Prospect Park holds a special place for many Brooklynites, and it is through the support of the community that the Prospect Park Alliance is able to achieve its founding mission: the restoration, preservation and long-term stewardship of this urban treasure. Lakeside is not only the most ambitious project in Prospect Park since its creation nearly 150 years ago, but also an important example of how the Alliance and the City work in partnership to make a great Park greater.
Lakeside has become a year-round destination for tens of thousands of Brooklynites, who are enjoying ice skating, roller skating and water play, as well as scenic new landscapes and a transformed lakeshore. The project has not only won the hearts of Brooklynites, but also has been recognized for its success. Recently, Lakeside was awarded a MASterworks Award for Best Urban Amenity by the Municipal Art Society of New York and also an Award for Excellence in Design by the New York City Public Design Commission.
On October 1, the Alliance will honor the family of Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak at the 2014 Prospect Park Alliance Gala. The LeFrak’s gift to the Alliance ensures the ongoing care of the LeFrak Center at Lakeside, which was made possible through the generosity of the Park’s dedicated elected officials, the Alliance Board of Directors, and support from a range of corporations, foundations and individuals.
“The LeFrak family has deep roots in Brooklyn, and their philanthropy goes back more than 100 years,” said James Snow, Interim President of the Prospect Park Alliance. “Their support of Lakeside is proof that investing in the future of Prospect Park is investing in the Brooklyn community. Since opening last December, Lakeside has served a wide range of communities that consider Prospect Park their backyard.”
Summer fun at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside is in full swing, so don’t miss out! How much has Lakeside added to your enjoyment of Prospect Park? Share your experiences with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at #prospectpark.