no specific restoration plans for the fountains or park have been announced. After Hurricane Sandy in 2012, about $7 million was allocated for plumbing and repaving work.

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