Uniting To Celebrate Queens’ Cultural Diversity & The Arts
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Michael Perlman, Rego Park resident Carmen Montijo and sculpture originator Larry Ng at fundraiser for Friends of MacDonald Park September 21, 2025.
The one-year anniversary gala of “Queens, The World’s Borough” sculpture is March 8.
By Michael Perlman
It was nearly a year ago that large 3D letters were delivered and drilled into the pavement of MacDonald Park on Queens Boulevard and Yellowstone Boulevard in Forest Hills. The prominent “Queens, The World’s Borough” sculpture has been standing proudly ever since, generating a life-like presence alongside monumental trees with its color scheme of the Queens flag. As residents from nearby and far observed the letters coming together, it became analogous to Queens’ harmonious diversity of ethnicities and cultures, where residents choose to unite by sharing ideas, dreams, history, food, and customs.
Now residents and visitors alike have a great reason to mark their calendars. On Sunday, March 8 from 11 AM to 2 PM, a festive block party will be underway in front of the sculpture to commemorate its one-year anniversary and the borough’s diversity. Queens is home to 2.3 million residents, representing 190 nationalities with 360 languages and dialects. Our borough caught the attention of “The Guinness Book of World Records,” which recognizes Queens as the “most diverse urban area on the planet.”
“As we were getting closer to the one-year mark of the sign, I kept thinking we could not just let it go by quietly. The sign clearly became something people were curious about. I would see families taking photos there, kids climbing, and people using it as a meeting point. It felt like it deserved a moment,” said Stancy Saji, program manager for government and community relations at Northwell Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, the lead sponsor for the sculpture and the anniversary event.
The sculpture originated by creative community visionary and high achiever Larry Ng, whose two children were born and raised in Forest Hills. A noble sense of civic pride extends from his heart, which he instills in his family and residents at large. From the sculpture’s vision to the drawing board, and to its production and installation, leadership mounts to teamwork. In January 2024, the “Queens, The World’s Borough” sculpture was conceived, and on March 22, 2025, it was welcomed with a celebratory on-site dedication, with diverse residents, elected officials, music, and dancing. Developing the sculpture entailed no taxpayer funds, but funds stemming from residents who supported the unique culture of Queens and expressing it through public art, became a gift for the masses. Another key date was an on-site fundraiser held on September 21, where collectible miniature 3D Queens sculptures were sold, and the proceeds benefited the park’s ongoing maintenance and beautification through Friends of MacDonald Park.
Fast-forwarding to 2026, Saji explained, “I called Larry and said, ‘What if we actually celebrate the one-year anniversary?’ He immediately said yes. We wanted something that felt open and welcoming. A block party felt right. The idea was simple. Bring together the people, businesses, and organizations that reflect Queens, and place them in one space for a day that feels joyful and accessible.” From the perspective of Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, they also felt that if they are uniting the community, a meaningful opportunity will also feature healthcare resources and information.
Award winning science fiction writer Forest Hills native Michael A Burstein of Brookline MA Photo by Nomi S Burstein.
The eventful lineup will offer a natural flow with simple to creative pleasures. “We will start by gathering at the sculpture to acknowledge the anniversary. After that, the park opens up. There will be music throughout the afternoon, dance performances, and fun experiences for families and children. People can wander, meet local business owners, connect with community organizations, and grab food,” she continued.
Northwell LIJ Forest Hills worked closely with the 112th Precinct to result in smooth sailing. “The street will be closed that morning, security will be present, and we have a sound permit covering the full event window. There is a clear plan for the setup, performances, and the breakdown,” Saji said. In-kind and financial sponsorship contributions made the event possible. “We made a point of keeping it free and open to the public, because a celebration of Queens should be accessible. There is a lot of planning behind the scenes, but the goal is for the day to feel simple and welcoming,” she continued.
Ng proudly reflected on the past year. “Queens truly is a microcosm of the world. The Queens 3D letter sculpture with the catchphrase, ‘The World’s Borough’ honors this very special and unique place in our country and the world. Since its dedication in MacDonald Park, hundreds of thousands of people have visited or driven by. The approachable Queens sign has become a popular photo spot and meeting location for children, adults, families, friends, neighbors, wanderers, and curious onlookers. I feel that it brought our community together, instilling a well-deserved sense of pride in Queens.”
Anticipating the Queens Sign Community Block Party, Ng explained, “We will celebrate Queens through music, dance and family-friendly activities. Block parties bring the community together through kindness, connections, and a shared experience.” Such an event emphasizes the “unity” in community. “It is amazing to see how many people, organizations and businesses responded so quickly to participate. Everyone seems excited to enjoy this celebration after the doldrums of a long and cold winter.”
Florida resident Deacon Greg Kandra, formerly of Forest Hills, representing Queens.
Power lies in the hearts of community residents and organizations, to coordinate humanitarian initiatives, which can come to fruition through creative projects. “Art and culture is the essence of a joyful life. Bohemian Rhapsody, Jackson Pollock No. 5, Walden Pond, Seinfeld, the ‘I Love New York’ logo, a slice of pizza, and a good bagel are some of my favorite things. Human creativity that brings joy to others is a good thing,” said Ng, who has long been grateful for his community encounters, and making people happy and feeling inspired. “People are generally kind, friendly and helpful to others when you meet them in person, despite what you see on the news every day. A good smile is a superpower!”
Ng reminisced, “The sculpture’s design took about a month. WhiteClouds, a specialty fabricator of custom outdoor sculptures based in Ogden, Utah, was selected as the fabricator. It took them approximately six months from conception to completion. The budget was about $50,000 for the over 2,000-pound steel sculpture that is 6 feet in height and 22.75 feet in width. Its typography is reminiscent of the classic mid-1970s “I Love NY” logo, which was designed by Milton Glaser for a New York State advertising campaign to boost tourism and raise the city’s spirit during a challenging period. That positive spirit echoes within Ng, and his project’s style is a means of celebrating Queens among New York City in its current day. Alek Turkmen, a volunteer and a Cooper Union engineering student, produced a few prototypes of the sculpture to share with the community, become acquainted with its design, and compile feedback.
Thousands of residents are hoping that the sculpture can remain in MacDonald Park despite the temporary art installation regulations of the Parks Department’s “Art in the Parks Program.” Now people are wondering about the sculpture’s future in the historic park. Ng explained, “Almost everyone I talk to wants me to keep the sculpture in MacDonald Park. Based on my agreement with the Parks Department, I am currently obligated to move it. I am in early discussions of finding a permanent home, but please reach out to me if anyone out there has a great idea for another location. There is also a growing rallying cry to keep it at MacDonald Park a while longer.”
“I really like where the Queens sculpture is right now, and Forest Hills is an iconic part of Queens,” said concert pianist Massimiliano Facchini, who is also a piano professor and co-artistic director of the nearby Belle Arti Center for the Arts in Forest Hills. “I think that the sign has become a symbol, and it is nice to see it when you drive on Queens Boulevard.”
As a native of Rome, he is thankful for the cultural and artistic achievements he grew up with, and feels that citywide public art is essential for preservation. The Queens sculpture enables him to reminisce his youth, and he draws a connection. Every time I visit Flushing Meadows, along with my family, I run my mind back to the time of the World’s Fairs, trying to imagine how beautiful and electrifying they were.”
“I adore the Queens statue in MacDonald Park. It gives me a real sense of community pride whenever I walk or drive past it,” said attorney, nonprofit consultant, and artist Ruth Gursky of Forest Hills, who is the founder of the Forest Hills Beacons. “When I decided to mobilize people of all faiths and backgrounds in our neighborhood to shine the light on democracy and stand against cruelty, fear, and despair, the Queens statue was our obvious meeting place, as we strive to ensure that Queens remains the ‘World’s Borough,’ welcoming all people.”
Forest Hills resident Ruth Gursky & her Queens meets international spirit.
Gursky proudly displays her miniature Queens statue in a place that all house guests can view it as they enter. “While I love this statue in my neighborhood, if the Queens statue must be moved, its most logical venue is Flushing Meadows Corona Park on a grassy knoll adjacent to the Unisphere.”
Friends of MacDonald Park volunteers who routinely maintain and beautify the park under Forest Hills resident Stephen Melnick’s guidance, also admire the creative value and significance behind the sculpture where it stands. “I am hoping it can stay at its current highly visible location, where thousands of pedestrians and drivers see it every day. It garnered worldwide attention through social media.” Feeling inspired by Larry Ng and community contributors, he continued, “Anyone wishes to make their community more welcoming, brighter, and vibrant, have at it, and contact the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation with your idea.”
In this columnist’s Facebook group, Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens – “Our Communities” among other Queens groups, the majority of residents prefer that the sculpture remain in MacDonald Park. Some residents discussed their plan B wish list, envisioning its relocation to the grounds of Queens Borough Hall, Queens Museum, Queensborough Community College, Queens Plaza, the Queens Museum, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport.
Artists Barbara Malament & Deborah Camp representing Queens.
Children’s book author and legal assistant Carmen Montijo of Rego Park, supported the sculpture since its inception, and contributed to the miniature sculpture fundraising opportunity for the park. In response to the growing support online, she took the initiative to launch an online petition this past Sunday: https://www.change.org/p/hold-a-public-hearing-regarding-the-queens-sculpture-staying-in-macdonald-park
An excerpt reads, “The Parks Department currently requires artworks such as the Queens sculpture to be removed by a set date to keep public spaces dynamic and ever-changing. However, given the profound impact this sculpture has, I urge a reconsideration of these rules. It’s not just a piece of art; it’s a symbol of our community’s identity, strength, and aspirations. The decision to keep the Queens sculpture shouldn’t be made behind closed doors. We propose holding a public hearing, allowing every community member to express their feelings and opinions. If community support is strong, we can collectively push the NYC Parks Department and our local Council to consider granting an exception to keep the Queens sculpture in its rightful place.” She later writes, “Let’s turn our passion for this sculpture into action, and work together to preserve our cherished public art.”
In addition to attending the March 8 anniversary celebration, residents can continue to own miniature Queens sculptures by patronizing Royal Collectibles, a longtime small business at 96-01 Metropolitan Avenue.
