littlemanilapark.com

Update September 2026: BAYANIHAN IN ACTION

What began as an abandoned, forested, and underutilized parcel of land—left untouched for more than 40 years—is now being transformed through the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan into a vibrant Community Greenspace!

Following the securing of our Permit on December 12, 2024, dedicated Little Manila community volunteers rolled up their sleeves and worked tirelessly to clean, clear, and reclaim the space. Through countless hours of volunteer effort, teamwork, and community spirit, we began turning a long-neglected property into a place where neighbors can gather, celebrate, and connect.

A major milestone came on June 14, 2025, when we proudly held our Sign Unveiling Ceremony, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Little Manila Park. Since then, the community has continued to rally behind the project, raising funds for construction through generous furniture donations, Dinner-Dance events, and other community fundraising efforts. With the continued support of our elected officials, we are also pursuing grants and additional funding opportunities. (See Letters of Support from Queens Community Board 2 and NY State Assemblymember Steven Raga below.)

With guidance from our consultant NYS-certified arborists, existing trees and vegetation have been carefully cleared and pruned, while selected trees were removed when recommended for safety and site improvement. The property is now securely fenced to support safety, security, and maintenance, and the park is currently open to the community on Saturdays from June through October.

Little Manila Park is already coming to life! Gazebos, picnic tables, benches, and photo backdrops have been installed, creating welcoming spaces for families and friends. A central stage provides a focal point for community gatherings, celebrations, cultural programs, and occasional performances. As the park continues to grow, we look forward to building strong community partnerships that will help ensure its safety, upkeep, programming, and long-term success—while enhancing the quality of life throughout the surrounding neighborhood.

The park carries a particularly meaningful purpose. It is dedicated to the heroes—both living and deceased—of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of whom were Filipino American. Our site is located in an area that was once a global epicenter of the pandemic, making this greenspace not only a place for recreation and celebration, but also a place for remembrance, healing, gratitude, and hope.

And what a celebration it has been! On June 13, 2026, we proudly held our Official Grand Opening Fiesta, bringing the community together to celebrate this remarkable Bayanihan achievement.

Our story has also reached beyond our neighborhood! Little Manila Park has been featured by CBS 2 News and the New York Post, shining a spotlight on what can happen when a community comes together with determination, generosity, and heart.

CBS 2 News – Little Manila Park feature
New York Post – Little Manila Park feature

This is Bayanihan in action—neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers giving their time, and a community turning a once-forgotten space into a place of joy, pride, culture, and togetherness. Do check out the photos of various organizations who have held their summer get-togethers at the park!

Please check out our “The Park” menu to see our latest photos and follow our continuing journey. And don’t forget to visit the “Give” and “Contact” tabs to learn how you can become part of the Little Manila Park story.

Mabuhay, Little Manila! Mabuhay ang Bayanihan! And maraming salamat po to everyone who continues to make this dream a reality!

The “Uprise” statue will honor all the heroes, living and deceased, of the Covid-19 Pandemic as the site falls within a former global epicenter. Many of these frontline workers who sacrificed or risked their lives were Filipino-Americans who served in the food service and healthcare industries, when no one wanted to work. Filipino nurses comprised only 4% of the workforce in the US, however accounted for 1/3 of the deaths during the height of the pandemic. We dedicate the park to you for your care and inspiration to the future generations.