Luz Roa came with her son to dance at Dunningham Triangle Park in Elmhurst, something she hadn’t done for a long time.
“Very happy, because I had been locked up for two years,” said Roa.
Every Thursday, residents enjoy free concerts from 12 to 2 in the afternoon as part of an initiative by the 82nd Street Partnership that seeks to beautify the few parks in the area.
Our Thursday Lunchtime Summer Mini-Concert Series at Dunningham Plaza was a resounding success today thanks to the incomparable @stevanoficial!” reads a social media post from the organization.
“He brought the entire 82nd street to its feet! He sang cumbia, merengue, salsa and more! What fun!” the message continues.
Our Thursday Summer Lunchtime Mini Concert Series at Dunningham Plaza was a resounding success today thanks to incomparable @stevanoficial !
He got all of 82nd Street on their feet! He sang cumbia, merengue, salsa & more! What fun!#NeighborhoodsNow @van_alen @UDFNYC pic.twitter.com/EYWLIp2zdd
— 82nd St. Partnership (@82ndStQueens) July 28, 2022
“And so we want something positive to make people feel comfortable and safe coming here,” explained Leslie Ramos, President, 82nd Street Partnership.
In addition to the concerts, the organization brings instructors to teach Zumba classes on Mondays. On Tuesdays many come to learn to dance salsa.
“We have to take advantage of the spaces to give to people, to give a little of what we know and support the community in this way,” said Beba Ambors, Zumba instructor.
With different activities, the 82nd Street Partnership organization seeks to unify the community in a place that is usually inhabited by homeless people.
“Most of them are good but they have serious drug and alcohol problems,” said Jim Burke, Director of Programs, 82ns Street Partnership.
As an organizer, Jim says that even though it takes over an hour asking the homeless to get out of the park and cleaning up with his team, the result is very rewarding.
For businesses in the area this is a growth opportunity.
“Very good for the community, so it can improve the economy of the neighborhood,” said Antonio León.
Gómez.
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While the community from various neighborhoods says that this space brings a healthy environment in which everyone can live together.
“You need it, the community needs healthy fun to take your children, to share with your family and that is ideal,” said Raquel Gómez, a resident of Corona.
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