Celebrating Hunters Point South Park's ULI Americas Award for Excellence

By Ebony Young, Queens Deputy Borough President

It’s always been more than just a park to me.

Hunters Point South Park in Long Island City is a place I’ve turned to time and again—to reflect, to heal, and simply to find joy. Whether I’m walking along the waterfront, soaking in the Manhattan skyline, or witnessing families and neighbors gather in community, I’m reminded of the power of thoughtfully designed public space. That’s why it was such a privilege to participate in the semifinalist tour as part of the 2025 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Americas Awards for Excellence—and why I’m overjoyed to celebrate that Hunters Point South Park has officially been named one of this year’s ten winners.

Out of 94 submissions from across North and South America, our beloved park stood out. A 15-member jury of experts in urban planning, architecture, finance, and design carefully selected the finalists and ultimately recognized ten projects that represent the very best in development across the Americas. Hunters Point South Park joins an impressive group that includes initiatives in Manhattan, Toronto, Santiago, San Francisco, and more.

This award is a testament not only to excellence in design and innovation but also to the park’s deeper impact—the way it brings people together, offers a reprieve from the rush of city life, and represents resilience in the face of climate change.

Tom Balsley, the visionary principal designer and landscape architect behind the park, put it perfectly: while awards matter, what matters most is the way this space touches lives. That sentiment resonates deeply with me. For years, I’ve witnessed this park evolve into a living, breathing symbol of what’s possible when community, creativity, and care come together.

From its early beginnings in the 1993 Vision Plan for Queens West to its feature in MoMA’s 2023 exhibition, Hunters Point South Park has steadily grown in local and global esteem. Yet its heart remains here—in Queens, with the people who use it, love it, and advocate for it daily.

I want to recognize the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy and their president, Rob Basch, for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive, welcoming green space. Executive Director Jessica Sechrist said it best: this park is a model for resilient waterfront design and a reflection of a neighborhood that continues to grow and thrive.

As Deputy Borough President, I am beyond proud of this recognition. But as someone who has spent countless hours within these gates—laughing, thinking, dreaming—I am simply grateful.

Congratulations to everyone who played a role in shaping and sustaining this extraordinary place. Hunters Point South Park isn’t just an award-winning park. It’s a home, a haven, and a beacon for what’s possible in urban public space.

Let’s keep dreaming big, Queens.