Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Overview
Prospect Park is a 526-acre (213 ha) urban park located in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The park is situated between the neighborhoods of Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Flatbush, and Windsor Terrace, and is adjacent to the Brooklyn Museum, Grand Army Plaza, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. It is operated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and is part of the Brooklyn-Queens Greenway.
History
The idea for Prospect Park was conceived in the early 1860s, when the rapid urbanization of Brooklyn necessitated a large public park similar to Central Park in Manhattan. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who also designed Central Park, with the intention of creating a pastoral landscape that provides an escape from the city.
Features
Prospect Park is characterized by its large trees, rolling hills, and beautiful watercourses. The park's most notable features include the Long Meadow, a 90-acre (36 ha) meadow thought to be the largest stretch of uninterrupted lawn in any U.S. park, and the 60-acre (24 ha) lake.
Activities
The park is a popular destination for recreational activities, including sports, picnicking, birdwatching, and concerts. The park also houses the Prospect Park Zoo, the LeFrak Center at Lakeside, and the Prospect Park Bandshell that hosts outdoor concerts in the summertime.
Flora and Fauna
Prospect Park is home to numerous plant species and wildlife, making it a significant ecological area in Brooklyn. The park's forest, which is the largest in Brooklyn, was designed to showcase the native trees of New York.
Management and Preservation
The Prospect Park Alliance partners with the City of New York to preserve and maintain the park. The Alliance provides a majority of the staff and resources that keep the park clean, safe, and beautiful.