Prospect Park

Parks And The Prospect Park Alliance Reopen Vanderbilt Playground

Today, Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe joined Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, Borough President Marty Markowitz, Assembly Member James Brennan, Council Member Brad Lander and President of the Prospect Park Alliance Tupper Thomas to celebrate the newly renovated Vanderbilt Street Playground in Prospect Park.

“With the renovation of Vanderbilt Playground, Prospect Park has become even more of a destination for creative play,” said Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “The playground is home to brand new state-of-the-art play equipment, as well as benches, water fountains and new fencing. Public Advocate Bill de Blasio’s legacy as a Council Member will live on in the generous $1.8 million he allocated toward giving this playground a much needed makeover.”

This year long construction project created a playground with both traditional and non-traditional play equipment and separate water features for toddlers and older children. New seating, drinking fountains, and fencing were added to the playground, as well as new plantings and increased Park security lighting. This project was planned by the Prospect Park Alliance Office of Design and Construction.

The Vanderbilt Street Playground has been open since 1929 and was last redesigned by the Prospect Park Alliance in 1990.

Designed and constructed over a thirty-year period (1865-1895) by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the masterminds behind Central Park, Prospect Park has blossomed into a premiere destination for Brooklyn visitors and residents alike. Contained within its 585 acres are a zoo, the first urban-area Audubon Center in the nation, a band shell, a carousel, and dozens of athletic and recreational facilities.

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CONTACT: Vickie Karp / Meghan Lalor (212) 360-1311

Know Before You Go

Kate Wollman Ice Skating Rink: CLOSED 2012-2013

The Kate Wollman Rink will NOT be open for ice skating this winter; 2012 - 2013. The parking lot will also remain closed this winter. Construction is continuing on Lakeside , a year-round destination for recreation, relaxation, and events. Ice skating will return with the completion of this exciting new project.