The Beauty of Prospect Park

 

Stepping off the subway at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, my husband and I ascended the steps into the sun. It was a warm day, and the still air surrounded us as we walked toward the historic Soldiers and Sailors Arch built near the entrance to Prospect Park. Built from 1889 to 1892, the arch is a monument for the Union soldiers and sailors who fought in the American Civil War. Reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, it stands as the entrance to the wide expanse of one of the most beautiful parks in New York.

Strolling lazily through the arch, we took in the green expanse of the Northern entrance to Prospect Park. 526 acres of pristine grass, trees and rambling paths opened up before us. We chose the path to the right as it scrolled out before us like a ribbon into the trees. Benches, placed strategically along the walkway offered a respite when the sun turned warm. It was a beautiful afternoon for a walk in the park, and we smiled and nodded to joggers taking advantage of the weather. Stopped for a moment by a sweet couple, we offered to hold their jackets and snap pictures of them tucked into the trees. Laughing and enjoying the moment, we embraced this special time in the park. 

Designed by two architects who also worked on Central Park, there are many elements that have a similar feel as that great Manhattan icon. Prospect Park includes a zoo and Audubon Center. It is also surrounded by the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and Brooklyn Museum of Art. With so many options to choose from for an outing, a repeat visit to the park is certainly in our future! See more about Prospect Park by visiting the website: Home - Prospect Park Alliance