We, the undersigned, urge the City of New York to provide a dedicated dock and permanent home for the NYC Dragon Boat community at World’s Fair Marina.

Dragon boat racing has been an integral part of New York City’s cultural and athletic landscape for decades. This dynamic sport fosters community engagement, promotes physical wellness, and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the diverse populations that make up our city. Since the early 1990s, the NYC Dragon Boat community has called World’s Fair Marina home, training and competing in Flushing Bay while strengthening its deep connection to the waterfront. The annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, one of the largest in North America, has drawn thousands of paddlers and spectators, firmly establishing the marina as a historic hub for the sport.

However, despite its long-standing presence, the NYC Dragon Boat community lacks a permanent and suitable docking space, putting teams at a disadvantage and limiting the sport’s growth. Unlike other cities—such as Philadelphia, Boston, and various communities in California—that have dedicated boathouses and docks for dragon boating, New York’s paddlers have had to operate without essential facilities. Establishing a permanent dock and boathouse at World’s Fair Marina would provide the necessary infrastructure to support the sport’s sustainability, ensure safe and equitable access to the water, and solidify NYC’s status as a leader in dragon boat racing for generations to come.

Why This Matters:

Preserving Cultural & Community Heritage
Dragon boat racing is deeply rooted in the traditions of NYC’s Asian-American community and beyond. Establishing a permanent home will ensure the continued growth of this sport and provide a hub for cultural exchange.

Improved Accessibility & Equity
Many other water sports, such as rowing, have designated spaces at the Marina. A permanent dock for dragon boat teams would provide equitable access to NYC’s waterways and expand opportunities for local schools, youth groups, and underrepresented communities to participate.

Enhanced Safety & Infrastructure
Without a dedicated dock, teams often face unsafe launching conditions. A properly designed docking area would improve safety for paddlers, streamline water traffic, and create a well-organized space for both training and competitions.

Environmental Stewardship
The NYC Dragon Boat community has been a strong advocate for Flushing Bay’s environmental health, actively participating in waterfront cleanups and conservation efforts. A permanent location would allow for even greater stewardship of the area.

Economic & Tourism Benefits
The annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival attracts thousands of visitors to Queens, benefiting local businesses and boosting tourism. A permanent home at World’s Fair Marina would help expand year-round programming, creating further economic opportunities.

Our Request
We respectfully urge the City of New York to allocate space at World’s Fair Marina for a permanent dragon boat dock and home base, ensuring that this vibrant community continues to thrive for generations to come. In addition to a dedicated dock, we propose the construction of a boathouse at Harper Street, equipped with showers, lockers, and boat storage. This facility would provide much-needed amenities for athletes, ensure proper equipment maintenance, and support the long-term sustainability and growth of the sport.

We call on decision-makers to prioritize this initiative and work collaboratively with stakeholders to make this vision a reality.

How You Can Help
Sign this petition to show your support for a permanent home for NYC’s Dragon Boat community.

👉 Donate here to help make this vision a reality.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/establish-a-permanent-dock-and-home-for-nyc-dragon-boat-community-at-worlds-fair-marina

Your contribution will go directly toward planning, advocacy, and infrastructure for a permanent dock and boathouse at World’s Fair Marina. Every donation—large or small—makes a difference.

Thank you for supporting the NYC Dragon Boat community!