Author: Ellie Watts

Grand Army Plaza Arch is Restored

June 5, 2025

On June 5, NYC Parks and Prospect Park Alliance held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the restoration of the iconic Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch at Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn’s most significant monumental public artwork. Through $8.9 million in Mayoral funding, the Alliance restored the Arch and the surrounding plaza and landscaped berms.

It is the first significant restoration of this Brooklyn icon in nearly 50 years, and included replacing the roof and reinforcing the historic structure, as well as repointing its beautiful granite stonework to remove years of build-up, staining and spalling; repairing interior elements, including decorative bronze and cast-iron spiral staircases and entrance gates; and designing new, energy-efficient lighting to better showcase the historic elements of the arch and its statuary. In addition, during the Arch’s restoration, the NYC Parks Citywide Monuments Conservation Program cleaned and restored the Arch’s monumental statuary. The project recently received a Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award from the Landmarks Conservancy, its highest honor for excellence in preservation.

NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers will be holding special tours of the Arch on Saturday, June 28. Register for the lottery: prospectpark.org/arch-tour.

“The Grand Army Plaza Arch stands not only as a gateway to Prospect Park, but as a powerful symbol of Brooklyn’s history, resilience, and pride,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Our administration is dedicated to revitalizing public spaces like the Grand Army Plaza Arch and ensuring that New Yorkers continue to have access to green space throughout the city. This restoration demonstrates our city’s commitment to preserving the landmarks that shape our identity and inspire future generations. Today, we honor the past while building a better, more beautiful future for all New Yorkers.”

“For decades, the Grand Army Plaza Arch has welcomed visitors to Brooklyn’s Backyard while paying tribute to the New Yorkers who gave their lives in the Civil War. Now, thanks to our partnership with the Prospect Park Alliance, this Brooklyn icon has gotten a major facelift, restoring the beautiful statuary and artwork to its original glory,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. “By caring for the monuments, statues, and artworks that enhance our public spaces, we’re not just preserving our history – we are communicating to New Yorkers that they deserve the best from their public realm. Parks is proud to maintain over 800 monuments citywide, and we look forward to further partnerships with both the public and private sectors to continue our work as stewards for the city’s outdoor museum.”

“The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch at Grand Army Plaza is a Brooklyn icon and now once again a shining jewel of the borough. We are so grateful to the Mayor’s Office for providing the funding so that the Alliance could restore the Arch to its original glory, and ensure that it serves as an essential civic space for our community for generations to come,” said Morgan Monaco, Prospect Park Alliance President and Park Administrator. “While triumphal arches typically recognize great military victories and generals, this arch is dedicated to the rank and file, honoring the young men of Brooklyn who lost their lives defending the union in the Civil War. This makes the arch a true monument of the people, welcoming all into Prospect Park and signifying that this is a place where all in our community are celebrated and seen.”

“The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch has long stood as one of Brooklyn’s most powerful, historical, and iconic symbols,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “This restoration not only brings new life to one of our borough’s most treasured monuments but also revitalizes the heart of Grand Army Plaza for generations of Brooklynites to come. Thanks to Prospect Park Alliance and NYC Parks for their hard work maintaining this historic landmark.”

“I’m thrilled that the restoration of the Grand Army Plaza Arch is now complete, and deeply grateful to the Prospect Park Alliance and the Parks Department for delivering this project on time for the surrounding community and the entire borough of Brooklyn,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “This arch is more than a landmark. It’s a gateway to Brooklyn’s Backyard and a powerful tribute to a turning point in American history, reflecting the values we continue to cherish today. I’m especially proud that this restoration was recognized with the Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award, the highest honor for preservation efforts from the New York Landmarks Conservancy. Brooklyn deserves nothing less.”

“The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch is an iconic portal to one of the city’s most beautiful parks — one that deserves to stand in its full glory. For many, this historic arch represents the heart and soul of Brooklyn past, present, and future,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson. “Thanks to the Prospect Park Alliance and NYC Parks, New Yorkers will visit the park and admire this landmark for generations to come.”

“The Arch is more than just the gateway to Grand Army Plaza and Prospect Park—it’s an iconic symbol of Brooklyn’s greatness and of what we can accomplish when we work together,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “Public works like the Arch are a part of our history and our collective heritage, and New Yorkers deserve beautiful, well-maintained public spaces that both honor that history and meet our needs today. This restoration does exactly that, and ensures the Arch will stand proudly as we walk together into the future. Thanks to the Parks Department, the Prospect Park Alliance for this crucial, powerful work.”

“It’s wonderful to see this restoration of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch at Grand Army Plaza. Thanks to the Prospect Park Alliance, NYC Parks, and all who collaborated for their work on this project,” said Assemblymember Robert Carroll. “The Arch is an iconic historic monument and maintaining and enhancing our public spaces is essential to what makes Brooklyn and New York City great.”

“The restoration of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch is a powerful tribute to Brooklyn’s enduring commitment to history, beauty, and public space. This investment ensures that one of our borough’s most iconic and cherished landmarks, a true staple of Brooklyn life, will continue to inspire generations to come. As a proud Brooklynite, I’m grateful to see this monument restored with such care and vision. I commend the Prospect Park Alliance, NYC Parks, and all partners involved for their dedication to preserving the legacy of Grand Army Plaza,” said Assemblymember Brian Cunningham.

“The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch is one of the most powerful symbols of Brooklyn’s commitment to freedom and racial equality,” said Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest. “I’m thankful to the NYC Parks Department and Prospect Park Alliance for their dedication in overseeing the restoration of this incredible monument and maintaining Grand Army Plaza as a vital community hub.”

Background on the Arch and Grand Army Plaza Restoration

Famed Prospect Park architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux designed Grand Army Plaza as the grand entrance to Prospect Park at the time of the park’s creation in 1867. In 1892, the plaza became the site of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch, dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives defending the Union during the Civil War. 

The arch was designed by American architect John H. Duncan, who also designed Grant’s Tomb. At the time it was considered Brooklyn’s Arc de Triomphe, one of the most famous monuments in Paris. The arch is adorned with three bronze statuary ensembles by the Brooklyn-born Beaux Arts sculptor Frederick William MacMonnies, who was also a highly accomplished painter and portraitist. The arch also includes statuary by artists Philip Martiny and William Rudolf O’Donovan, as well as equestrian bas-reliefs by famed American artist Thomas Eakins. It is one of New York City’s three major triumphal arches.

The arch was landmarked in 1975, when the structure was in such severe disrepair that the statue on top of the arch, the quadriga of Columbia, literally fell from her chariot. In 1976, the City undertook a comprehensive restoration. The fall of the quadriga became the symbol of the greater need for support for Prospect Park, which led to the founding of the group that would become Prospect Park Alliance. 

To restore the Arch, the Alliance’s in-house team of award-winning architects conducted significant research to uncover the historic design. Original blueprints were lost to time, requiring the Alliance to create a detailed scan of the inner structure using radar and magnetic investigation. Through these scans, and physical surveys and drawings from previous restorations, the Alliance embarked on a comprehensive restoration. This included reinforcing the historic structure with new steel beams and creating a new internal drainage system. After laboratory testing, the team determined the composition of the stonework mortar, Rosendale cement from the namesake town in upstate New York, and utilized this in the restoration. In addition, cracked and broken stonework was replaced to match the existing stone from a quarry near the original source in Maine. On the interior, bronze and cast-iron spiral staircases and entrance gates were carefully disassembled for restoration: original elements were meticulously cleaned, missing elements recreated, and then the renewed piece was reassembled on site. 

The Alliance also restored the landscaped berms that frame the plaza on its east, west and north sides. This work included removing invasive plants, trees and shrubs; and planting 194 native trees, as well as new plants and shrubs that provide interest and color throughout the seasons. The Alliance also replaced a chain link fence with low, decorative steel fencing. At the plaza, the Alliance restored the broken bluestone and granite paving around Bailey Fountain and the John F. Kennedy Memorial and added a new ADA-accessible curb cut at the north entrance to the plaza.

Learn more about Capital Projects + improvements underway in Prospect Park.

Scenic Lullwater Viewing Platform Restored

June 4, 2025

Prospect Park Alliance recently finished the restoration of one of the most scenic lookouts in Brooklyn’s Backyard, known as the Lullwater viewing platform. From this vantage point, park goers can view the picturesque Lullwater and Boathouse, as well as the breathtaking Binnen Falls. It is an ideal place to spot some of the many birds, turtles and other wildlife that call Prospect Park home.

“The Lullwater viewing platform was originally built in 2002 and is situated at the base of the Binnen Falls,” said Christian Zimmerman, Vice President of Capital and Landscape Management. Although not an original design by Prospect Park creators Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the platform was built in the same rustic style that the two famed landscape architects utilized throughout the park. Before the iconic Boathouse we see today was completed in 1905, the location of the viewing platform was the end point of a boat landing and a shelter for ice skaters to warm up when ice skating was permitted on the Lake. “The boat landing and shelter was one of the best spots to view Binnen Falls and look out over the Lullwater, which was what inspired the creation of the new viewing platform in 2002,” said Zimmerman.

The Lullwater viewing platform is one of three rustic structures that was built in Prospect Park in the early 2000s. All are tucked away in the woodlands along the watercourse or Lake, providing Brooklynites a scenic escape in nature. The second can be found above the Binnen Falls in the area called the Lily Pond and the third can be found behind a cove when walking South from the Boathouse or southeast from the Nethermeade towards the Lullwater.

Archival images of the boatlanding and ice warming house on the Lullwater. c. Prospect Park Archives/Bob Levine Collection, Prospect Park Archives

Rustic structures generally have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years depending on how much wear and tear they experience. Having hit the 23-year mark, the platform was due for restoration to bring back this beloved lookout to its original glory. “We built the platform from Atlantic Eastern cedar and standard pine decking. The joints are connected by smaller pieces of wood that lock into each other instead of nails or other hardware to keep the natural, rustic appearance,” explained Zimmerman.

Zimmerman, pictured above (right), and the Alliance’s Design and Construction team designed the platform (left) to provide Brooklynites one of the most scenic viewpoints in Brooklyn’s Backyard. c. Prospect Park Alliance

This restoration was made possible thanks to Prospect Park Alliance’s ReNew Prospect Park initiative, which deploys private funds to serve our Brooklyn community in light of reduced city resources and increased use of the park. Through this initiative, the Alliance is able to complete a range of essential maintenance projects across the park to improve the daily visitor experience in the park.

Learn more about Prospect Park Alliance’s recent Re:New Prospect Park improvements.

Caribpolitan, Andrea Pippins for I AM CARIBBEING

Caribbean American Heritage Month in Prospect Park

May 23, 2025

This June, Celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month in Prospect Park! Join Prospect Park Alliance with JouvayFest Collective, BUSH WO/MAN Conversations Project, 2J + Friends, Maple Street Afterschool, Brooklyn Book Bodega, I AM CaribBEING and more to kick off a month of celebration in Brooklyn’s Backyard. Enjoy Caribbean music, food, dance, history, film and much more during this cultural celebration for Brooklynites of all ages.

Celebrating the film “The Big Drum, From Carriacou to Bklyn”
Sunday, June 8, 2–6 pm
Lefferts Historic House, Free, RSVP!
In celebration of Caribbean American Heritage Month, join JouvayFest Collective, BUSH WO/MAN Conversations Project, 2J & Friends and Prospect Park Alliance as we spotlight the Big Drum Festival from Carriacou—a vibrant expression of African heritage in the Caribbean. Explore the historical connections and cultural legacies of music, dance and tradition preserved through generations.

Boxitects in the Park
Sunday, June 22, 2–5 pm
Prospect Park Boathouse, Free, RSVP!
Join Prospect Park Alliance and Maple Street Afterschool for an uplifting community event to celebrate Caribbean heritage, community, literacy and play! Enjoy a story session reading Boxitects, the story of Meg, a brilliant and creative boxitect who creates extraordinary things out of ordinary cardboard boxes. Plus, celebrate Caribbean Heritage month! Enjoy Caribbean makers stations, art projects, movement workshops, vibrant storytelling and more. Free books will also be provided by the Brooklyn Book Bodega.

One Love Fest
Sunday, June 29, 11–7 pm
Prospect Park Boathouse, Free, RSVP!
One Love Fest is back for year 4, and I AM CaribBEING and Prospect Park Alliance are bringing the best of Caribbean culture to the Boathouse in Prospect Park. Get ready for live music that’ll keep you moving, dance workshops and performances that are full of flavor. You’ll find Caribbean vendors, makers, and some of the best island food in Brooklyn! It’s fun for all, so come along and let’s vibe together! Come through & celebrate Caribbean vibes like never before.

Movie Nights in Prospect Park Return for 2025

May 15, 2025

Spend your summer nights in Prospect Park with Paramount+ Movie Nights in Brooklyn, the free, outdoor movie series presented by Paramount+, BK Mag, and BSE Global in partnership with Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Prospect Park Alliance.

“There’s no better way to spend a summer night than a movie in the park,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “I’m so thrilled Paramount+ Movie Nights in Brooklyn are returning for yet another year with an exciting lineup of movies at some of Brooklyn’s most iconic public spaces. A major thank you to BK Mag, BSE Global and Paramount+, as well as Prospect Park Alliance, Fort Greene Park Conservancy, McCarren Park, and Alliance for Coney Island for ensuring this summer staple only gets sweeter with time.”

“We are grateful to Borough President Reynoso for continuing this long-cherished tradition of bringing our community together for free movie nights under the stars in Brooklyn’s backyard, and to Paramount+, BSE Global and BK Mag for their support of this truly beloved summer series,” said Morgan Monaco, President of Prospect Park Alliance, the non-profit organization that sustains, restores and advances Prospect Park.

Prospect Park Movie Lineup:

Mean Girls
Wednesday, July 30
Cady Heron is a hit with The Plastics, the A-list girl clique at her new school, until she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George.
RSVP

The Smurfs
Wednesday, August 6
When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magical world into New York City.
RSVP

Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Wednesday, August 13
Taking refuge on Earth, when Sonic uses his incredible speed and accidentally knocks out the power in part of the United States, he catches the attention of Dr. Robotnik and must stop him from using his unique power for world domination.
RSVP

Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade
Wednesday, August 20
In 1938, after his father goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones finds himself up against the Nazis again to stop them from obtaining its powers.
RSVP

Miss Congeniality
Wednesday, August 27
Gracie Hart, a tomboyish detective, is forced to infiltrate the Miss United States beauty pageant as a contestant after her department learns that the event is under threat from an anonymous bomber.
RSVP

This event series is free and open to the public, and RSVPs are not required for entry.

The films will begin shortly after sundown at the north end of the Prospect Park Long Meadow, located nearest to the Grand Army Plaza entrance and Third Street  Entrance.

Please note that the movie may be cancelled in the case of inclement weather.

c. BRIC

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Announces 2025 Lineup

May 8, 2025

Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to get ready for a season of music, dance and more at the Lena Horne Bandshell! The 2025 BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival, kicks off on Saturday, June 7 for a season of free shows, benefit concerts, dance performances, film screenings, and more. The festival, presented in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance and NYC Parks, is back for its 47th annual season of bringing communities together for summer fun in Brooklyn’s Backyard.

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is known for its distinct curatorial mix that elevates emerging artists, popular indie talent and showcases legacy artists from all genres and subgenres. This season, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is paying homage to the the borough’s rich tapestry with the theme “Where Brooklyn Meets… The World.” The theme is a tribute to of global sounds and stories that define Brooklyn’s cultural landscape with a season that showcases the festival’s ongoing commitment to musical discovery and cultural exchange.

“BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park is a beloved flagship event, and a clear sign of summer for our community,” said Morgan Monaco, President of Prospect Park Alliance. “Music and performing arts are a powerful uniting force, and do so much to help keep us thriving in good times and in bad. I’m grateful that Prospect Park is a source of inspiration for artists of all kinds and a haven for our community to come together to enjoy music and performances. The festival has brought a wide range of free music, performances and family programming to Brooklyn’s Backyard and we look forward to an exciting season ahead with the many diverse communities that call Brooklyn home.”

Executive Director of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, Saidah Blount, stated, “The magic of the performing arts lies in their power to move, unite, and inspire. This season, the Lena Horne Bandshell transforms into a global gathering place – where rhythms, stories, and cultures from around the world meet to form Brooklyn’s creative heartbeat. We’re proud to celebrate the diversity and depth of our borough through artists who reflect the many ways music and performance connect us all.”

“Every summer for the last forty-seven years, BRIC has been proud to showcase the best talent from around the world at the Lena Horne Bandshell in our beloved Prospect Park in partnership with our friends at the Prospect Park Alliance,” said Wes Jackson, BRIC President. “In these days and times we are proud to provide a space where communities can come together and enjoy a few moments of respite. For three generations we have remained committed to providing free and low cost programming to all of Brooklyn and New York City. Let’s do it again! See you at the Bandshell.”

“Every year, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! fills Prospect Park with music, energy, and community, demonstrating the power of our public spaces to bring people together,” said Sue Donoghue, NYC Parks Commissioner. “I’m grateful to our partners at BRIC and Prospect Park Alliance for organizing this iconic summertime event, enhancing Brooklyn’s Backyard with free performances by artists from around the world.”

Tickets are available for many of this season’s benefit shows, and the majority of the festival’s performances are free to the public. For more information, check out our BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! page, and for the full line-up, scroll down!

Saturday, June 7, BAYO in Brooklyn: A Conversation with Michaël Brun at BRIC House

Monday, June 9, Opening Benefit Concert: Blue Note Jazz Festival & Live Nation Present Grace Jones & Janelle Monáe

Friday, June 13, Opening Free Concert: Mélissa Laveaux | Nathalie ‘TALIE’ Cerin | Riva Nyri Précil

Saturday, June 14, Family Day: Pippi Longstocking’s 80th Birthday Celebration with the Klezmatics!

Thursday, June 19, BRIC Celebration Brooklyn’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth in the Park

Friday, June 20, Habibi Festival at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!

Thursday, June 26, Buscabulla | Chuwi | Paso Negro

Friday, June 27, A Tribute to Quincy Jones: The Greatest Night in Pop

Saturday, July 12, Benefit Concert: Still Woozy – Loveseat Tour

Thursday, July 17, Benefit Concert: Dinosaur Jr. + Snail Mail with Easy Action

Friday, July 18, Benefit Concert: Men I Trust | strongboi

Saturday, July 19, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! at Brower Park

Saturday, July 26, A Tribute to Quincy Jones: The Wiz

Friday, August 1, Mireya Ramos and the Poor Choices | Talibah Safiya | Morley

Saturday, August 2, Gogol Bordello | Puzzled Panther | Pons

Thursday, August 7, Emily Johnson / Catalyst

Friday, August 8, Adrian Quesada | Trish Toledo

Saturday, August 9, LYRICIST LOUNGE Anniversary Show

Friday, August 15, William Parker | NIKARA presents Black Wall Street

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Logo

Pinkster Day Celebration in Prosepct Park

Pinkster Celebration in Prospect Park

April 9, 2025

Prospect Park Alliance is excited to open the 2025 season on Sunday, May 4 at the Lefferts Historic House with a vibrant celebration of Pinkster, featuring master drummer Chief Baba Neil Clarke, the Pinkster Players and friends. This dynamic event honors African cultural heritage in New York through music, storytelling, performances and more.

RSVP for the May 4 Pinkster Celebration!

Pinkster, the Dutch word for Pentecost, was historically the sole occasion each year when enslaved Africans in New York could legally gather with their families, engage in music and dance and trade goods. In doing so, enslaved Africans preserved their cultures, established new rituals and transmitted cultural wisdom to Africans stripped from their homelands and families, helping give communities the strength to endure the brutality of slavery. Over time, Pinkster transformed into one of the oldest African cultural festivals in what became the United States. In 1811, however, New York began outlawing this important centuries-old holiday, forcing African New Yorkers to preserve its traditions in private. Revivals of Pinkster have been growing in popularity since the 1970s and Chief Baba Neil Clarke has been a continuous spark, lighting the way for future generations in his work to preserve and continue the tradition.

Born and raised in Bedford Stuyvesant, Chief Baba Neil Clarke is a master drummer, performer and culture ambassador who received the Yoruba chieftaincy title, Alufopejo Awo of Osogbo in 2016, in recognition of his cultural preservation efforts. He has toured the world performing with artists such as Randy Weston, Harry Belafonte, Dianne Reeves and Miriam Makeba. Clarke is also a scholar who researches and teaches the history of percussion, and especially the role of the African drum in the Americas. His leadership in Pinkster celebrations spans decades and includes collaborations with institutions like Philipsburg Manor, Weeksville Heritage Center, and many others across the state—several of which still have Pinkster celebrations every year. “I got involved in Pinkster on invitation more than 20 years ago. It was just a drumming gig for me at the time, but it went well, and I kept doing it. Year after year, I learned more about the history of Pinkster through conversations, personal research and being immersed in the tradition,” shares Chief Baba Neil Clarke.

For Clarke, drumming is more than just music—it is a form of service and deep listening. “To be a drummer is to be of service. You must be able to listen,” he explains. “Being an African drummer is different from being in a drum circle. You are playing a specific rhythm for a ceremony or dance as a trained African drummer as opposed to jamming. That dynamic of listening to other ideas and what is being specifically expressed is very important.” He draws a parallel to New York’s built history: “I live in Bed-Stuy where people walk and gawk at the brownstones and their beauty. But how many are paying attention to the foundations? We take foundations for granted. Pinkster is a historical foundation of previously enslaved people and a historical foundation of the United States.”

Lefferts Historic House hosted its first Pinkster celebration in 1990 and now is in its third consecutive year reviving the Pinkster tradition as part of the Alliance’s ReImagine Lefferts initiative, which seeks to re-envision the mission and programming of the Lefferts Historic House museum to focus on exploring the lives, resistance and resilience of the Lenapehoking and the Africans enslaved by the Lefferts. The Pinkster celebration at Lefferts Historic House holds deep personal significance for Clarke. “It’s an honor and a privilege for Prospect Park Alliance to consider its importance and embrace Pinkster at Lefferts Historic House,” he says, “It is also a bit humbling. This is something very close to my heart and what I grew up doing. As a teenager we were frequently chased when we gathered to drum. To have an institution acknowledge and celebrate this history means a lot.”

Chief Baba Neil Clarke envisions a future where Pinkster is recognized as a state holiday akin to the Juneteenth national holiday, highlighting its profound significance in both New York and United States history. He emphasizes the importance of active participation, encouraging individuals to engage with the celebration firsthand to fully grasp its essence and contribute to its evolution. He is interested in imagining what Pinkster would look like if it had continued into the 20th century, envisioning African dancers, spoken word, jazz and gospel. “By maintaining the core of the heart and soul of Pinkster, we can then artistically imagine what it would look like if it were to have continued,” shares Clarke. This year, the Alliance continues to host part of the Pinkster tradition, inviting the community to partake in the festivities and deepen their understanding of the historical and cultural importance of Pinkster.

RSVP for the May 4 Pinkster Celebration. Plus, the celebration continues with Pinkster events throughout Brooklyn:

Saturday, May 17 at Wyckoff House Museum
Sunday, June 1 at Weeksville Heritage Center

Generous funding for the Pinkster Celebration as part of the ReImagine Lefferts Initiative is provided by the Mellon Foundation.

Celebrate Earth Day in Prospect Park

April 8, 2025

Earth Day is nearly here! Get involved and help Prospect Park Alliance care for Brooklyn’s Backyard—home to Brooklyn’s last remaining forest, only lake and countless species of plants and wildlife. Celebrate your planet this upcoming Earth Day through lending a hand volunteering, joining a birding tour for the BIPOC community, enjoying family friendly nature programs and more.

Outdoor Afro Community Birding Tour: Fallkill Trail
Sunday, April 20, 9:30–11:30 am
Litchfield Villa, Free, RSVP!
Celebrate Earth Day with Prospect Park Alliance and Outdoor Afro, an organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature, for a community birding tour for the BIPOC community as we explore the newly debuted Fallkill Trail. Observe various bird species and connect with your local community in a shared appreciation for nature and wildlife.

Earth Day in Prospect Park
Sunday, April 20, 10 am–1 pm
Prospect Park Audubon Center, Free, RSVP!
Join Prospect Park Alliance, Audubon NY, Flatbush Gardener and Prospect Park Zoo this Earth Day for a day of celebrating our planet’s natural beauty and raising awareness about bird species that call it home. Learn about park stewardship and the ways we can all be Park Champions to support these feathered friends through various seasonal activities, hands-on crafts and nature walks to celebrate Earth Day.

Global Youth Service Day in Prospect Park
Sunday, April 20, 11–1:30pm
Peninsula, Free, Registration Required
Join Prospect Park Alliance to learn the value of service and meet other families and friends in Brooklyn’s Backyard. On this day of giving back brought to you by the Apple TV series, Jane, volunteers will learn about the importance of mulching, composting and decomposition and help restore forest trails in one of Prospect Park’s most scenic areas, the Peninsula.
Appropriate for families with youth ages between 4-13.

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Sunset Series
Tuesday, April 22, 5–7 pm
Prospect Park, Free, Registration Required
Join Prospect Park Alliance for a new weekday evening volunteer opportunity. Make the most of longer days in the warmer months and join the Alliance to get outside and lend a hand at locations throughout Brooklyn’s Backyard. Volunteers will help with invasive plant removal, litter pickup and mulching. We will meet at 5:00 pm and wrap up no later than 7:00 PM, which gives you time to get home before dark or enjoy the sunset in the park afterwards!
Appropriate for ages 14 and up.
Register as an Individual or Register as a Group

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Park Pitch In: Earth Day Service
Saturday, April 19, 11 am–2 pm
Parkside + Ocean Avenue Entrance, Free, Registration Required
This Earth Day, give back to Brooklyn’s Backyard by caring for Prospect Park’s trees. Volunteer with Prospect Park Alliance to support our urban oasis by caring for street trees along the park perimeter, cultivating soil, laying down mulch, and removing litter from the tree beds along Parkside + Ocean Avenue.
Appropriate for groups, teens ages 14+ and adults.
Register as an Individual or Register as a Group

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8 Ways to Welcome Spring

Prospect Park is where Spring comes to life! With the change in season right at our front door, check out 8 activities to welcome the season and explore Prospect Park’s cherished destinations for seasonal fun throughout our 585 acres of meadows, woodlands and waterways. Plus, don’t miss the jam-packed activities open for you and your little ones this spring break!

1. Spend Spring Break in Brooklyn’s Backyard
Make the most of Spring Break in Prospect Park with family-friendly fun! This school break from Monday, April 14–Friday, April 17, visit the Prospect Park Audubon Center from 12–4 pm to get hands-on with seed and planting activities, experience an animal encounter and learn about the park’s trees and plants as well as the wildlife that call the park home. Plus, from 12–5 pm, take a spin on the park’s beloved Prospect Park Carousel.

2. Lend a Hand at a Spring Volunteer Event
Explore your park while giving back to the park you love all season long. Join Prospect Park Alliance for Park Pitch-In events on select Saturdays and Sundays to tackle a range of projects from tree care to removing invasive plants and weeds, picking up trash and much more. Check out the Sunset Series on Tuesday evenings from April – August to help with invasive plant removal, litter pickup and mulching to help Brooklyn’s Backyard thrive this season.

3. Go Birdwatching + Experience Spring Migration
Springtime is a peak season to admire the many vibrant feathered friends that pass through Brooklyn’s Backyard during Spring Migration. Prospect Park is located along the Atlantic Flyway, making it ideal for spotting migrating songbirds and more in spring. Make the most of the season with bloom-filled trees to compliment the vibrant species that frequent the park. Learn more about the 250+ bird species that can be spotted in Prospect Park, and join an upcoming Saturday morning Introduction to Birdwatching Walk or First Sunday Outing with the Brooklyn Bird Club.

4. Enjoy Family-Friendly Nature Programs + Pop-Up Audubon Events
Don’t miss family fun at the Audubon Center! Visit the Boathouse for nature programs on Thursdays–Sundays and holidays to get to know the plants and animals that call Brooklyn’s Backyard home through seasonal spring discovery stations, family bird walks and more.

5. Take a Spin on the Historic Carousel
Celebrate the start of spring at opening day of the beloved 1912 Carousel, one of the most popular attractions in Prospect Park. Kick off the season on Friday, March 28, with your little ones to enjoy rides on Thursdays–Sundays and school holidays from 12–5 pm. Plus, the Carousel offers packages for birthday parties for you to plan a celebration your little one will never forget.

6. Enjoy a Spring Bloom Walk
There’s nothing like a walk among spring blossoms in your park. Check out peak destinations to make the most of this season throughout the park. Plus, want to explore the park with a group on a guided route? Don’t miss weekly Wellness Walks on Fridays from 10 am–12 pm to boost your health and wellness on a scenic stroll, and weekly Stroller Walks for parents and caregivers with little ones to explore on Thursdays from 10 am–12 pm.

7. Spring Break Holiday Program
Make the most of Spring Break! Register for the Prospect Park Tennis Center’s Spring Break Holiday Program for intensive group instruction for both adults and youth of all levels of experience from April 14 – April 18 from 1–4 pm. Our accomplished staff of tennis professionals gives players personal attention while they acquire game fundamentals and increase their skill level

8. Honor a Loved One This Arbor Day
Commemorate a loved one and plant community trees at Prospect Park Alliance’s annual Arbor Day planting event on Friday, April 25. The Alliance’s arborist chooses the species and location of the trees, and all donors and their honorees are invited to participate in the tree planting on the morning of Arbor Day. By joining, you will not only help raise critical funds towards our mission to sustain, restore, and advance Prospect Park, but you will also participate in an ideal way to honor and celebrate your loved ones in a communal setting.

c. Grace Jeon / Smorgasburg

Smorgasburg Announces New 2025 Vendors

March 24, 2025

Everyone’s favorite outdoor food market is back in Prospect Park! Kicking off its milestone 15th season on Sunday April 6, Smorgasburg  is back in Prospect Park on Breeze Hill every Sunday through October. Presented in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance, this year’s Smorgasburg lineup features over 70 new and returning local vendors spanning culinary traditions, family recipes, viral street snacks and comfort foods reimagined. From pastrami-packed sandwiches to tea blends steeped in tradition, the 2025 class of vendors showcases global flavors, each uniquely crafted for New York’s most beloved open-air food market. Informed by flavors, techniques and stories from around the world, this is food and drink from everywhere, but found only in New York, at Smorgasburg.

We hope you have worked up an appetite this winter because highlights include PIG ME UP’s authentic and modern Thai street food, classic Jamaican comfort food from Coco Bred, made-from-scratch NYC Deli sandwiches from Pastrami Underground, Culto Italiano’s authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, and many more. This year’s Smorgasburg season opens with a remarkable breadth and depth of new vendors. Joining returning favorites, the full, mouth-watering lineup of new vendors coming to Prospect Park is below:

12 Chairs Shuk A beloved Israeli restaurant inspired by the vibrant street food of Tel Aviv, 12 Chairs has been serving great food, warm hospitality, and feel-good vibes for over 20 years—bringing people together over memorable meals and shared moments.

B&E Fish and Chips B & E Chips serves criminally delicious, traditional British beer-battered fish and hand-cut, twice-cooked chips. Created by longtime Smorgasburg vets, Chef Ben Tomaiuolo (Paper Plate, Fedoroffs, Bon Chovie) and Chef Evan Fuchs, B & E Chips brings authentic, mouthwatering flavors to every plateCafecito

Cafecito Social, founded by Gaby Tejada, a Guatemalan mom, celebrates heritage, community, and exceptional coffee. Sourcing rare, ethically produced beans directly from small farms in Guatemala, the café offers a vibrant space to connect and experience the rich flavors and traditions of Gaby’s homeland.

Chocolate on Tap is a dessert brand specializing in premium chocolate-covered strawberries, inspired by a concept discovered in Borough Market, London. With a menu expanded through extensive testing, the brand quickly gained popularity, amassing a strong social media following and securing partnerships with Oishii Berry and Zadig & Voltaire.

Coco Bred reimagines traditional Jamaican cuisine by transforming beloved island meals into soft, handheld coco bread pockets. Blending authentic flavors with a modern twist, Coco Bred offers a convenient and delicious way to experience Jamaican comfort food on the go.

Culto Italiano is a premier catering company specializing in authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas with a modern touch. Founded in 2020 by Corrado Cervelli, it started as a small brick-oven operation and has since grown into a sought-after catering service in New York and New Jersey. Known for its commitment to quality ingredients and traditional techniques, Culto Italiano delivers a memorable dining experience through its artisanal pizzas.

Dragon Lulu is an Asian confection brand specializing in dragon beard candy—a delicate, hand-pulled candy floss wrapped around toasted nuts and freeze-dried fruit. With a focus on tradition and craftsmanship, Dragon Lulu brings this unique, melt-in-your-mouth treat to modern dessert lovers.

Gobi’s Goods  A French-Filipino fusion bakery from Gobind Lutero, CEO of Ube donut, blending French baking techniques with traditional Filipino and American flavors, offering modernized pastries and uniquely flavored croissants.

Knot of this World Pretzels Owned & Operated from the same location in Long Island for 75 years, Knot of this World Pretzels serves Long Island’s best soft pretzels (2016-2024), hand-twisted and fresh-baked. A family-owned business, bringing old-fashioned New York-style pretzels to Long Island and beyond.

MARBRÉ A Brooklyn-based pâtisserie, owned by Hafsa Koita, specializing in artisan madeleines, inspired by French tradition and crafted with organic ingredients—perfect for everyday indulgence or elegant gifting.
Musubin’ – Musubin’ is redefining NYC street food with fresh, flavorful Japanese rice balls (onigiri)—a healthy, modern twist on a classic favorite.

Pasta Wheel After a trip to Italy, Shaban Paljevic was inspired and Pasta Wheel was born. The concept offers restaurant-quality pasta on the go—simple, delicious, and made with the finest ingredients for a quick yet elevated dining experience.

Pastrami Underground Louis Addonizio’s personal passion project, Pastrami Underground is dedicated to perfecting the ultimate pastrami. Backed by 40 years in the business—nearly 30 at Mill Basin Kosher Deli—Pastrami Underground delivers a classic, time-honored taste that stands up to the greats.

PIG ME UP is dedicated to providing authentic and modern Thai street food, offering a unique fusion of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and vibrant culinary experiences. Their mission is to bring the essence of Thai street food culture to their customers.

Wakari Tea offers super-premium matcha, globally sourced from the finest tea gardens. Crafted for serenity and indulgence, each blend transforms everyday moments into luxurious experiences. Founded by Jacqueline Rodney, a visionary taste curator and global tea enthusiast, Wakari Tea is the embodiment of a refined and soulful tea experience. Born out of a love for tradition and a passion for exploration, Jacqueline’s journey began in Brooklyn, where she was immersed in the intimate ritual of sharing tea with friends and their families. From mastering the art of chai to uncovering the complex spices and healing properties of ancient ingredients, her path is rooted in a deep respect for global tea traditions often overlooked in the West.

Learn more about Smorgasburg and plan your visit.

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The Next Chapter at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside

March 18, 2025

After more than a decade of serving our community, the LeFrak Center at Lakeside will begin a new chapter this spring! Prospect Park Alliance has appointed its first LeFrak Center Director to oversee operations at the Center. The Alliance is also making physical improvements on site to renew this heavily used destination, including the popular Splash Pad; and bringing on board new operators for ice skating, rollerskating and other recreational offerings, as well as for the Center’s cafe.

“The LeFrak Center at Lakeside is one of the largest projects in Prospect Park Alliance’s history,” said Alliance President, Morgan Monaco. “We have been able to serve hundreds of thousands of community members each year with dynamic programs and activities, but also had a learning curve on how to ensure the best visitor experience. With the appointment of an Alliance Center Director, renovations to our facilities, and the upcoming selection of new operators, we are looking at a bright future.”

This month, Prospect Park Alliance welcomed Andrew Frey as the first LeFrak Center Director. In this role, he will oversee all operations and ensure the Center is well maintained and welcoming to all community members. Andrew comes to the park with many years experience in rink operations, including the last four ice skating seasons at Wollman Rink in Central Park. He has a personal passion for skating and opening up the sport to those who face barriers to access.

“I grew up playing roller hockey in the streets and schoolyards of Queens because we did not have access to a nearby ice rink,” said the Alliance LeFrak Center Director, Andrew Frey. “I come to this position not only with many years experience in operating local, seasonal rinks, but also as part of the LeFrak Center community. I have played ice hockey at the Center for the past four seasons, and look forward to ensuring we provide a first-rate experience to our community and wider access overall to ice and roller skating for everyone.”

“Prospect Park Alliance has been an integral part of hosting Gotham Roller Derby for many successful seasons as we’ve called LeFrak home for our bouts and practices,” said Gabrialle Landsverk, Head of Coaching at Gotham Roller Derby. “We are looking forward to continuing collaboration to bring skating events and community to the neighborhood.”

In addition to ice skating, roller skating, biking and boating activities, which will remain a core focus at the LeFrak Center, Frey is also interested in bringing more recreational, cultural and community events to the Center. The goal is to expand the offerings while building upon existing beloved events that have found a home at the LeFrak Center, such as Molière in the Park.

“The LeFrak Center has been the beating heart of Molière in the Park since our first season in 2019,” said Lucie Tiberghien, Founding Artistic Director. “We’ve been able to bring free theater productions of the highest professional quality to our beloved Brooklyn, in a splendid and unique setting. Last year, we awarded the Alliance our Shoulder to Shoulder Award for their commitment to building and sustaining communal spaces for people of all socioeconomic, cultural and racial backgrounds. We are thrilled to be able to double down on this commitment with the Alliance and LeFrak Center’s new management team.”

The Alliance also issued separate Requests for Proposals for recreational activities and the cafe, with the hope of making the cafe its own destination in the park, in addition to serving those enjoying the Center’s recreational activities.

“When it comes to the needs expressed by the community, access to high-quality, reasonably priced food and drink nears the top of the list, along with restrooms,” said Emily Krell, Alliance Vice President of Visitor Experience. “We are looking forward to offering a new cafe, along with well-maintained public restrooms and a renovated Splash Pad.”

The Alliance is in the final stages of selecting the new operators, and commencing planning for the summer season. In the meantime, ice skating will conclude the weekend of April 5 and 6, which will then be followed by repairs to the Center, including the Splash Pad, restrooms and other amenities. In May, the Alliance will welcome back Moliere in the Park for free performances, prior to the start of our summer season. More news to come as the transition gets underway.

Learn more about the LeFrak Center at Lakeside.