Author: Cornershop

Mayor Announces Partial Closure of Park Drive to Vehicles

June 18, 2015

Mayor Bill De Blasio announced today that the Prospect Park West Drive will be permanently closed to traffic, beginning July 6. It is currently open to southbound traffic on weekdays from 5-7 pm from Grand Army Plaza to Park Circle.

This is part of a larger effort by the City to reduce vehicular traffic in public parks, and also includes a partial closure of the drive in Central Park. The decision was informed by extensive traffic analyses undertaken by the NYC Department of Transportation of the Park Drive and surrounding streets, which also determined that the East Drive from Park Circle to Grand Army Plaza will remain open to northbound traffic from 7-9 am on weekdays. The entire Park Drive is closed to traffic on weekends and holidays.

The Prospect Park Alliance supports the Mayor’s decision to reduce vehicular traffic in Prospect Park. The Alliance works closely with the community, agency partners and stakeholders to balance the needs of the diverse users of the Park Drive, and is consistently working to promote a safe environment for the cyclists, runners, walkers and other Park visitors who depend on the Park Drive for recreation and outdoor enjoyment.

For more information about this mayoral initiative, visit the NYC website.

c. Martin Seck

Summer Checklist

June 17, 2015

Summer in Prospect Park is full of fun things to see and do. With so much going on in the Park in the coming months, it’s easy to lose track. So, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite events and activities that shouldn’t be missed. Share your favorite activities with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with #ProspectPark.

1. Food Truck Rally (Select Sundays through October) A summer favorite, this outdoor smorgasbord at Grand Army Plaza is presented by the Prospect Park Alliance and Dispatch NY. Each week will feature a different array of trucks, including Kelvin Natural Slush Co, Carpe Donut NYC, Kimchi Taco Truck, Coolhaus, Red Hook Lobster Pound, Milk Truck, Phil’s Steaks and Andy’s Italian Ices.

2. New York Philharmonic (June 19) The New York Philharmonic celebrates its 50th summer of free outdoor concerts in city parks, including Brooklyn’s flagship. Charles Dutoit leads the Orchestra in Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture; Saint-Saëns’s Violin Concerto No. 3, with Renaud Capuçon as soloist; Stravinsky’s Petrushka; and Ravel’s La Valse. As part of the anniversary celebration, the Philharmonic has invited a local group to perform prior to each concert—in Brooklyn, the guest musicians are the Brooklyn Interdenominational Choir. The concert will be followed by fireworks. This is one of the most popular events in the Park. Get there early to find a good spot on the lawn.

3. Taming of the Shrew (June 23, 24, 30, and July 1) The New York Classical Theater will present a traveling production of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew that will walk audience members through Prospect Park, beginning at Grand Army Plaza. Nothing is as it seems in this story of unconventional couples, which subverts issues of identity, gender and power dynamics to show in the end that all we need are love and compassion.

4. Fishing Clinics (Saturdays and Sundays in July and August) Geared for families with children 15 years and under, this popular summer tradition is the perfect chance to cast a line into Brooklyn’s only lake. Learn about the 17 species of fish that call Prospect Park home in these catch-and-release fishing classes, including the long-running Macy’s Fishing Clinic and a second that is part of the expanded Pop-Up Audubon program. Poles are limited, so be sure to arrive early. 

5. Creatures of the Night (July 9, August 13 and 27) Join the Alliance to explore Prospect Park after dark with expert naturalist Paul Keim. Adults 21 and over can share wine and cheese with Paul as he speaks about the ecological role that bats and nocturnal insects play in our environment, followed by a walking tour to spot and identify the Park’s various species of resident bats in flight. There is also a family-friendly version of the tour on July 16.

6. Lola Star’s Dreamland Disco (Fridays) Lace up those skates and hustle your way to the LeFrak Center at Lakeside for this roller-dance party with a different retro theme each week. Celebrating the best of the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s, Lola Star and her fabulous array of guests and performers will get you moving every Friday night this summer.

7. Boating and Biking at Lakeside Celebrate the return of boating to the Lake with a spin on a pedal boat, or cruise around the Park in one of the new bike rentals, including surreys, coupes, choppers and quad sport bikes.

8. Water Play Perhaps you’ve been to the new Splash Pad Water Play Area at the LeFrak Center, named Best of New York by New York Magazine, but did you know there are five playgrounds with water features? Take your kids to each location to cool off this summer.

9. Ezra Jack Keats Story Hour (Saturdays in July and August) Gather around Peter and Willy, the statue of two beloved Keats characters, for adventures brought to life by master storyteller Tammy Hall at the Imagination Playground.

10. Celebrate Brooklyn! Everyone knows and loves this free performing arts concert series, but have you enjoyed the full range of activities they offer? Do not miss out on the annual silent film screening with a live score by the Alloy Orchestra. This year’s film is Son of the Sheik on July 17, Rudolf “Latin Lover” Valentino’s final performance on the silver screen. And on July 30, the world premiere of Harmonium Mountain, a massive, site-specific performance piece by artist Clifford Ross and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s.

 

Brooklyn Industries and Prospect Park Alliance Debut Prospect Park Graphic Tee

June 10, 2015

Brooklyn Industries has debuted a Prospect Park Graphic Tee, now available at Brooklyn Industries stores and on the Brooklyn Industries website. The third collaboration between Brooklyn Industries and the Prospect Park Alliance, ten percent of sales from every Prospect Park Graphic Tee will support the Prospect Park Alliance, a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the City to preserve and maintain Brooklyn’s flagship park.
 
The shirt features a vintage Prospect Park map printed on a super soft eco tri-blend crew made with organic cotton, recycled polyester, and naturally occurring rayon. It is available in both men’s and women’s sizes. The women’s shirt is available at all New York Brooklyn Industries locations, while the men’s shirt is for sale at all locations except the Upper West Side store. Both are also available online:

View Men’s Tee
View Women’s Tee

Brooklyn Industries is a cutting edge design company founded by visionary artists Lexy Funk and Vahap Avsar in 1998. Brooklyn Industries’ stores engage the local community in art, clothing, design and style.
The Brooklyn Industries office and design studio are located in Dumbo, Brooklyn. Brooklyn Industries continues to grow every year as an innovative and creative vertical retailer, staying true to its Brooklyn roots. For more information, visit www.brooklynindustries.com.

1,000 For The Park Surpasses Goal

June 3, 2015

Today, the Prospect Park Alliance announced that its seven-day crowd-funding challenge, 1,000 For The Park, surpassed its goal—achieving 1,164 donations to unlock a $50,000 challenge gift from longtime supporters Lorraine and Gordon DiPaolo. Funds raised will go toward the Alliance’s work to preserve and maintain Prospect Park.

“This campaign was really about bringing together the community in support of the Park,” said Sue Donoghue, Alliance President and Park Administrator. “Our message is that millions of people love the Park in thousands of ways, and it is through their support—no matter how small or large—that we are able to care for it. We were delighted to see how people rallied around the campaign, and encourage everyone who loves the Park to get involved, whether by volunteering, donating or becoming a member of the Alliance.”

1,000 For The Park took place from May 27 through June 2, and sought 1,000 donations of any size to earn a $50,000 challenge grant from the DiPaolos. The campaign is a follow up to a similar campaign called 500 for the Park, held in 2014, which brought in more than 500 donations and earned a $25,000 gift from the DiPaolos.

“Gordon and I are thrilled about the outpouring of support from the community,” said Lorraine DiPaolo. “We gave this challenge to help bring to light the important work of the Alliance in keeping the Park green and beautiful, and are delighted to know that the money raised will go back to the Park that gives so much enjoyment to all.” 

c. Elizabeth Keegin Colley

Alliance Launches 1,000 For The Park

May 27, 2015

Today, the Prospect Park Alliance launched 1,000 For The Park, a crowd-funding challenge campaign to earn 1,000 donations for Prospect Park from May 27 to June 2. If the campaign hits its goal, the Alliance will receive a $50,000 contribution from longtime park supporters Lorraine and Gordon DiPaolo. Donations of any size through 1,000 For the Park will support the Alliance’s work to preserve and maintain Prospect Park for the enjoyment of millions of visitors each year.

“Millions of people love Prospect Park in thousands of different ways. As the park’s popularity grows, the resources needed to care for the Park also grow,” said Susan Donoghue, Park Administrator and President of the Prospect Park Alliance. “With our busiest season approaching, we hope the community will help us reach our goal and spread the word. Every donation, no matter the size, will help make this treasured urban oasis even more inviting for picnics, ball games, water play and the thousands of other ways the community enjoys the park in the summer.”

Last year the Alliance held a similar campaign, called 500 For The Park, which raised $60,000, including a $25,000 challenge grant from the DiPaolos. Due to its success (the goal was reached in the first three days of the campaign), this year the challenge was doubled. Funds from 1,000 For The Park will go toward the important work of the Alliance, a non-profit organization that works in partnership with the City to care for the natural environment, restore historic design and provide public programs and Park amenities. The Alliance funds a significant portion of the Park’s operating budget, and employs three-quarters of the Park’s staff.

“Prospect Park is all of Brooklyn’s backyard, and that is why it is so important to support the work of the Alliance,” said Lorraine DiPaolo. “1,000 For The Park is a wonderful way for the community to give back to the Park we love so much, and to recognize the public-private partnership that is essential for keeping the Park green and beautiful.”

There are a number of ways people can participate from May 27 through June 2:

  • Donate at prospectpark.org/1000
  • Email friends and family about the campaign
  • Share on Facebook and tag Prospect Park
  • Share on Twitter with #1000ForThePark @prospect_park
  • Share pics of your favorite ways to enjoy the Park on Instagram with #1000ForThePark @prospect_park
c. Paul Martinka

Allies of the Arch

May 13, 2015

Located at the northernmost end of the Long Meadow, Endale Arch was one of the first architectural features to be completed in Prospect Park nearly 150 years ago. After decades of decay, the Alliance recently received a grant from the Tiger Baron Foundation, as well as funding from Council Member Brad Lander through the participatory budgeting process, to restore this beautiful piece of history. The project brings together the full range of the Alliance’s in-house expertise to bring this vision to life, and is a true collaboration between its Landscape Management and Design and Construction teams, as well as its Volunteer program.

A key part of the Alliance’s mission is to beautify the landscape and restore the original vision of the Park’s designers, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. The Design and Construction team includes landscape architects and other professionals who oversee improvements to the Park’s historic architecture, infrastructure and landscape design. The Landscape Management team is responsible for caring for the Park’s natural environment, including horticulturalists, arborists and a natural resources crew that monitors the health of the woodlands and surrounding areas. 

The restoration of Endale Arch, which is being completed in five phases, includes in its first phase removing decades of overgrowth, stabilizing boulder walls and planting new trees and shrubs. Landscape architects, horticulturalists, natural resources crew members, arborists and volunteers worked hand in hand for several months to clear the site of deeply rooted invasive plants. Once the area was cleared, the team worked to stabilize the slopes on either side of the arch and to repair the boulder walls. The new landscape design will feature both wooded and flowering plants, which will be planted in the coming weeks.

“The experience has been rewarding for all of those involved,” said John Jordan, the director of Landscape Management at the Alliance. “The diversity of expertise required for the project brought our teams together like never before. It was an important training opportunity for new staff, as well as a great way to meet colleagues. The horticulture team worked closely with the landscape architects. The work of the natural resources crew, which is typically behind the scenes, was placed prominently in the public eye, and the project could not have been completed without the technical support of the arborists.”

Check out Endale Arch in the coming weeks as the crews and volunteers take part in planting the new landscape.

BRIC Announces Celebrate Brooklyn! 2015 Season

April 29, 2015

Celebrate Brooklyn!, the borough’s signature performing arts festival presented by BRIC in partnership with the Prospect Park Alliance, will kick off its 37th season at the Prospect Park Bandshell on June 3. Taking place through August 12, the festival will present a wide array of free, world-class performances that represent the diversity of Brooklyn’s communities.

“Providing high quality, free public programs to the diverse communities surrounding Prospect Park is an important part of our mission,” said Sue Donoghue, Prospect Park Administrator and President of the Prospect Park Alliance. “We are delighted to partner with BRIC to present Celebrate Brooklyn!, which has enjoyed nearly four decades of tremendous success.”

Beginning with an opening concert by the Queen of Funk, Chaka Khan, Celebrate Brooklyn! will feature 24 free performances that represent a mix of music, film, dance and multimedia works. A highlight of the season is the July 30 world premiere of Harmonium Mountain, a site-specific, multi-screen installation by the artist Clifford Ross. A live score from the Orchestra of St. Luke’s will accompany the piece, featuring works by Wojciech Kilar, Bryce Dessner, Vivaldi and John Adams, including selections from “The Four Seasons” and excerpts from “Shaker Loops.”

The lineup consists of artists from Brooklyn and around the world—across the U.S., the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and Europe, including:

Terrence Simien & The Zydeco Experience will headline this year’s Ezra Jack Keats Family Concert on June 6, performing Creole For Kidz!, a special rendition of their famous dance party. There will be performances by DanceBrazil with a special opening set by Forro In The Dark (June 20); as well as a program featuring LeeSaar The Company with a special duet choreographed by their mentor Ohad Naharin and performed by dancers from Batsheva Dance Company (August 6). Music & Movies series events include a special Pride Week screening of Paris Is Burning, with an opening set by JD Samson (June 26); and the 1926 classic The Son of the Sheik, with a live score by Alloy Orchestra and an opening performance by Ghost Train Orchestra (July 17).

This summer’s benefit concerts provide support for the free performances and include Damien Rice (June 17), Interpol (July 21), Modest Mouse (July 22), Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (August 4) and a season-closing show by Willie Nelson & Family with openers Old Crow Medicine Show (August 12).

c. Virginia Freire

Audubon Takes Flight

April 14, 2015

From Nature Play to Bird Nerds Game Hour, this spring the Prospect Park Alliance is offering a slate of new and expanded free nature programs. Starting Saturday, April 18, the Alliance will open the Audubon Center at the historic Boathouse for weekend activities, add a second tent to its popular Pop-Up Audubon program, and launch Discovery Packs, ready-to-go kits filled with activities for families.

“The Alliance offers more than 800 programs serving 75,000 visitors each year throughout the Park, including the Audubon Center,” said Alliance President Sue Donoghue. “Providing families from neighborhoods across Brooklyn – and all over the city – with fun, creative ways to explore and learn about the Park’s natural areas and wildlife is an important part of our mission.”

The Prospect Park Audubon Center was established in 2002 through an innovative partnership between the Prospect Park Alliance and Audubon New York as the first Audubon Center in an urban park. Families are able to directly engage with nature through fun, play-based activities such as bird watching, catch-and-release fishing and citizen science projects. The expanded programming reflects both the popularity of Audubon activities with visitors, as well as the Alliance’s focus on increasing access to Park amenities for surrounding communities. 

Every Saturday and Sunday, the Alliance will offer family-friendly nature programming from 10 am until 1 pm at the Boathouse, such as Nature Play, an innovative game-centered approach to connecting kids with the great outdoors, and Blooming Naturalists, which introduces families to the Park’s vast variety of birds. The Alliance’s popular Pop-Up Audubon program, which launched in 2013 and occurs at locations around the Park, will double the fun with a second tent that explores the Park’s aquatic habitats.

In addition, Discovery Packs will be available at the Audubon Center and new Pop-Up Audubon tent that families can borrow to explore the Park. Similar to Pop-Up Audubon, the Discovery Packs will feature a new theme each month. In April, participants will play Habitat Bingo, searching for specific birds then designing nests. 

Check out the full schedule of programs.

PPA Profiles: Janis Napoli

Janis Napoli, Prospect Park Alliance’s Horticultural Supervisor, is the Park’s flower guru. She oversees a team of four gardeners that care for its flowering plants. At first glance, Prospect Park seems to be dominated by trees and shrubs, but there are dozens of flowering plants throughout the landscape, including Park entrances and arches, and a few formal gardens, including Carmen’s Garden at the Litchfield Villa and the berms at Grand Army Plaza.

Janis has had a green thumb her whole life. She propagated plants as a teenager before earning a degree in Horticulture and a prestigious internship with the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Upon completion of her internship, Janis was offered the rare opportunity to become an Assistant Gardener, where she learned a great deal of the skills that Prospect Park benefits from today.

Janis joined the Alliance as Horticulture Supervisor last year, and handles her monumental task with aplomb. With a very small crew, she is responsible for the health and beauty of the all of the Park’s flowering plants, which are spread over 585 acres. As spring approaches, the horticulture crew tends to hundreds of acres of landscapes, with flowering trees to prune, paths to clear and bulbs to plant.

Even before this work begins, every plot must be carefully inspected and assessed. Janis and her team have a lot to consider when creating public floral spaces, such as access to sunlight, flowering behavior and the environment. She even examines aerial photos to learn how landscapes receive sunlight and shade throughout the year, and observes how visitors interact with the space. 

“Areas that are open to the public or are in highly trafficked throughways generally host hardier plants,” Janis explained, “while those that are protected by fencing or thick underbrush allow for more delicate blooms.” 

One of Janis’ favorite destinations in the Park is Carmen’s Garden, and one of her favorite flowering plants is Edgeworthia, or paper bush, which glistens in the sunlight all winter and blooms gorgeous creamy yellow buds in the spring. You can see these blossoms later this spring near the 9th Street entrance of the Park. Check out our spring bloom guide for other great spots to see the horticulture team’s work in action.

Park Path Improvements

Council Member Brad Lander’s Participatory Budgeting process gives you the power to decide how $1.5 million will be spent on projects in your community.

In the past, this process helped fund pathway drainage improvements at the Long Meadow and Park Circle, as well as a few currently in design and construction at Endale Arch, the Lake and Litchfied Villa. This year, you can improve the pathway along the East Drive at Battle Pass, which spans from the Prospect Park Zoo to Zucker Natural Exploration Area. All you have to do is vote.

Tonight from 6:30–8:30 pm, attend the Project Expo, where delegates will present their projects at Camp Friendship, located on 8th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue. Voting will go through Sunday, April 19. Check out the full list of voting locations.  

You may also cast your ballot at Council Member Lander’s Park Slope office today through Thursday. To broaden Brooklyn’s voice, this year the voting age will be lowered to 14. You can even pledge to vote online.