In Kissena Park near Booth Memorial Avenue, a large patch of young trees was maliciously destroyed in April, causing approximately 300 saplings to be ruined. On May 22nd, Council Member Sandra Ung, along with the New York City Parks Department, came together to replant 300 new tree seedlings in this area.
This grove of young trees is located near the Kissena Park Velodrome Parking Lot, accessible from the intersection of Booth Memorial Avenue and Parsons Boulevard in Flushing. Since 2022, park staff and volunteers from “Kissena Synergy,” a park maintenance organization, have been planting young trees here, having planted around 2000 trees. However, in the second week of April, nearly 300 young trees were intentionally flattened or uprooted, creating holes in the ground and mounds of soil possibly used for off-road practice. The hard work of volunteers, who have dedicated two years planting these trees, was destroyed in an instant. Council Member Sandra Ung, the NYC Parks Department, and the North Queens District Command condemned the incident, urging the public to assist in solving the case.
Over a month has passed since the incident, and the suspects have not been found. Sandra Ung stated that when the perpetrator destroyed 300 trees, it was not only an insult to the Flushing community but also to those who voluntarily spent countless hours planting trees. Starting on May 22nd, the NYC Parks Department began replanting 300 tree seedlings.
According to the Kissena Park Planting Sites map by the Parks Department, this grove is part of a large-scale afforestation effort in Kissena Park. This area is designated as a restoration zone within the park. Previously covered with Porcelain Berry vines, a single species of vegetation, it was later replanted with various tree species to establish a mature native forest, providing habitat for birds and enhancing rainwater absorption, thereby bringing multiple benefits to the environment.