Flushing Greenmarket (PhotoL Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce)
July 5, 2019 By Shane O’Brien
The Flushing Greenmarket opened for the season at Maple Playground this week.
The market will now run every Wednesday until Thanksgiving and provides residents with access to fresh, healthy produce from regional farms. The market is open between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and takes place inside the playground, which is located in downtown Flushing at Kissena Boulevard and Maple Avenue.
Organizers of the market celebrated the opening with a free puppet show, Bessie’s Big Shot, produced by CityParks PuppetMobile. More than 100 people attended the performance.
The market not only offers fresh produce but attendees can get free recipes and observe cooking demonstrations. There are also family friendly activities to be found at the market’s information tent.
The greenmarket was launched at Maple Playground in the summer of 2016 by GrowNYC with the support of the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce. GrowNYC operates markets across the five boroughs, with the goal of preserving local farmland and providing New Yorkers with access to fresh, healthy food.
Council Member Peter Koo officially opened the market Wednesday along with members of GrowNYC and the Chamber of Commerce.
“Not only are greenmarkets an excellent way for communities to support locally grown, fresh and healthy food, but they are also a telling sign of the economic vitality of neighborhoods,” Koo said in a statement.
GrowNYC President and CEO Marcel Van Ooyen said that the organization was glad to reopen for yet another season.
“We’re thrilled to return to Flushing this season and hope to back for many, many more,” Van Ooyen said in a statement.
Flushing Greenmarket (Photo: Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce)
