Tag: Community Engagement

LeFrak Center at Lakeside Begins New Chapter

July 10, 2025

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.

Free Summer Meals in Prospect Park

July 8, 2025

Fuel up this summer in Prospect Park! Did you know that eating healthy foods can increase your lifespan, reduce risks of chronic disease and even boost your mood and support mental health? For the second year in a row, Brooklyn’s Backyard is a home to a free, summer meal truck.

Youth ages 18 and under can enjoy free meals in Prospect Park this summer! Every day from June 27 through August 29, free meals will be distributed by the NYC Department of Education in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance at the Parkside and Ocean Avenue Entrance to Prospect Park. Visit the NYC DOE meals truck from 10 am–4 pm on weekdays and 11 am–3 pm on weekends.

View the Food Truck Menu.

Learn more about free summer meals.

MANJE ETE GRATIS
Pou tout moun ki gen 18 tan – anba.
KOTE
Lari kwa nan Parkside Ave ak
lanmè Avwa
DAT yo
27 jen rive 29 out
7 Jou nan semèn nan
Pa gen sèvis 4 jiyè
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM jou lasemèn
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wann

COMIDAS DE VERANO GRATIS
Para todos los menores de 18 años.
UBICACIÓN
Cruce las calles de Parkside Ave y
Avenida del Océano
FECHAS
Del 27 de junio al 29 de agosto
7 días de la semana
Sin servicio el 4 de julio
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM De lunes a viernes
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Fines de semana

New Video Exhibit: Voices of Lunáapeew/Lenape

July 2, 2025

Prospect Park Alliance and the Éenda-Lŭnaapeewáhkiing Collective (EL Collective), which brings together Lunáapeew/Lenape communities who have been displaced across Turtle Island (North America), present Eelunaapéewi Ehaptoonáakanal: Voices of Lunáapeew/Lenape, an exhibit on view at Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park celebrating 400 years of Indigenous resilience. Featuring video interviews with Lunáapeew/Lenape knowledge-keepers and culture bearers about their relationships to their ancestral homelands.

Join an opening celebration on Saturday, July 12, from 2–5 pm.

Free, RSVP: prospectpark.org/voices-of-lenape.

The exhibition is part of the Alliance’s ReImagine Lefferts initiative, which is transforming the museum to explore the lives, resistance and resilience of the Indigenous people of Lenapehoking, whose unceded ancestral lands the park and house rests upon, and Africans who were enslaved by the Lefferts family.

In addition to the exhibit, the Alliance, EL Collective and the American-Indian Community House will be hosting the Second United Lenape/Lunáapeew Nations Pow Wow at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park on September 13 and 14, 2025. Pow Wows are gatherings where Lenape/Lunáapeew and neighboring Indigenous nations socialize and celebrate life. Prospect Park hosted formal Pow Wows from 1916 to 1972. In 2018, the Park Avenue Armory hosted the First United Lenape/Lunáapeew Nations Pow Wow. Reviving this tradition in the park will offer all Lenape/Lunáapeew an opportunity to celebrate their culture in their homelands and offer Brooklynites of all backgrounds the chance to enjoy the drumming, dancing, singing, art, crafts and foods of the original stewards of this land. In 2024, Prospect Park Alliance held a culture fair with the American Indian House and EL Collective as a precursor to the Pow Wow.

Lunáapeew/Lenape means human beings or, more specifically, “the ones who came from thought,” and is the name of the Indigenous peoples whose ancestral homelands encompassed what is today Brooklyn and the surrounding region. Éenda-Lŭnaapeewáhkiing, “the land of the Lunáapeew,” holds the stories of a civilization rich with a deep understanding of the delicate balance and mutual relationships necessary to nurture and sustain a healthy world.

“We are a nation who has been scattered to the winds because of the greed of not just the Dutch, but also the English after that and so forth, who chased us and massacred us for our land,” said George Stonefish, co-founder, Éenda-Lŭnaapeewáhkiing Collective, and ReImagine Lefferts advisor. “I want people to understand who the Lenape were and are, and the things we’ve given to modern culture that aren’t acknowledged.”

This video installation features Lunáapeew/Lenape knowledge-keepers and culture bearers who are members of the EL Collective. Interviewees discuss their histories, experiences and feelings about their homelands. They also celebrate the resilience of their communities, which remain committed to stewarding their cultures and their homelands despite 400 years of violent displacement and colonization.

“We are honored to join our partners at the Éenda-Lŭnaapeewáhkiing Collective to share with our community the history, resistance and resilience of the Indigenous people of Lenapehoking, as well as the enduring art, culture and stories of the Lenapehoking today,” said Morgan Monaco, Prospect Park Alliance President. “This exhibit and our upcoming Pow Wow are an important step in healing deep-seated wounds from our nation’s past and ensuring that all in our community see themselves represented, welcomed and celebrated here in Prospect Park.”

“New Yorkers are deeply interested in the original people of this land,” said Dylan Yeats Ph.D., Prospect Park Alliance Director of Museum Programs and Operations. “This free and accessible exhibit offers audiences a chance to hear directly from the Lunáapeew or Lenape themselves about their histories, cultures, experiences and opinions.”

This exhibition complements the other core ReImagine Lefferts history and art exhibits including Ancestral Whispers, a site-specific work by Adama Delphine Fawundu on the house’s Flatbush Avenue porch which honors the heroism and lives of the Africans enslaved by the Lefferts family, and also interpretive profiles of the 25 enslaved Africans discovered to date through original research and scholarship.

About Éenda-Lŭnaapeewáhkiing Collective
The Éenda-Lŭnaapeewáhkiing Collective is establishing a partnership with all Delaware/ Munsee-Delaware/Lenni-Lenape/Lenape/Lunáapeew (Lunáapeew) communities in various projects that involve the Lunáapeew Nation that have been displaced across Turtle Island (North America). The Lunáapeew are the original inhabitants of Manahahtaanung, “At the place we’re gathering wood to make bows,” what is now an area that includes the five boroughs of New York City, large portions of the states of New York, southern Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. It is our hope these projects will allow us to unite in a way that allows for sharing of knowledge and an understanding of each community’s unique history of displacement. Learn more at lunaapeewahkiing.com.

Photo Caption (l to r): Chief Urie Ridgeway, Leadership, Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation; Cory Ridgeway, Director, EL Collective; Brent Stonefish, Co-Founder, EL Collective; George Stonefish, Co-Founder, EL Collective.

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.

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.

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.

Pinkster Day Celebration in Prosepct Park

Community Writing Workshop: Mapping Black History in Brooklyn

February 3, 2025

Calling all writers and artists! This Black History month, join Prospect Park Alliance partners Voices of Lefferts and GrowHouse for a series of free writing workshops to record and map Black history in Brooklyn to create a collective archive. All genres of writing, as well as visual art, are welcome. Those selected will learn about the history of Black Brooklyn with local experts, work with a writing coach, and have their work published! 

These free community workshops will take place every other Saturday from February 22 through May 31 from 3-5 pm at sites throughout Brooklyn, including Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park. 

Sign Up Today: prospectpark.org/mapping-black-history

Space is limited! Sign up by February 14. Participants will be selected and notified by February 18. Questions? Contact info@voicesoflefferts.org

Mapping Black History in Brooklyn marks the 400th anniversary of New York’s founding as “New Amsterdam,” which also marked the occupation of Lenapehoking, the native land of the Lenape, and the enslavement of Africans by the Dutch. This project builds on a Black History and Heritage Corridor established last year by GrowHouse. 

In addition to Lefferts, the workshops will delve into history at the Flatbush African Burial Ground, Center for Brooklyn History and Weeksville Heritage Center. Participants will explore a trove of archives, artifacts and research with experts and public historians, and selected writers will also work with a dedicated writing coach. This community effort will produce new interpretive signage at Black historic and contemporary sites, and will include publishing two special issues of Voices of Lefferts and producing a podcast series.

Writers and artists from across the borough with of all levels of experience are invited to share their stories, reflect on where we’re headed as a nation and to build an archive to combat the erasure of history by those aiming to turn back the clock on the study of history, civil rights, voting rights, reproductive rights and more. Organizers are also looking for community members to conduct oral histories, and volunteers who are willing to share their time, talents and skills on this timely and important project. 

Plus, Calling Young Brooklyn Visual Artists!

GrowHouse’s second annual Youth Design Competition for visual artists ages 15-24 kicks off on Monday, February 10! This is a chance for emerging creatives to showcase their work on signs all over Brooklyn, gain mentorship from professional artists and designers, and compete for a $1,000 cash prize.

Keep an eye out for more details to come in the coming weeks for passionate young artists who want to make an impact through design. Interested? Sign up for updates from GrowHouse to stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks!

Celebrate Black History Month in Prospect Park

Celebrate Black History Month in Prospect Park! Join Prospect Park Alliance and our partners at the 67th Precinct Clergy Council, the Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Center for Health Equity & Community Wellness for family-friendly events in Brooklyn’s Backyard to honor Black history, create community artwork centered on peace, hear about the actual history of Black History Month and celebrate the legacy of Black trailblazers in Brooklyn.

Peace Over Prejudice: Black History Month
Sunday, February 16, 2–5 pm
Lefferts Historic House, Free, RSVP!

Join Prospect Park Alliance and the 67th Precinct Clergy Council for an afternoon of painting, history, food and community at Lefferts Historic House. This unique spin on the traditional “sip and paint” invites our community to contribute to a collective artwork, blending creativity and community-building, while standing against hate and recognizing Black history. 

Shirley Chisholm Superhero Cape and Resiliency Workshops
Sunday, February 23, 12–4 pm, Resiliency Workshop Begins at 2 pm
Lefferts Historic House, Free, RSVP!

Join Prospect Park Alliance, the Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Center for Health Equity & Community Wellness at Lefferts Historic House for a family-friendly event for all ages to create and showcase superhero capes inspired by the legacy of Shirley Chisholm and participate in an all-ages workshop beginning at 2 pm on Cultivating Resilience Through Self-Compassion.

Brooklyn trailblazer Shirley Chisholm was a superhero and so are you! Bring scraps of fabric or use of fabric provided to decorate your own superhero cape, inspired by Chisholm and her legacy as a beacon of perseverance and dedication in Brooklyn and far beyond. As a leader and an advocate for residents of Brooklyn and the country at large, Chisholm made a profound impact fighting for equality for all.

At 2 pm, join the interactive all-ages community workshop, Cultivating Resilience Through Self-Compassion, designed to help you navigate fear and uncertainty. Through guided activities tailored for all age groups, you will map the physiological signs of stress and joy in your body, identifying what triggers these feelings and what restores balance. By recognizing these cues, you’ll learn how to “breathe life” into the practices that bring peace and resilience. This workshop starts at 2 pm and lasts 90 minutes.

These events are part of the Alliance’s ReImagine Lefferts initiative to re-envision the mission and programming of the Lefferts Historic House Museum in Prospect Park to focus on exploring the lives, resistance and resilience of the Indigenous people of Lenapehoking, whose unceded ancestral lands the park and house rests upon, and the Africans enslaved by the Lefferts family. By focusing on stories of resistance, resilience, empowerment and joy, while also recognizing the legacies of dispossession, enslavement and oppression, the Alliance seeks to create a safe space for engaging with our collective past as well as contemporary issues affecting our communities today.

New Year’s Eve Celebration Prospect Park

December 23, 2024

Ring in 2025 with live music a grand light display in Brooklyn’s Backyard! Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Prospect Park Alliance, in partnership with NYU Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Public Library, will present Brooklyn’s most spectacular New Year’s Eve Celebration at Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Park. This free event will take place on Tuesday, December 31, from 10 pm until 12 am, with live music and a grand light display.

RSVP today to let us know you’re coming!

In light of the unprecedented drought conditions and recent fire, for the first time this year, this 44-year tradition will pivot from fireworks to a light show celebration in Brooklyn’s Backyard. The event will include live entertainment by Quintessential Playlist starting at 10 pm. A festive light show display will begin at midnight in the skies above Brooklyn’s Backyard, featuring beloved iconography including the Brooklyn Bridge, the Big Apple, the Statue of Liberty and more.

“Prospect Park is the best place to be on New Year’s Eve,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “It is a pleasure to team up with Prospect Park Alliance and NYU Brooklyn to ring in the new year with a time-honored Brooklyn tradition. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the colorful and exciting show that we have in store thanks to our partners’ hard work. As we welcome in 2025, I wish all Brooklynites health, happiness, and tons of fun!”

“Every year, Brooklynites look forward to ringing in the New Year with their neighbors in Prospect Park, and this year is no exception! We’re grateful to the Prospect Park Alliance for reimagining this tradition with a unique and inventive light show, and to Borough President Antonio Reynoso for his sponsorship and support,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Come on down and celebrate the beginning of 2025 with a tribute to Brooklyn’s vibrancy and creativity, right in Brooklyn’s backyard!”

“New Year’s Eve in Prospect Park is a beloved, decades-long tradition and celebration near to the hearts of so many Brooklynites,” said Prospect Park Alliance President, Morgan Monaco. “We thank the Borough President, NYU Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Public Library for their generous support of this spectacular event. It is a special moment for our Brooklyn community to gather together in Brooklyn’s Backyard and ring in the new year with vibrant local entertainment and a gorgeous light display.”

“The Office of Community Engagement is proud to support the long-standing tradition of New Year’s Eve celebrations in Prospect Park,” said NYU Vice President of Government Relations and Community Engagement, Kyle Kimball. “We’re excited to join Borough President Reynoso and the Prospect Park Alliance in making this unforgettable event a reality for our community.”

“We can’t think of a better place to start the new year than with our next door neighbors in Prospect Park. We wish all Brooklynites a year filled with good health, good cheer and of course, good books,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library.

*Please note the light show is pending FCC approvals and weather dependent. In the event of extreme weather, please check prosepctpark.org for updates.