Prospect Park contains 585 acres of lush open space, much of which is perfect for a lazy day picnicking in the sunshine with friends and family. Please remember to follow some simple guidelines so that your fun will not interfere with others:

• Groups of more than 25 people require a permit. Applications must be received at least 30 days in advance of your event. Please call (718) 965-8944 for permit information or click on the Permits page.

• The Park Drive is closed to vehicles at all times except certain weekday rush hours. Vehicles may be unloaded at Wollman Rink or Litchfield Villa parking lots.

• See the Park map for designated picnic and barbecue areas. Do not picnic on paths, in parking lots, on ballfields, directly under trees or shelters, in playgrounds or in Park facilities.

• Please do not move picnic tables. Tents/canopies require a permit.

We're the barbecue of record!  Check out this great slideshow of barbecues in the Park from the New York Times.

Barbecuing is permitted in designated areas of the Park with the following guidelines:
• No ground fires.
• Fires must be contained in grills that are raised at least two feet above the ground.
• Do not use trash barrels or picnic tables as grill stands.
• Do not build fires under trees or dump hot coals on the ground.
• Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from trees and overhead branches.
• Barbecue only in open spaces.
• Grills are available for use near the Ninth Street Bandshell, near the Picnic House, and on the lawn near the Wollman Rink.

Help us keep the Park clean by bringing along garbage bags and picking up after yourself. Please remember that hot coals damage trees and turf. If you are barbecuing, bring a container of water and douse your coals when you’re finished cooking. Then wrap them in foil, and deposit them in the labeled BBQ ash barrels. Place your tied garbage bags next to trash barrels. Leave your picnic area clean so that the next visitors will have a good time too!

Contact
Permits: (718) 965-8944