History
The Picnic House occupies a site favored by park visitors for over a century. In 1868 75 parties of over 100 received permits to host gatherings along the Long Meadow before the construction of Prospect Park was even completed. For the convenience of picnickers a wooden shelter and concession stand was built in 1876. The current Picnic House, designed by J. Sarsfield Kennedy, took its place in 1927, after a fire destroyed the original shelter.



                                                                                                   Pre-Picnic House Concession Stand, 1927


In the 1960s the Parks Department housed a program for Brooklyn’s senior citizens in the Picnic House. The Prospect Park Golden Age Center provided its members with companionship and activities such as card games, arts and crafts and music.  Today, the Picnic House is a comfort station with a rental facility on the upper floor overlooking the Long Meadow.

Restoration
The Picnic House received extensive restorations in 1984. In 2005, the Picnic House underwent another renovation which repaired the roof, provided better ventilation, and improved the bathroom facilities.

Click here to see the Picnic House today.