Summary:
NYC orders removal of temporary pier used by dragon boaters in Flushing Bay.
The annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, a 30+ year tradition, is threatened.
Repairs are planned but not expected to start until the 2030s.
Over 1200 boaters are affected, facing high costs at alternative marinas.
The future of dragon boating in the area is uncertain.
NYC's Dragon Boat Festival in Jeopardy
A decades-long tradition in Flushing Bay, the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, is facing an uncertain future. The city has ordered the removal of the temporary pier used by dragon boaters, citing deterioration. While $13 million has been allocated for repairs, construction isn't expected to begin until the 2030s, leaving over 1200 boaters without a home.
The Parks Department claims to have offered alternative marinas, but boaters express concerns about high costs – potentially reaching $10,000 annually at private marinas – and the future of this cherished tradition. The 34th annual festival will proceed next year at Meadow Lake, but the long-term viability of dragon boating in the area remains a serious question for the community who have nurtured young dragon boaters for years.
The Impact: This decision threatens a significant cultural event and raises concerns about the accessibility of recreational activities in NYC.
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