Prospect Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, spans 526 acres and is noted for its naturalistic design. The park contains a 60-acre lake, Brooklyn's only forest, and the Long Meadow, which is one of the largest stretches of unbroken meadow in any U.S. park.
One of the park's lesser-known features is the Prospect Park Audubon Center, which is located in the historic Boathouse. It was the first urban-area Audubon Center in the United States. Another hidden gem is the Lefferts Historic House, an 18th-century Dutch Colonial home that offers visitors a glimpse into Brooklyn's agrarian past.
The Prospect Park Zoo is home to nearly 400 animals representing 100 species. It was founded in 1935 and underwent a significant renovation in the late 20th century. The zoo is particularly known for its educational programs and animal enrichment activities.
In winter, the LeFrak Center at Lakeside offers ice skating, while in summer, visitors can enjoy roller skating and boating. The center also hosts various community events throughout the year.
Prospect Lefferts Gardens is a residential neighborhood adjacent to the eastern side of Prospect Park. The area is known for its historic district, which features a mix of late 19th and early 20th-century architecture, including Romanesque Revival, Neo-Renaissance, and Colonial Revival styles.
One of the notable landmarks in Prospect Lefferts Gardens is the Kings Theatre, which opened in 1929 as one of the five original Loew's Wonder Theatres. After closing in 1977, it underwent a $95 million restoration and reopened in 2015 as a performing arts venue.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden, not far from Prospect Lefferts Gardens, spans 52 acres and is home to over 14,000 types of plants. The garden's highlights include the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the Cranford Rose Garden, and the Steinhardt Conservatory.
One of the hidden cultural gems in the area is the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which supports local businesses and fosters economic development within the Caribbean-American community.
The neighborhood has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its Caribbean influences, particularly evident during the annual West Indian American Day Carnival, which draws millions of visitors to its vibrant parade and festivities.
In summary, the intertwining of Prospect Park and Prospect Lefferts Gardens creates a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness, making it an integral part of Brooklyn's landscape.