A few feet from the pitch: Column of Jerash

In the heart of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park stands a lonely traveler from another millennium. It is the "Whispering Column" of Jerash—a thirty-foot-tall shaft of weathered Roman limestone.

Erected in the 2nd century AD, this pillar once stood in a city that defined the height of Roman architectural ambition in the Levant. In 1964, King Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, gifted the column to New York City for the World’s Fair.

South African Arts International hopes to reclaim the dignity of the site with community partners. They are not looking to move the pillar again, but to transform the ground beneath it—to create a sanctuary that honors the stone’s provenance. The restoration plans aim to replace the neglected surroundings with a landscape that invites contemplation rather than indifference. The goal is to have this completed by the World Cup Finals.

College Point, New York (July 10, 2026) - Amidst the flurry of project bids and seasonal scheduling, Executive Joe Marando, of Frank Marando Landscaping looked at a map of the historic Jerash site. When the proposal to restore the surrounding grounds was placed before him, Marando didn’t see a logistical headache; he saw a legacy.

He knew the schedule was packed—the company was currently juggling a dozen high-profile commercial contracts—but the opportunity to landscape a piece of world history was an offer he couldn't refuse.

"Look, we are absolutely swamped with work right now," Marando admitted, his eyes dancing with the challenge. "I’ll tell you what. I’m moving around some things. Meet me at the site in two weeks—sharp. We’ll walk the perimeter, assess the soil, and figure out exactly how we’re going to make this happen. Let’s bring that landmark back to life."