Tag: Lakeside

c. Tom Stephenson

The Painted Bunting: Flocking to the Park

December 15, 2015

This month, you may have noticed the influx of binocular-wielding, camera-toting bird lovers in the vicinity of the LeFrak Center at Lakeside searching for a rare and magnificent bird called the painted bunting, otherwise known as the bird that broke the Internet. This migratory member of the cardinal family is the first of his kind to be seen in Brooklyn in years, and has generated a significant amount of buzz thanks to his polychromatic plumage.

But the beloved painted bunting is hardly the first exciting species to temporarily call Prospect Park’s abundant lush woodlands, home. John Jordan, Director of Landscape Management for the Prospect Park Alliance, rattles off a list of impressive avian visitors, most recently some nesting great horned owls. “We regularly have red-tailed hawks and each year we get a great number of migrating – and sometimes nesting – songbirds coming through the Park,” he adds.

The Park’s woodland habitats do not exist by happenstance, but are the result of years of hard work by the Prospect Park Alliance’s Landscape Management and Design and Construction teams. In the late 1980s, when the Alliance was first founded, the Park’s natural areas were in a dire state. Decades of erosion and neglect had left the Park’s woodlands and waterways a poor habitat for wildlife. Over the past two decades, the Alliance has invested millions of dollars to revitalize the Park, planting hundreds of thousands of trees, plants and shrubs.

The LeFrak Center at Lakeside is an ideal example of this work. The project reclaimed three acres of wildlife habitat, including the site where the painted bunting was spotted – formerly a 300-space parking lot. Much of this restoration work is led by the Alliance’s Natural Resources Crew, which gives careful consideration to habitat value when deciding on plants to introduce to the landscape. “In addition to the aesthetic benefit, we think about how it adds to the health of the landscape and what creatures might utilize a plant for food, shelter or nesting,” said Jordan.

Prospect Park is designated as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. Thanks in part to its prime location along the Atlantic flyway, Prospect Park’s acres of forest attract migrating birds every year, drawn in by an abundance of food, and a variety of habitats. “Each of these bird species is drawn to different things,” explains Jordan. “The owls come for winter roosts in the tall evergreens; the woodland songbirds each occupy a different niche.” The woodlands provide especially varied and rich habitats for birds. “Some species hunt in the tree tops for insects, some scour the understory for berries, fruit, and seeds, and others forage along the forest floor.”

Love the painted bunting? Join Alliance naturalists at the Prospect Park Audubon Center for bird watching and other nature programs on weekends and during the Winter Recess. The Brooklyn Bird Club also leads early morning bird walks and monthly explorations of the Park. Learn about upcoming bird watching events, and check out our Visit the Park section for more information about birding in Prospect Park.

c. Jimmy Sawh

PPA Profiles: Shanley Pascal, Lakeside Recreation Manager

If you’ve spent any time at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside this season, you’ve undoubtedly seen the usual crowds of ice skaters gliding rhythmically around the rink, as well as the fast-paced frenzy of a hockey game. You’ve probably also noticed the emergence of a few winter activities less commonly seen in the City, like broomball and curling. Whether you’re a wintertime classicist or have learned the ins-and-outs of more untraditional sports, Lakeside Recreation Manager Shanley Pascal has likely played a role behind the scenes.

Ice skating has always been a major part of Shanley’s life. She grew up figure skating in the warmer climate of her native South Florida, and began her involvement in the skating community in New York City after matriculating at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in 2005. While still a student, she taught skating at several local rinks, and after graduating with a BFA in Theatre, she became the Skating Director at City Ice Pavilion. She was additionally elected to be Assistant District Representative of the Ice Skating Institute’s Metropolitan Area.

No stranger to the rest of the city’s rinks, Shanley first became a regular fixture on the ice at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in 2013. While working for a local film distribution company located along Prospect Park West, she made sure to hit the ice at Lakeside weekly during lunch breaks. “I would ride a funny green and pink folding bike gifted to me solely so I could get there to skate,” she recalls. “I’ve been connected to this rink since long before I started working here!” Her transition to heading up programming at the Skate School was only natural.

New York City’s skating scene has broadened the figure-skating Floridian’s horizons on the ice. “While I taught skating at World Ice, I continued figure skating, but also tried out hockey and speed skating.” She’s been able to knock off two more winter sports from her bucket list since joining the team at Lakeside. “I always joked that curling was the only ice sport I hadn’t tried, and broomball wasn’t even on my radar yet,” she explains. Fortunately for Shanley as well as countless Brooklynites, the LeFrak Center at Lakeside offers both. “That’s one of the best things the LeFrak Center, the idea that anyone can participate—from learning to skate to figure skating, hockey, curling, and broomball.”

In addition to sharing her wealth of figure skating knowledge, Shanley is passionate about getting people involved in these off-the-beaten-path winter activities. Since its launch in November of 2014 curling at Lakeside has been a hit. “It’s a fun game to play, especially as we provide beer after,” which is a time-honored curling tradition known as “broomstacking.” Those well versed in curling and its accompanying social antics can opt for league play. Beginners are encouraged to partake in a five- to six-week long clinic, after which they will be prepared to participate in the action and revelry.

Learn more about the LeFrak Center at Lakeside. 

c. Daisy Lane Paul

Painted Bunting Spotted in Prospect Park

December 2, 2015

Winter may be on the horizon, but that’s not stopping one particularly colorful character from making a stopover in Prospect Park, a National Audubon-designated Important Bird Area. The now-famous male painted bunting was spotted near the LeFrak Center at Lakeside this week, and local media outlets and bird-lovers alike have converged to catch a glimpse. And with good reason: while less-colorful female painted buntings have been spotted in the area as recently as 2011, this is the first recorded sighting of a male painted bunting in Brooklyn in recent memory.

The multi-colored member of the cardinal family is likely bound for Florida or Central America for the winter, but was drawn to this area of the Park due to an abundance of shelter and seeds to forage and eat. As part of the creation of Lakeside, one of the Park’s newest attractions and the most ambitious restoration project in the history of the Park, the Prospect Park Alliance transformed a 300-spot parking lot into an additional three acres of green space and wildlife habitat – a perfect respite for migrating bird species like the painted bunting. Learn more about the Alliance’s  environmental preservation work and about birdwatching activities in the Park.

Broomball Comes to the LeFrak Center at Lakeside

November 17, 2015

The ice is now open at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside, and winter sport enthusiasts of all ages have already converged to curl, skate and play hockey on its 32,000 square feet of skating rinks.

But what about those without a background on the ice? This year, the LeFrak Center at Lakeside introduces an exciting, skate-free alternative: broomball.

Played on ice but in sneakers, this popular Midwestern sport is essentially hockey without skates. Instead of a puck, competitors aim to shoot a ball into the opposition’s goal. And as the name suggests, brooms replace hockey sticks.

“It’s a great option for those who don’t know how to skate to participate in hockey,” says Shanley Pascal, recreation manager at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside.

Teams are comprised of 10+ players, but only six are on the ice at a time: a goalie, two forwards, a center and two defenders. Game play is fun and fast paced. Expect lots of goals during a match’s two 15- or 30-minute halves.

Broomball is ideal for those caught up in the excitement of professional hockey’s return to Brooklyn with the New York Islanders. Following matches, get to know your teammates over post-broomball beers. (The league is 21 and over.) Grab some friends or register as a free agent and join the broomball league at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside today. 

Prospect Park Alliance Featured on NYC TV

October 23, 2015

Join TV host Dave Evans on a tour of things to do in Prospect Park! $9.99 with Dave Evans, an NYC Life program that highlights the best free or low-cost activities in the city, devoted a recent episode to Prospect Park. This episode highlights Prospect Park Alliance activities at Lefferts Historic House, the Audubon Center, the Carousel, Lakeside, and the Tennis Center, and also features an interview with Alliance President Sue Donoghue. Although it aired last week, the episode can be watched online at the NYC Media website.

Visit our calendar to learn about upcoming programs in Prospect Park.

 

Michael Moran/OTTO

Ice Skating Season is Around the Corner

October 20, 2015

The fall may be just underway, but ice skating season is around the corner at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside. Slated to begin October 31, this season enjoy expanded programs and clinics on the ice. There will also be opportunities to try these new offerings for free.  

The skate school is back, offering lessons, hockey clinics and an expanded figure skating program, including a slate of performances and showcases. Ice skating lessons are available for all ages, from special Parent/Child and Tots classes to beginner to advance levels for youth and adults. Lakeside’s Hockey Academy teaches the fundamentals of this ultimate winter sport, including beginner hockey lessons, and youth and adult clinics.

Love curling? Last year, Lakeside introduced this Olympic sport to Brooklyn for the first time in more than a century. This year, curling returns with an expanded schedule of introductory sessions and league play. The center is also introducing another sport—broomball, a hockey-like game played with brooms and sneakers. Ice skating skills are not required, anybody can play!

Not sure which of these fun, seasonal activities is the best fit for you? Try them for free. Lakeside will offer free lessons and clinics this season. Stay tuned for more details.

The LeFrak Center at Lakeside will feature a new seasonal menu at the Bluestone Café. Stop in for a hot chocolate and other tasty treats, and enjoy the view of the rinks from a table indoors or outdoors.

Learn more about skating programs.

c. Martin Seck

2016 Summer Checklist

August 11, 2015

There’s no shortage of fun to be had in Brooklyn during summer. In fact, the sheer number of options can be daunting! But worry not, Prospect Park fans, because we’ve got you covered, with our guide to some of the Park’s top events and attractions this summer.

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival – It wouldn’t be summertime in Brooklyn without this mainstay of music and arts taking over the Bandshell. In addition to the highly touted benefit shows (with acts this year like Herbie Hancock and case/lang/veirs), the lineup features a wide array of acts and performers, ranging from the Violent Femmes, to Femi Kuti, to a live-score-accompaniment to David Bowie’s Labyrinth.

The Carousel – Bring the family to a Brooklyn classic, the Prospect Park Carousel! The tried-and-true children’s ride isn’t only fun for a sping, but the ornate woodwork and painting of the structure itself provides a perfect old-timey photo-op.

New York Philharmonic – Celebrate the 51th summer of free outdoor programming from the NY Philharmonic. Alan Gilbert leads the Orchestra in Beethoven’s Overture to Fidelio, Symphony No. 3, Eroica; and Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, featuring Anthony McGill on clarinet. As always, fireworks to follow!

Smorgasburg – Beautiful surroundings and eclectic offerings from 100 of the city’s most innovative purveyors of tasty treats? What more could you ask for? Smorgasburg provides both on the Park’s Breeze Hill, and convenes every Sunday through October.

Yoga in the Park – Looking to balance your summer indulgences with a little outdoor exercise and mindfulness? Head to the Long Meadow every Thursday evening for free community yoga classes brought to you by the Prospect Park Alliance, Bend and Bloom Yoga and lululemon Brooklyn.

Boating and Biking at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside – Celebrate the return of boating to the Lake with a spin on a pedal boat, or cruise around the Park in one of the bike rentals, including surreys, coupes, choppers and quad sport bikes.

Water Play – Perhaps you’ve been to the new Splash Pad Water Play Area at the LeFrak Center, named Best of New York by New York Magazine, but did you know there are five playgrounds with water features? Take your kids to each location to cool off this summer.

Of course this is just the tip of the summer activity iceberg here in the Park, check out our events calendar for more great summer pastimes.

c. Martin Seck

Summer Checklist

June 17, 2015

Summer in Prospect Park is full of fun things to see and do. With so much going on in the Park in the coming months, it’s easy to lose track. So, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite events and activities that shouldn’t be missed. Share your favorite activities with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with #ProspectPark.

1. Food Truck Rally (Select Sundays through October) A summer favorite, this outdoor smorgasbord at Grand Army Plaza is presented by the Prospect Park Alliance and Dispatch NY. Each week will feature a different array of trucks, including Kelvin Natural Slush Co, Carpe Donut NYC, Kimchi Taco Truck, Coolhaus, Red Hook Lobster Pound, Milk Truck, Phil’s Steaks and Andy’s Italian Ices.

2. New York Philharmonic (June 19) The New York Philharmonic celebrates its 50th summer of free outdoor concerts in city parks, including Brooklyn’s flagship. Charles Dutoit leads the Orchestra in Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture; Saint-Saëns’s Violin Concerto No. 3, with Renaud Capuçon as soloist; Stravinsky’s Petrushka; and Ravel’s La Valse. As part of the anniversary celebration, the Philharmonic has invited a local group to perform prior to each concert—in Brooklyn, the guest musicians are the Brooklyn Interdenominational Choir. The concert will be followed by fireworks. This is one of the most popular events in the Park. Get there early to find a good spot on the lawn.

3. Taming of the Shrew (June 23, 24, 30, and July 1) The New York Classical Theater will present a traveling production of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew that will walk audience members through Prospect Park, beginning at Grand Army Plaza. Nothing is as it seems in this story of unconventional couples, which subverts issues of identity, gender and power dynamics to show in the end that all we need are love and compassion.

4. Fishing Clinics (Saturdays and Sundays in July and August) Geared for families with children 15 years and under, this popular summer tradition is the perfect chance to cast a line into Brooklyn’s only lake. Learn about the 17 species of fish that call Prospect Park home in these catch-and-release fishing classes, including the long-running Macy’s Fishing Clinic and a second that is part of the expanded Pop-Up Audubon program. Poles are limited, so be sure to arrive early. 

5. Creatures of the Night (July 9, August 13 and 27) Join the Alliance to explore Prospect Park after dark with expert naturalist Paul Keim. Adults 21 and over can share wine and cheese with Paul as he speaks about the ecological role that bats and nocturnal insects play in our environment, followed by a walking tour to spot and identify the Park’s various species of resident bats in flight. There is also a family-friendly version of the tour on July 16.

6. Lola Star’s Dreamland Disco (Fridays) Lace up those skates and hustle your way to the LeFrak Center at Lakeside for this roller-dance party with a different retro theme each week. Celebrating the best of the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s, Lola Star and her fabulous array of guests and performers will get you moving every Friday night this summer.

7. Boating and Biking at Lakeside Celebrate the return of boating to the Lake with a spin on a pedal boat, or cruise around the Park in one of the new bike rentals, including surreys, coupes, choppers and quad sport bikes.

8. Water Play Perhaps you’ve been to the new Splash Pad Water Play Area at the LeFrak Center, named Best of New York by New York Magazine, but did you know there are five playgrounds with water features? Take your kids to each location to cool off this summer.

9. Ezra Jack Keats Story Hour (Saturdays in July and August) Gather around Peter and Willy, the statue of two beloved Keats characters, for adventures brought to life by master storyteller Tammy Hall at the Imagination Playground.

10. Celebrate Brooklyn! Everyone knows and loves this free performing arts concert series, but have you enjoyed the full range of activities they offer? Do not miss out on the annual silent film screening with a live score by the Alloy Orchestra. This year’s film is Son of the Sheik on July 17, Rudolf “Latin Lover” Valentino’s final performance on the silver screen. And on July 30, the world premiere of Harmonium Mountain, a massive, site-specific performance piece by artist Clifford Ross and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s.

 
c. Paul Martinka

Brooklyn Ice

March 16, 2015

This winter, Brooklyn Ice, a nonprofit organization that provides free afterschool figure skating lessons to community youth, returned to Prospect Park after a several year absence with the first full winter season of ice skating at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside.

Brooklyn Ice was founded over ten years ago in Prospect Park by Violet Eagan, a longtime figure skating coach, with the mission of making figure skating an accessible sport for underserved youth. The program launched in 2004 with just 12 neighborhood youth, and has grown to support over 60 youth, providing not only skating instruction but also academic tutoring and special workshops on nutrition, college preparation and more.

“Encouraging personal growth through sport and community is our goal,” says Eagan. “It’s a great opportunity for the kids to meet new friends outside of their regular school day while improving skate skills and becoming better members of the community.”

Participants in the program are recruited from schools neighboring Prospect Park, and the program brings together a diverse group over the course of several years, enabling youth to form long-term friendships. “My favorite thing about Brooklyn Ice is that it gets you moving,” said Lucero, a fifth grader at PS 10. “Your not just sitting in the house, you are having fun working with people.”

The program will run through March 23, when students will present their skills to the public at the Brooklyn Ice Annual Skating Show at 6 pm at the LeFrak Center. The ice show not only showcases the progress and efforts of the students participating in the program, but features guest performers including Jimmy Ma, a figure skating senior national competitor. Prospect Park Alliance members receive a $5 discount on advance ticket purchases using the code PPA15.

 

c. Martin Seck

Splash Pad Named Best of New York

March 10, 2015

New York Magazine has named the Splash Pad at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside as Best Kids’ Cool Down in its 2015 Best of New York issue.  This is the second year in a row that the Alliance has been featured in Best of New York, with the Donald and Barbara Zucker Natural Exploration Area named Best Playground last year.

The Splash Pad, offically known as the Matilda Raffa Cuomo Water Playground, is the LeFrak Center’s free water play area for kids 12 and under. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the water feature welcomed over 30,000 visitors last summer. Featuring 47 water spray jets and covering 16,000 square feet, Splash Pad is largest water play area in Prospect Park. In addition, the LeFrak Center offers roller skating, the Bluestone Café, and surrounding landscapes for picnicking and relaxation.