Playground Designs Move Forward

Prospect Park Alliance’s re-design of the park’s popular Lincoln Road Playground and Third Street Playground have been approved by the New York City Public Design Commission. The projects will bring new life to two of the park’s most beloved playgrounds, which have not been restored for many decades. The designs are informed by extensive community input through workshops, tabling sessions, and surveys, where families, caretakers and children shared feedback to help envision their future playground. Both projects are slated to begin construction in 2027 and open for the community in 2028, following the City’s three-phase design, procurement and construction process.

“We are so grateful to our partners at NYC Parks, the Mayor’s Office, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and Council Member Rita Joseph for their support of these projects,” said Prospect Park Alliance President Morgan Monaco. “Prospect Park is a haven for families and youth, and we are thrilled to bring these restorations to life for future generations to explore and learn about Brooklyn nature through play.”

“Our public parks and playgrounds are vital community spaces for kids to play and neighbors to connect. Thanks to these investments, these two playgrounds will be upgraded with new play equipment and climbing structures, new water features, and enhanced landscaping for kids of all ages to enjoy,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. “We’re grateful to our partners at Prospect Park Alliance and across City government for their commitment to these beloved spaces, and we look forward to continuing our work to ensure all New Yorkers have accessible, welcoming public parks and playgrounds in their neighborhoods.”

Third Street Playground Rendering (left), Lincoln Road Playground Rendering (right)

Lincoln Road Playground

Through $4 million in funding from Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, $500,000 from Mayor Eric Adams, and $500,000 from Council Member Rita Joseph via District 40 Participatory Budgeting, Lincoln Road Playground at the Lincoln Road entrance to Prospect Park, will be restored with a new accessible sensory area, updated water play features, woodland themed play equipment, tables for gathering spaces and more. Salvaged decking from the existing play equipment will be reused to create a tree-covered boardwalk providing additional shade through the middle of the playground. 

“It’s a great day in Brooklyn when our children get new and improved space to play and explore Brooklyn’s natural elements,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Thank you to the Prospect Park Alliance for spearheading the redesigns for two of Prospect Park’s playgrounds. I was proud to support the renovation of the Lincoln Road Playground and cannot wait to see Brooklyn’s children enjoy using both spaces once renovations are completed!”

“Green spaces in our communities are incredibly important for our health and well being,” said Council Member Rita Joseph. “The Lincoln Road playground restoration will open up opportunities for our communities and will allow for residents and families to enjoy. The restoration is about more than upgrading equipment; it’s about investing in our children, our families, and the future of our community. Safe, modern, and welcoming play spaces are essential for healthy childhood development and for building strong neighborhood connections. I’m proud to support this project because every child in our district deserves a place to learn, grow, and play right here at home.”

As Prospect Park is home to Brooklyn’s last remaining forest, the Lincoln Road Playground restoration features new play equipment and imaginative play elements centered around the theme of “Layers of the Forest.” The playground features a tot area with woodland-themed play elements that are inspired by the forest floor, with slides, climbing and balancing structures, and equipment that encourages ground play.

The play area for ages 5-12 is inspired by the forest tree canopy, with a new climbing tower, slides, hammocks and more. The area will also feature accessible play equipment including a structure with ramps and 

The restoration will also include new water play features in both the tot area and 5-12 areas, shaded seating areas, accessible water bottle fill stations, new safety surface inspired by the colors of our forest, raised planters and a sensory garden, and the renovation of the surrounding path network.

Third Street Playground

Through $3 million in funding from the City, Third Street Playground at the 3rd Street and Prospect Park West entrance of Prospect Park will feature new accessible play equipment and climbing structures, new water play areas, lighting, benches and landscaping. 

The Third Street Playground’s nature-inspired design features imaginative play elements to engage youth of all ages and abilities, from rustic playhouses to seasonal water features, new tot swings and tire swings, a climbing course, an elevated rope bridge spanning two towers and three slides. The playground will include accessible play equipment with a wheelchair ramp connecting to a slide and playground fencing decorated with sensory play panels. The restoration will include environmentally-friendly features designed for families and the park ecosystem alike, including an elevated play area that will allow water to flow into surrounding planted areas. Children and their caregivers can enjoy the shade of three newly planted trees, flood and drought tolerant Swamp White Oaks and Red Maples, ensuring they’ll stand tall for generations to come. 

The reconstructed playground is estimated to be complete in Brooklyn’s Backyard in 2027 and will be among the park’s seven playgrounds providing engaging opportunities for safe and imaginative play in Brooklyn’s Backyard

Learn more about Prospect Park Alliance’s current Capital Projects.