Prospect Park

Prospect Park is a 526-acre public park in Brooklyn, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who were appointed in 1866 after their Central Park work. Construction began that July and the park was largely complete by 1873. The designers turned hills, gullies, and swampy hollows into three distinct districts: the open Long Meadow, wooded hills, and a fifty-seven acre lake fed by a man-made stream system. Carriage drives, bridle paths, and walks were kept separate, with arches carrying drives over pedestrian routes. Later work added a second layer of design. Around 1895 to 1905, McKim, Mead & White gave several entrances a classical character, and Grand Army Plaza is dominated by the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch of 1889-92. Other features include the Boathouse, the Grecian Shelter, the Lefferts Homestead, and the Camperdown Elm. The park remains Brooklyn's principal green space and recreational site.