Prospect Park
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I've only been through this Brooklyn park while running in the Brooklyn Half Marathon. There are several MTA subway station that you can take to get here. I must say that the park was very beautiful during mid to late May! I definitely wouldn't mind coming back here to check out the park at a much slower pace.
Obsessed. Such a versatile park with something for everyone, from an open field, to biking/ jogging paths, to more secluded areas. I can get lost here and still feel at home.
This started as a mission to find a Hash (expat international) group meetup somewhere in this vast park, but since we didn't connect it turned out to be a "walk in the park" and pure joy. Central Park may be in a more convenient location for tourists, but Prospect Park is a divine place to explore, with plenty of twists and turns, and what the heck is that? Lots to look at! The other thing I liked was that we found free on-street parking right across the street on Ocean Avenue. Amazingly we also found parking right by Central Park as well. (This trip was a superb driving one) Even hanging out in the van, having a cold one at the parking spot was a fun experience. There's even a cafe in the middle of the park that is super nice! Worth seeking out when visiting Brooklyn.
We were based in Manhattan but hopped on the subway all the way to Brooklyn for a little urban escape. First stop: Prospect Park. Lucky for us, there was a foodie event happening called Smorgasburg, basically a lineup of 20-30 vendors serving everything from savory bites to sweet treats. It was a rainy day, which probably kept the crowds away. Honestly? No complaints, we didn't have to wait more than a few minutes for our food, and the tables with umbrellas made it easy to stay cozy. After fueling up, we took a scenic half-mile stroll to the Boathouse. It's stunnin charming, rustic architecture surrounded by lush greenery. We sat for a while, soaking up the calm before crossing the street to explore the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Overall: 4-5 stars. Super chill, and a perfect mini-adventure outside Manhattan. Highly recommend!
As parks go, Prospect is very packed on the weekends and many families are doing their own thing and getting away from city life for a while. It's pretty large and there are various areas for kids to play on swings and even has water features to cool them off. Trails abound as well as bike paths. Surely there is something for everyone who wants to get to the outdoors and relax a while. Clean by city standards and filled with families makes the park by day seem relatively safe. A nice place to spend a few hours.
Nice park in Brooklyn and the biggest. It lies in the middle of Brooklyn and has very beautiful, tall and breathtaking trees that you can sit underneath for shade and have a picnic. I used to come here with my mom and do barbecues here. You can just go deep in the park and find a nice grassy area with big trees for shade and then do your barbecue with a portable grill. There is also a lake inside the park where there's a lot of ducks that I used to feed bread. They look very cute. I still remember the time my sister fell into the lake and thankfully the lake wasn't deep where she fell into and unfortunately it was the winter time so she was freezing to death. She had to change out of everything and just freeze. This park is also good for ginkgo berry trees. They got some in this park where you can get off the floor in the fall. They always fall off but stink like crazy! My mom sometimes gets these ginkgo berries but she has to get the seed out of the berry fruit, which is the stinkiest part. Other than that, I did come here for a Lousy T-Shirt race from NYC RUNS and it was very well organized with all the tents and directions. Many directions for anyone who always gets lost easily, which is me. Thankfully they have signs or else I will be lost to death!
This park was a blessing during covid restrictions. My wife and I would walk the park for exercise and to keep sanity. I remember during that time so many people with roommates or just lonely would come to this wonderful park. We enjoyed this park during better times and better weather. This park has a carousel and lots of bird watching. A jewel in the heart of Brooklyn.
Visited this park recently for my first ever NYC Run's Brooklyn 5K Marathon. This leg of the race starts bright and early at West end of Prospect park (deserted and a bit scary early in the morning); got to meet a fellow runner whose also walking along the path of the park and felt a little less daunting. Park itself is huge and surrounds a serene pond with a few geese and ducks swimming around. Didn't realize until the race that the park's roads were a bit steep, took a lot of strength and energy for those uphill jogs/runs. Eventually reached the finished line within a good time (for a newbie); Got to take in the view of the park and enjoyed my self win. Met up with fellow Yelper Nancy as well for the race. Park also holds family friendly events throughout the year and is easily accessible for MTA as well.
If I had to pick my favorite thing about Prospect Park it would be the lake because the fishing keeps my husband busy during the summer months. I have ridden my bicycle many a time around that loop and have eaten many a terrace bagel on those benches near Bartel Prichard Square. Life is so happy in that park, you can hear the bandshell from several blocks outside of the park. I saw Interpol play there many years ago. In all seriousness, the bamboo Forrest on the east side is a great place to hang and the large meadow is a great place to take free yoga outside in the summer. They call it Brooklyn's backyard for a reason, there is something for everyone here even if you think there is not!
The park is huge! We tried to meet friends for a picnic. We found them after an hour. I usually walk the park in the morning to get exercise in. Have tried to incorporate more nature in my everyday life to gather peace and grounding. This is a nice place to visit for families and large groups. Ant wait to read about your outdoor adventures!
Lovely neighborhood park with grass areas for spikeball and volleyball, unlimited picnicking areas, and gorgeous views. The Prospect Park Forest is expansive enough that you can essentially walk the entire thing while staying in the shade! And I appreciate the quieter offshoot trails to get away from the city sounds and crowds.
Huge and beautiful park in Brooklyn. Has some nice and secluded trails which do feel like small hikes. Also less crowded than Central Park which was nice. Definitely a nice spot for people watching although I will always prefer Central Park.
6 years ago
Am surprised I have lived in New York & never really visited this park!! Quarantine has forced us / me to visit places that maybe we would not have visited on a regular basis or just simple try something new to discover this was a lovely find. Very nice park , lots of space to explore & walk around in ... plenty of corners for sit downs & picnic with friends. By the main entrance there were few vendors set up, miscellaneous shopping , water not too bad. I wanted to give this park the 4 fours stars since it really is great but settled on the 3 because of the bathroom situation ... I mean such a large park & no decent public restrooms, nothing just one pay toilet by the entrance & that was out of order really not acceptable. read more
3 years ago
A park in the middle of Brooklyn that not only has bike paths and baseball diamonds but also offers nature walks, picnic and barbecue pits but also ponds and water falls. One amazing experience. read more
6 years ago
8 years ago
Whether you have memories of spending time at Prospect Park during your formative years or newfound ones as a recent transplant, this park has so much to offer. The second largest park in Brooklyn (Marine Park ranks first at a little over 750 acres), Prospect Park is rich in beauty, serenity and activities/entertainment. Since It is a park, I probably won't write anything too differently considering all the reviews. Like most parks, it's gorgeous to explore in the warmer weather. Its quite massive and each exit will allow you to find yourself in different parts of Brooklyn--Flatbush Avenue, Crown Heights and Park Slope to name a few. Whether your thing is walking, running, bicycling, reading, sports or picnicking, Prospect Park will welcome you with open arms. There's a bandshell where live entertainment takes place. A zoo. A boathouse for special events such as weddings by the lakeside which is breathtakingly beautiful. There's nature programs courtesy of the Audobon Center. Also, tucked away is a private Quaker cemetery (not part of the park's ownership). No entrance unless your loved one is buried there. And you must be a Quaker. The gatekeeper will make sure of that. If you walk towards the Flatbush Avenue exit/entrance, you'll find yourself at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden where more nature and beauty awaits. There's much to see and explore at Prospect Park. A must visit oasis. read more
This is pretty much a recreational area of Prospect Park. It has lots of places to play sports. This is kind of secluded from the rest of the park. It's not in the best area. Just be careful around here. It has all kinds of athletic fields. More sports than you can imagine. Some of these include baseball and soccer. It doesn't look like much from the sidewalk, and it's easy to miss. The foliage is kind of overgrown where you're walking along Prospect. The best time to use it is not a weekend. It gets packed by all these sports teams using the fields. There's also the need to stay vigilant because it's not always the best people. read more
4 years ago
5 years ago
I adore this park, but the weekend bikers need to take a chill pill and respect pedestrians. So frustrating, they get the entire road there yet feel entitled to the running lane AND all sidewalks. Heaven forbid you attempt to cross their precious bike lane/road following during the designated crossing time. Prepare to be cursed out. read more
6 years ago
My absolute favorite. This has been so much to me over the years. From Sunday family cycling as a kid and walks and runs to an outlet for running during weird times. To my number one spot for marathon training, beloved BRIC concerts, Turkey trots, Prospect Park track club races, to my now covid refuge. There's so much more than meets the eye and I keep discovering little hidden trails and peaceful locales near hidden peaks of water. Really so much beauty and love in this space. Come and take a break. read more
6 years ago
The park is a godsend, because natural areas and trees are beautiful. From a distance, sometimes. Because it is also filthy. So much trash, and overflowing bins. Many people barbecue here and often do not clean up, but there are also not enough workers emptying trash. The western side, where the wealthy donors presumably live (in Park Slope) is cleanest, but on the edges nearer less wealthy neighborhoods it is bad. Clean up seems focused on one side. There are regular encampments of people on the side of Lookout Hill above the lawns who use the wooded areas as toilets, and play loud music all day. Little kids play in the woods where men regularly hook up for assignations, leaving the nastiest kind of litter. I wouldn't want my kids playing there. It's a health hazard. Off leash dogs are a problem, especially if you enjoy watching birds. In the woods especially entitled and clueless owners think it's fine to let them go. I witnessed a dog attacking one of the horse riders who sometimes walks slowly down one of trails. The horse was badly frightened. It is still a peaceful place, but it needs more attention and funding. The city gives parks nothing. read more
Watched a movie at Prospect Park on Wednesday evening. A beautiful park that everyone should take the time to explore. Quality: Prospect Park is everything that the surrounding urban area needs. A huge and beautiful park with enough space to accommodate a ton of people. Our recent visit was for a movie night, where they set up a massive screen on a warm summer evening for a large audience to enjoy. My visits this summer have been frequent for picnics, events, and even occasionally exercise. Quantity: The park is over 500 acres. Value: Free to visit the park. Ambiance: Prospect Park is a huge green space located in Brooklyn. The park has a little bit of everything, but the two biggest draws are the inner loop, popular for bikers and runners, and the massive lawn, for picnics and fun. There are also several lakes, a dog friendly area, a hiking area, monuments, and the adjacent botanical garden, zoo, and museum. Tons to do regardless of the time of year. Crowd: On a nice day it will be packed. Lots of people exercising and even more lounging on the lawn. Service: Beautiful and well-maintained. Parking: Street parking around the park, easier in some places than others. read more
4 years ago
4 years ago
I enjoy prospect park as it is the biggest park in Brooklyn. I enjoy the zoo, the carousel. I enjoy walking in the park and bike riding. They have so many trails. My friend and I decided to take a stroll it was a beautiful day and we so enjoyed. We saw so many parts of the park that we didn't know about. They have an area where they have concerts. There is several kids playground where the colors smile at you. I can imagine what the children see when they come to it. There's an area where you can play basketball, baseball and even football. I look forward to exploring more in the future. read more
4 years ago
What a lovely park. My husband is a retired NYPD lieutenant and used to live in Park slope. We spent a few very pleasant hours here walking around with the beautiful autumnal colours in November. A wonderful place to get at least one with mature and get away from the hustle n bustle. read more
6 years ago
The large Memorial Arch marks its entrance, and it is a mecca for families and nature lovers who go to play ball, bird watch, and listen to outdoor concerts. First time at Prospect Park. I cannot believe how huge it is. Saw the zoo from afar but will need to go back and see it properly. Boathouse and other old historic buildings look interesting. It really reminds me of Central Park. It's my understanding that it was designed by the same people that designed central park. Lots of people picnicking abs enjoying the good weather. Bustling and multicultural area. Good food nearby. read more
Biggest park in Brooklyn with their own zoo, row boats, bbq areas, and a huge Saturday farmers market on Saturdays. Not as developed / planned out as central park meaning it has more rambles and trails making you think that you're not in the middle of Brooklyn. Plenty of hidden clearings, mini waterfalls, Stone bridges. read more
6 years ago
Living on the southwest side of the park is great! Access to the lake in the morning, café and restaurants for takeout is amazing! The local G or F train is right down the street as well which makes commuting great! I gave it 4 stars because there are a lot of families and individuals who ARE NOT WEARING MASKS, and it's concerning. So just avoid those people because they feel privileged they don't have to keep others safe from this global pandemic read more
4 years ago
9 years ago
The second visit was worthwhile just like the first. A good way to start the spring season. I used the Grand Army Plaza entrance this time... a magnificent landmark that anybody wont miss the park location. Walked thru the park until I reached the boathouse ( the part where we reached coming from the Parkside Ave the first time) and lots of things were going on during that weekend. I heard some loud noises few hundred feet apart and walked up to the Breezy Hill where the Brooklyn Smorgasbord event was being held ( separate review for that). Its a beautiful park. Check their website and see what it offers . It is a huge park and you wont believe how much you could do while in it, a full day visit is a must! It's my favorite park next to Central Park. Walking distance to next door's Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Prospect Zoo and Brooklyn Museum. Good subway train access for commuters. I got lucky finding a good car parking spot on my visit. CAnt wait to visit it again. read more
4 years ago
It is so fun for kids and adults for family fun I totally recommend this park if you want to have a picnic read more
3 years ago
7 years ago
Less crowded alternative to Central Park! Full of locals on weekends and little to no tourists. Also a location for the Smorgasburg food market. It has a lot of different cool areas to see like creeks and lakes and jogging tracks et al. read more
After learning more about Frederick Law Olmsted, the man who created Central Park, and his vision, the history of his creations, the functions his spaces were meant to serve- I wanted to revisit Prospect Park. I have only been a couple of times before and didn't roam very far. Olmsted was kicked off Central Park after squabbling too much over funds with his bosses. His partner Vaux said, C'mon back for Prospect Park, no one is going to stifle your creativity this time. So this was the park he wanted to make. The park is smaller, and I think it's been neglected. I would imagine Central Park gets more funding, more attention, but that park too has gone through periods where it could've used more TLC. At PP, waterfalls flow into streams of stagnant sludge, large swaths of "wild" land were separated by cheap wire fences often broken in places, signs are damaged or unreadable, litter abounds, abrupt/awkward ends and starts to trails, sections were closed off (hopefully to be repaired), trees and foliage laid chopped or fallen down - impossible to tell if they were in the middle of some work or a storm came, buildings and large structures seemed to sit abandoned or unlit, there are fewer whimsical artworks and statues, and bathrooms are not easy to find. The Ravine was my favorite part. Similar to the North Woods and the Ramble in CP, this was one of the few places where I stopped hearing the screams and shouts of people from the playing fields. I don't know if it was the lack of foliage in late fall or the placement, but there was little to insulate the loud voices, one of my favorite things about CP. The Quaker cemetery pre-dates the park and is private property, as such it's locked away from the public. It's a shame, but considering the state of the rest of the park I don't think they could ensure the graves remain protected otherwise. It would be nice to see them turn it into a staffed visitor center, something like the Discover Center by the Harlem Meer, or the Quaker Meeting House in Flushing. The park seems to be making an effort at planting new trees, in the area surrounding the Tennis House (closed off) I saw numerous new trees that had been planted in someones memory, their tiny fences becoming memorials to hang pictures and mementos from. I saw cardinals and woodpeckers throughout the park. Grand Army Plaza is an awe inspiring structure. Whether entering or leaving the park (I prefer to enter at the South End and exit to the plaza at night - it's very dramatic and imposing when it's all lit up). As others have said, some of the areas around the park are not gentrified yet. You can stick to the Park Slope side to enter/exit if you're concerned, but if you're from here I doubt you'll feel unsafe. The park has that Olmsted feel, but I would love to see it fully restored, and do plan on coming back to visit the botanical gardens in the spring. Volunteer! They need leaf rakers ;) read more
5 years ago
Brooklyn I love you. You have given us Prospect Park with its lush greenery landscape. This might be one of the most diverse parks in the city. People of all creeds congregate here to enjoy running, biking, concerts, sprinklers, ice skating and barbecuing just to name a few pleasures. There are things to enjoy in this special haven all year long. You have to love this park for its mystical beauty as well as its grittiness. Take advantage of its events and hidden trails. read more
Hobos and BoBos Breeders and Singles Cruisers and Racers Strollers and Rollers Stables and Lagoons Waterfalls and West Drive Squirrels and Swans Little League players & Frisbee tossers lackadaisical Grassy knolls and Astroturf Celebrate Brooklyn; Googa Mooga Live hipster music; live Afro-Caribbean music Blue Apron furnished picnics; C-town birthday cakes Weddings and first date evening strolls Toy trucks and food trucks Sky of blue; fields of green A tree grows in Brooklyn; A park stands in for Brooklyn. read more
4 years ago
3 years ago
This park is beautiful all year round. I love running to and around this park. I always end up taking a break during my run because there are so many great photo ops. And cute puppies!!! Fun fact from my roommate: apparently the guy who designed Central Park found some things he wasn't happy with so he changed those things when he designed Prospect Park. So basically, this is the perfect park. read more
If you're in the Brooklyn area and need a park to walk about in, swing by Prospect Park. First time venturing to this park and it is HUGE. One hour alone is not enough to explore this entire park. Perfect for running/jogging/walking, biking, horseback riding, and other methods of movement, this park has something for everyone regardless of age. From fishing areas (only catch and release allowed) to low hanging trees that one can climb on, I had fun walking around. One of the highlights of this park is the numerous picture ops you can take. The lake reflects beautifully off the trees and people watching is interesting too. A slight downer was the water quality. While from far away, the water looks nice but up close, one can see the many trash and the murky green ish tint. If the water was cleaner, this would have been an awesome place for swimming :) read more
Prospect Park is a really nice area in New York where you can almost completely forget about the fast paced urban lifestyle of the city that never sleeps. Prospect Park has a big open grassy field where anybody can play around, lounge around, or even have a barbecue. There's also a marketplace nearby so you can pick up a snack before entering the park. My friends and I picked up some fresh blueberries, found an open spot in the field and just talked and watched everybody have fun. Afterwards we explored the whole park for a bit and it is really beautiful. Good times to be had by all here, and it really makes me happy that a place like this exists. read more
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