History of Prospect Park: creation and inauguration
Prospect Park was created by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the architects and landscapers of Central Park. The creation of the park was entrusted to them towards late 1850s after they have distanced themselves from the huge construction site of Central Park. Prospect Park was opened and inaugurated in 1867.
The creation of Prospect Park had a simple objective: to welcome the inhabitants of Brooklyn so that they can play sports and walk in the middle of a natural corner. In total, this park covers 2.1 km² and is home to Brooklyn's last natural forest.
Over the years, novelties appeared in the middle of the park: the Prospect Park Zoo opened in 1935, a carousel was installed in 1952 and several monuments have also opened.
Today, Prospect Park is a pleasant green space that offers plenty of entertainment for young and old.
Prospect Park: a park less visited by tourists
Prospect Park is a pleasant place, but little frequented by tourists who prefer most of the time, to concentrate in places of Manhattan. However, a trip to Prospect Park while in New York is to plan on your list of activities. Indeed, this green space offers numerous leisure facilities for children and adults and above all, its atmosphere is ideal for see resources away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
What activities does the park offer?
During your walk in Prospect Park, you will quickly realize the many possibilities for entertainment offered by the park whatever the season!
You will be able to discover in particular Brooklyn's largest lake (240 m²). The latter is magnificent and it represents one of the most important elements of the park. If you wish, you can participate in various activities: in summer, water games are organized there and in winter, do not hesitate to jump on the ice rink!
After the lake, direction the Prospect Park Zoo opened in 1935. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to discover species of animals from all continents : pandas, kangaroos, sea lions, sea lions… The Prospect Park Zoo is home to animals that you probably won't see in other parks. Just amazing!
Prospect Park is also home to NYC's largest continuous green space: the Long Meadow which covers 35 hectares. This place is very popular with locals and tourists who come to play sports or have a picnic on this immense meadow.
At the north entrance of the park (main entrance), you will find the Grand army plaza, a large square renowned for its Soldiers 'and Sailors' Memorial Arch, a triumphal arch built in 1892.
If you have children, don't forget to take a trip to the carousel. And right next to Prospect Park you'll find the Brooklyn Botanic Garden where the many varieties of plants are sure to amaze you!
Finally, do not miss the beautiful view from the Lookout Hill, a hill in the park from which you can see Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island and New Jersey.
Where to eat ?
Le picnic is the best way to eat while enjoying Prospect Park. Installed in the middle of the park, you will be able to eat in the heart of this green space and enjoy the calm of the place. Having a picnic will also prevent you from leaving the park, which is very convenient! So don't forget to prepare your basket!
If the picnic does not tempt you, know that you will find Many restaurants around the park.
Practical information about this Brooklyn park
Access to Prospect Park is free. This park is open every day from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. and it is located in the Brooklyn neighborhood. Its exact address is: Brooklyn, New York State 11225:
To get there, you can take the lines 2 and 3 to Grand Army Plaza. Alternatively, you can get off at Eastern Parkway, close to the Brooklyn Museum and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Prospect Park is a unique New York park that has some great surprises in store for you! Very pleasant, it will allow you to recharge your batteries and enjoy a moment of calm away from the constant bustle of the city. At Prospect Park, young and old alike will find what they are looking for thanks to the many activities on offer: zoo, stroll around the lake, little carousel ride… There is something for everyone!
So, are you still hesitating to take a walk in this New York park?
And during your trip to the Big Apple, don't forget to visit other green spaces like Battery Park and Bryant Park!
