NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura today announced two new special-edition overnight camping experiences at the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, giving 200 New Yorkers the opportunity to spend a night under the stars at one of the city’s most iconic landmarks — for free.
“S’mores just got even sweeter in New York City,” said Mayor Mamdani. “There’s no better way to cap off an incredible summer than by gathering around the campfire, looking up at the stars and making memories with our neighbors. This fall, we’re bringing that experience to the heart of Queens during this special edition of our beloved family camping program. I hope families across the city take the chance to join us and experience our parks in a whole new way.”
“New York City is home to some of the most extraordinary parks and landmarks in the world, and the Unisphere offers an unforgettable backdrop for an outdoor adventure,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “With our Urban Park Rangers, we’re giving New Yorkers the chance to experience Flushing Meadows Corona Park in a whole new way — under the stars, around a campfire and alongside their neighbors. This initiative brings free, accessible outdoor recreation to more New Yorkers while creating memories that will last a lifetime.”
Building on the success of the Urban Park Rangers’ long-running Family Camping series, the new experiences will bring families together for two unforgettable nights of outdoor adventure and community in the heart of Queens.
The Urban Park Rangers will welcome 100 participants each night on September 25 and October 9. Participants will be selected through an online lottery, which is open from Thursday, September 10 through Sunday, September 13. New Yorkers can register through the NYC Parks website.
The evening will begin with icebreaker activities before campers pitch their tents and gather for dinner. Throughout the night, participants will join Urban Park Rangers for a night hike and wildlife viewing, nature games, stories around the campfire, s’mores and other activities.
NYC Parks will provide tents and sleeping bags for all participants. Sleeping bags can be taken home at the end of the program. Dinner and breakfast options will be available for purchase from a food truck, and families are welcome to bring their own food and snacks.
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