Queens—New York City’s most diverse borough—is home to some of the city’s most desired green spaces in one of the world’s most desired cities to live. In the warmer months, spaces such as Flushing Meadows Corona Park are brought to life by locals and tourists alike, eager to enjoy a moment of respite from the concrete jungle.  Queens local Fleur Martino chairs the Public Relations Committee at eastern Queens Community Board 11 (the “board”) and is intimately familiar with the role accessible public spaces play in fostering a thriving community.

The board, appointed by the Queens borough president (a public servant) advises the city on zoning matters broadly, and acts as a go-between to formulate strategies to address the evolving wants, needs and concerns of the community.