In a move that's sparked outrage amongst preservationists, the New York City Parks Department has announced plans to demolish a series of historical mosaics in Queens' Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The intricate medallions, installed in the 1990s, have suffered significant wear and tear and are now considered a safety hazard. Despite pleas and proposed alternative solutions by activists and local historians, the city remains steadfast in its decision to remove the artworks.
These ground-level mosaics, which showcase icons of the bygone World's Fair from Elsie the Cow to a portrayal of Robert Moses by Andy Warhol, have found themselves on the chopping block after efforts to repair and maintain them have reportedly failed. According to CBS News, Michael Perlman, chairman of the Rego-Forest Preservation Council, called the prospect of their demolition "a very sad day in Queens history." Perlman and his fellow council members have been seeking donations and proposing apprenticeships to rescue the mosaics, hoping to preserve a piece of New York's cultural narrative.
The Parks Department, which has partially replaced some of the mosaics with concrete, suggests the removal will enable future preservation of the pieces while ensuring visitor safety. Evan Blum of the Architectural Art Reclamation Fund expressed confidence in saving the mosaics for the same cost as their removal, as reported by CBS News. Blum proposed a method which involves "taking a few probes and some experiments."
On the other hand, criticism has also been leveled at the Parks Department for what some see as neglect contributing to the mosaics' decay. The Rego-Forest Preservation Council founder Michael Perlman accused the department of "obnoxiously" tossing salt on the artworks to melt snow and allowing heavy vehicles to drive over them. He was quoting by The New York Post, expressing his dismay: "In Europe and the Middle East, mosaics are rediscovered after many, many centuries of abandonment. They are uncovered and they exist. Archeologists and government officials go to great lengths to preserve those — why should Queens, AKA the World’s Borough, be treated any differently?"
Only five mosaics remain from the original series laid out in 1997, each representing a scene from the historical World's Fairs of 1939 and 1964. The Parks Department has indicated it aims to replace these with gray pavers consistent with the rest of the plaza to alleviate tripping hazards. Despite alternatives suggested by preservation groups, the department plans on allocating grant money toward temporary art installations instead of salvaging these pieces with historical heft. Structure and safety are clearly the city's priority here, but for many, including Gloria Nash, whose upcoming book details the iconic fairs, the presence of these mosaics is a tangible link to a cherished past. She told The New York Post, "It’s marvelous how the Parks Department cared back … They’re destroying something symbolic."
