LeFrak Center at Lakeside Begins New Chapter

With summer in full swing, Prospect Park Alliance is kicking off a new chapter at one of its most popular destinations, the Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Center at Lakeside. Following renovations and with new operators in place, the Center will reopen for rollerskating, boating and–for the first time–pickleball, on the weekend of August 2 + 3. 

Join us for a weekend of free events and rink admission to celebrate our new chapter! RSVP to receive the full schedule of events: prospectpark.org/lakeside-celebration.

“The LeFrak Center at Lakeside is one of the most ambitious projects in Prospect Park Alliance’s history,” said Prospect Park Alliance President Morgan Monaco. “Since its opening in 2013, we have served hundreds of thousands of community members each year with dynamic programs and activities. With the selection of new operators, extensive renovations, and the appointment of the first LeFrak Center Director, we are looking at a bright future.”

Following a competitive request-for-proposal process, the Alliance has selected new operators for the LeFrak Center and its cafe: Ekstein Development Group and Purslane, respectively. Ekstein is a local company with a strong track record of running rinks, including City Ice Pavilion and World Ice Arena in Queens, and brings a deep passion for skating and engaging local communities. Purslane, part of the Oberon Group, is known for their thoughtful, seasonal food, and also partners with the Alliance at the historic Prospect Park Boathouse, where it operates the Purslane Cafe. 

“We are very excited to partner with Prospect Park Alliance to bring a wide range of year-round activities to LeFrak Center for the community,” said Erik Ekstein, President and CEO of Ekstein Development Group. “Lakeside will continue to provide ice skating, ice hockey, roller skating, roller disco, roller hockey, curling and boating in season, with the addition of new activities such as pickleball and yoga. Other sporting and entertainment opportunities for the community will be announced in the weeks and months ahead.”  

“We are excited to bring a refreshed experience to all community members seeking delicious food and drink in this vibrant area of the park,” said Henry Rich, Managing Partner of the Oberon Group. “We also will be partnering with local businesses in Flatbush and beyond to host pop-ups and special events.”

With the Center having surpassed its 10-year mark, the Alliance also has been addressing wear and tear at this heavily used facility. Among the recent renovations are improvements to the Splash Pad, the park’s largest water play area, which operates on the Center’s uncovered rink in the summer months, as well the restrooms and lighting on site. The Alliance has also appointed a LeFrak Center Director and an on-site team that will oversee operations and ensure an excellent visitor experience to keep the rink in a state of good repair. These efforts have been informed by feedback the Alliance has received from the community.

LeFrak Center at Lakeside is the largest and most ambitious project in Prospect Park since its creation over 150 years ago. Learn more about the Center and the Alliance’s work to transform the southeast corner of Prospect Park into a popular scenic and recreational destination.