The Nethermead, a rolling meadow located near the center of Prospect Park, is a popular destination for dog walkers, Frisbee players, and large gatherings. Park visitors are often surprised to emerge upon this remote clearing as they are exploring nearby Park attractions, such as the Ravine, the Music Pagoda, and the Audubon Center at the Boathouse. Surrounded on all sides by water and green hills, the Nethermead gives the impression of being deep in the forest.

Enclosing the Nethermead are some of the oldest trees in the Park, along with mature lindens, sweetgums, and young cherry trees. Animal lovers are especially attracted to the Nethermead; bird watchers find the mix of trees perfectly suited to spotting native and migratory birds, while dog walkers appreciate a vibrant off-leash scene during designated hours. The Nethermead also hosts the annual Halloween Haunted Walk and Carnival, among other special events.

Directions
The Nethermead is most accessible from the 16th Street and Prospect Park Southwest entrance, the Bartel-Pritchard entrance, the 9th Street entrance, the 3rd Street entrance or the Willink Entrance at Ocean and Flatbush Avenues.  Click here to view this location on our Interactive Map.

By Public Transportation: (MTA map)
• F Train to 15th St./Prospect Park station or 7th Ave. station
• 2 or 3 Train to Grand Army Plaza station
• Q Train to Parkside Ave. station
• B-41 or B-71 Bus along Flatbush Ave. to Grand Army Plaza
• B-69 Bus along Prospect Park West
• B-75 Bus along 9th St. to 9th St. Entrance

By Car:
• From Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges: Take Flatbush Ave. to Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park West exit to 3rd, 9th or 15th St.
• From BQE: Take BQE to 38th St. exit, make left on 4th Ave. and right on any street between 14th St. and 3rd St. to Prospect Park West.

Hours
Prospect Park is closed from 1 to 5 a.m.


Rules

• All sports are prohibited on lawns when wet.
• No cleats are allowed in Prospect Park.
• Cricket is not allowed in Prospect Park for safety reasons. Cricket is allowed at Canarsie Beach and Marine Park. Please call (718) 965-8912 for permits and availability.
• Metal detectors are not allowed on manicured lawns or in wooded areas.
• Sports are prohibited on all lawns in Prospect Park from December 1st through March 31st. The lawns need time to rest and rejuvenate! The Parade Ground has several synthetic fields open during these months. Please call (718) 965-8973 for permits and availability.
• The Long Meadow Ballfields are available for organized sports on a seasonal basis:
     April through Labor Day : baseball and softball only
     September through November: soccer only
• Volleyball, frisbee, football, and rugby are allowed on the Nethermead.

Permit & Rental
Gatherings of 25 or more people in the Park are required to obtain permits from the Office of Special Events at least 30 days in advance. Please call (718) 965-8969 or click here for more information.