Queens is home to a large, ethnically diverse population of approximately two million people. It was in the early 17th century that people of European decent began immigrating to Queens, which officially became part of New York City on January 1st of 1898. The Queensboro Bridge was an addition in 1909 that brought ease of transportation and a great population increase. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is an interesting place to visit on a weekend afternoon when locals gather for cultural games, picnics and other activities. Within the park is Shea Stadium, home to the New York Mets, as well as Louis Armstrong and Arthur Ashe Stadiums where the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament is played every summer.