Prospect Park is the unique result of historical events and natural forces. We hope the pages in this section are useful to those who wish to learn more about the Park's evolution - as a place where nature thrives, and as a man-made, living work of art.

Many consider Prospect Park to be the masterpiece of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who, as a team and separately, created hundreds of landmark parks across the country, including Central Park in Manhattan and Boston’s "Emerald Necklace." Olmsted and Vaux created Prospect Park in the 1860s to serve a rapidly growing urban population. Many changes have taken place in Prospect Park since its beginning. The landscape in and around the Park has endured more than a century of change, all while serving the cultural, recreational, and spiritual needs of the public. 

Explore the links to the left of your screen to learn more about the history that created today's Prospect Park and the natural environment that has blossomed within its 585 acres. You can also visit us in person to learn more. Hands-on natural education is available at the Audubon Center at the Boathouse, and Brooklyn's history comes to life at Lefferts Historic House.