When people think of New York, Central Park is one of the first things that comes to mind. Not to be outshined, but in Brooklyn, Prospect Park is worthy of your attention. The park at the heart of Brooklyn is a rich place for many events that happen every year. In this post, we are going to look at historical events that have taken place, the neighborhoods surrounding the park, and some events that take place every year. Grab your favorite picnic basket or get your running shoes on, and we will take a trip to Prospect Park!
Historical Significance
Back on August 27, 1776, The Battle of Long Island has earned its place in history. To this day the Battle of Brooklyn, or the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, is a historic battle during the American Revolution. Taking place after the American Revolutionary War, this was a battle that the British won, defeating the Continental Army. They gained access to the Port of New York, which was theirs for the rest of the war. The large trees served as a barrier and allowed George Washington and his troops to successfully retreat to Manhattan across the East River.
February 1860 saw a group of people who were suggesting the locations of new parks across Brooklyn. The largest of the proposed parks would be centered at the corner of Eastern Parkway and Flatbush Avenue, Mount Prospect. To this day, it serves as the highest point in Prospect Park. Construction on the plan was halted due to the Civil War. With the time to develop the park, more decisions were carefully thought over. Inclusion of such features as lakes to oval plazas (later Grand Army Plaza) took shape and remain there today.
Opening of the Park
The first section of the park was opens on October 19th, 1867. It was still under construction, but Grand Army Plaza was open to the public! More than 200 benches are available for anyone looking to sit and enjoy the park. In 1873, the park completes the initial vision of James S. T. Stranahan, the President of the Brooklyn Board of Park Commissioners.
In the 1880s, due to the quality of poor maintenance and overuse, the park began to see a decline in quality. Brooklyn Mayor Alfred C. Chapin allocates $100,000 for park improvements. In addition to that, $200,000 from a program by the Brooklyn Parks Commission helps begin the renovations and maintenance.
20th Century
By the time the century turned, Prospect Park saw 15 million visitors a year. Picnics are illegal starting in 1903, with lights being installed to deter couples from kissing or other public displays of affection. By 1912, the Peristyle, Boathouse, the Tennis House, and the Willink Comfort Station open up to the joy of the public.
The 1930s saw a decline in interest from the mayor, until Mayor La Guardia appointed Robert Moses as the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks. Using funds that were provided in the wake of Depression era programs, Moses used this financial backing for a new boom in construction for Prospect Park. On July 3rd, 1935, the Prospect Park Zoo opens up and by the end of the 1930s, five more playgrounds are built. In December 1961, the ice rink is opens up over a portion of Prospect Lake.
Robert Moses’ Impact
The Moses years were a time of efficiency. Especially the decade after his departure. It was not rare for Moses to oversee the quiet removal of underutilized or redundant structures. This was all in the name of economic and financial efficiency. Several structures are no longer standing by the time Moses leaves his position as NYC Parks commissioner in May 1960. These included the Dairy, destroyed 1935, Concert Grove House, demolished 1949, Music Island, razed 1960, the Flower Garden, the Thatched Shelter, destroyed in the 1940s, the Model Yacht Club, burned down in 1956, and the Greenhouse Conservatories, taken apart in 1955.
The two significant events that happened over the next decade happened in 1975 and 1980. In 1975, Prospect Park becomes a New York City scenic landmark. The park earns a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
In 1980, Ed Koch, the mayor at the time, wanted to do something for Prospect Park, but unfortunately didn’t have the time. He began plans to have the Wildlife Conservation Society take over any renovations.
The new millennium saw a piqued interest in more renovations. The ice rink needed to be improved upon and talks of Music Island coming back saw some rumblings.
The Prospect Park Alliance is now the agency who oversees the construction over renovations or new constructions. Their tireless efforts make the park what it is today!
Location
For those who are visiting Prospect Park fo the first time, there are multiple ways to get there! Multiple entry points off the Q at two stops (Prospect Park and Parkside Ave), the B (Prospect Park), the F (Prospect Park), and a number of buses (B41, B47, B48, B16, B61, B67, B68, and B69). There are many different entry points, so no matter the day and time, you have a way to get to the park!
Surrounding Attractions
Sandwiched between the Brooklyn Public Library and the Brooklyn Museum, two of Brooklyn’s great institutions that anyone can spend hours searching.
Just south of the Brooklyn Museum, you can visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. From their Christmas lights to the Cherry Blossom season, make sure to stop by to see what makes the Brooklyn Botanic Garden special.
Restored by the Prospect Park Alliance, the Parade Ground has many options for people wanting to play a number of sports. Baseball, Tennis, Soccer, and Football fields are available for local leagues to play on. A new adult fitness area provides access to Basketball, Netball, and Volleyball courts. The Parade Grounds are also open to Weddings, Birthdays, and any special occasion you can think of!
Who doesn’t love a zoo! The Prospect Park Zoo is available and has plenty of animals for kids to see! No need to go up to the Bronx to get your animal sights in.
On the note of animals, grab your binoculars and see if you can spot unique species of birds.
Are you looking for an apartment around Prospect Park? Make sure to check out the following neighborhoods:
