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Flushing Bay dragon boating in limbo as NYC plans to close docks

Closure of docks in Queens causes concern in dragon boating community
Closure of docks in Queens causes concern in dragon boating community 02:08

NEW YORK -- Dragon boating has a devoted following on New York City waters, but its future is in question after the city announced plans to close a hub on Flushing Bay. 

Now, the dragon boating community's fate in Queens is uncertain after NYC Parks announced plans to close Pier 1 near Citi Field because of deteriorating wood ahead of the spring season.

City plans to close docks due "significant deterioration"

Dragon boats are racing boats adorned with dragon heads, a sport that started in China more than 2,000 years ago and has deep ties in Queens today. One of the largest dragon boat festivals in the U.S., the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is held every summer in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. 

"Dragon boating is one of the ties I have to my culture," said Alan Lee, a dragon boat coach in the United East Athletics Association.   

In a statement to CBS News New York, NYC Parks said in part:

"Dragon boating is a fixture of Flushing Bay. NYC Parks has worked closely with the dragon boating community for decades and we remain committed to providing safe, dedicated dockage space with accessible dock fees for recreational boaters throughout Queens and New York City. Due to significant deterioration of Pier 1, NYC Parks closed the adjoining temporary docks out of concern for public safety. Parks has provided boaters with a list of 36 alternative marinas in the area and we understand that many boaters, including some of the dragon boat teams, have made dockage arrangements at several of these sites...."

Roughly 80 clubs and teams currently use Pier 1, which was built in 1937 for the World's Fair. It closed in 2016 after an inspection found structural degradation, but NYC Parks had installed floating docks along the pier to maintain access for boaters.  

Dragon Boat paddlers worry about sport's future in Queens

Paddlers worry closing the docks at Pier 1 entirely will splinter their community. 

"It's very community-based for me," said Marygrace Tabing. "Having this disappearing is going to hurt my soul." 

"We all work hard together, and we also help each other," said Max Pina. 

"To have this taken away from me, it's very emotional for me," said Anthony Yuen.

Lee agrees a dangerous structure should close, but argues a few months notice from the city wasn't enough.

"Some of these other locations are very remote," he said. "We weren't able to plan for it." 

Lee said his team will continue indoor training while they try to figure out a backup plan. 

NYC Parks told CBS News New York it does not have the funds to fully restore the pier at this time. 

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