Bring Your E-Waste To "Upcycle Fest" In Prospect Park

Want to get rid of all the old electronic clutter in your closet? Bring your pads, pods and phones, tvs and all your other electronic clutter to the Upcycle Fest in Prospect park. The recycling event will take place in Prospect Park this Sunday, October 28th from 9 am to 2 pm and on Monday, October 29th from 8 am to 2 pm.

For a map of the four different drop-off  locations in the park, click here.

"Bring your outdated electronics to Prospect Park and drop them into the designated trucks where they will find a new life after being Upcycled. This sustainable solution to the buildup of old electronics helps to decrease the negative global impact that throwing out devices has on our environment, all while helping to support City Parks Foundation and Prospect Park Alliance."

Why Upcycle?

Upcycling gets ride of electronic clutter without adding to landfills

Upcycling re-purposes your gently used electronics for the secondary market

Upcycling supports Prospect Park and the City Park Foundation

100% Data Destruction HIPAA Compliant

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Take Part In Big Brothers, Big Sisters' 5K Race In Prospect Park

Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, the very worthwhile organization which provides "children facing adversity in New York City with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 mentoring relationships with adults that change their lives for the better", is hosting a 5k race in Prospect Park, Brooklyn on Saturday, September 21, 2013. The event is part of the Nickelodeon Worldwide Day of Play and will include a concert along with other fun activities.

Help BBBS of NYC raise $1,000,000 to support BBBS's goal of ensuring that all children achieve success in life by running (or walking) in the race

All information regarding the event can be found here .

Follow BBBS on Facebook here.

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This Saturday, Take Part In The Jingle Bell Jog in Prospect Park And Help Kids

Tomorrow, take part in a fun 4-mile run and help kids at the same time.
The New York Road Runner Organization is organizing the Jingle Bell Jog through Prospect Park, an event that raises money for youth programs in public schools.   Hundreds of kids will be running alongside adult racers, all in festive holiday gear.

NYRR Jingle Bell Jog in Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Saturday, December 8th at 9am

Prospect Park

Race proceeds will help support running programs for 100,000 NYC studentsOn Saturday, December 8, New Yorkers can take part in the NYRR Jingle Bell Jog—a festive four-mile race in Prospect Park that supports hundreds of youth running programs in city public schools.
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz says, “We are proud to celebrate the many Brooklyn and New York City students who participate in NYRR’s fitness programs. Brooklyn is delighted to host the Jingle Bell Jog for the third year in a row. The four mile race will not only help runners burn off some of those holiday calories, but with all proceeds going to the NYRR youth running programs, I can’t think of a better gift to our city’s public school kids this holiday season.” Councilwoman Letitia James adds, “Running has a tremendous positive impact on all members of our community. It’s a sport for all ages and abilities.”
Like last year, runners will get a long-sleeved technical shirt with their registration and jingle bells for their sneakers that sound so much like Santa’s sleigh, passers-by will look to the skies searching for reindeer! At the finish line, young elves will randomly bestow gifts to runners who have the holiday spirit. All the prizes are donated by local merchants, including BAM, Jack Rabbit Sports, Shake Shack, and Four and Twenty Blackbirds. See the full list here.
New this year is the addition of Toys for Tots. Runners and spectators can bring new, unwrapped toys and drop them off with the Marines at the Toys for Tots tent where they’ll be gifted to children in the city’s neediest neighborhoods.
Spots are still available for this year’s event where runners often dress up like Santa or his helpers and stick around post-race for hot chocolate and bagels. In addition to the race and its perks, each entry gives the gift of running and is equivalent to supporting a student in NYRR’s Mighty Milers program for a whole year.
Excited for Saturday is educator Nicoletta Nerangis of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. In October 2011, Nerangis brought Young Runners and Mighty Milers programs to P.S. 321 in Park Slope and now manages nearly 700 enthusiastic runners each week. “These programs give my students such joy, promote their love of running, build friendships, and give them positive focus and goals. Our Young Runners team has become very close and they all look forward to having Saturday’s runners come to their favorite practice spot, Prospect Park!”
In addition to Markowitz and James, Councilman Brad Lander, whose daughter is a Mighty Miler, will also attend the race. “The kids at P.S. 107 have fallen in love with running and have logged more than 7,000 miles since September. Running to them is more than fun and fitness, they’ve also used the sport to raise thousands of dollars for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. I’m so proud of all these students.”

Sign up online or register on race day in Prospect Park on the Nethermead, located in the center of Prospect Park.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Laura Paulus at 646-241-3527 or lpaulus@nyrr.org
For further information, click here

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Wilderness Survival Training In Prospect Park

photo credit: Daniel Avila, NYC Parks & Recreation

Prospect Park can hardly be considered wilderness, but here in the city, it's the perfect place to learn a thing or two about survival skills.  The Urban Park Rangers will be teaching valuable techniques on how to stay alive if you ever get lost far from the nearest Starbuck.
Here is more:
"What would you do if you found yourself lost in the woods? Do you know how to build your own shelter, or start a fire without matches? What would you eat and where would you find water? Do you have what it takes to survive in the wild? Our Urban Park Rangers are skilled in the techniques of wilderness survival and emergency preparedness. On these fun, family friendly programs you will learn tips and tricks that will enhance your knowledge of the natural world, and might just save your life.Whether you are preparing for an extended journey through the woods or just want to be more prepared for any situation, a wilderness survival program is perfect for you. Wilderness survival programs feature hands-on activities in an outdoor setting. Emergency Preparedness provides families and individuals with helpful information on how to be ready when an emergency situation arises. All programs are family friendly, but are recommended for ages 8 years and older. Please dress appropriately for cold weather."

Click here for further information.

Wilderness Survival

Saturday, February 11, 2012

1 PM

Prospect Park Picnic House (in Prospect Park)

West Drive and Third Street., Brooklyn

(718) 421-2021 

Free

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MulchFest 2012: Where To Recycle Your Christmas Tree In The Neighborhood This Week-End

Start the new year green by recycling your Christmas tree this week-end, January 7th And 8th from 10 am to 2 pm at Mulch Fest 2012. Just bring it to one of the designated neighborhood parks and the New York City Department of Parks And Recreation, the New York City Department of Sanitation, and GreeNYC 's will chip it into mulch that will nourish plants across the city.
The closest drop-off sites here in the neighborhood are:
Cobble Hill Park ,Verandah Place & Clinton Street
The Amazing Garden,Columbia Street at Carroll Street
and off course,
Prospect Park,Third Street at Prospect Park West
*You are encouraged to bring bags to take advantage of the free mulch provided at sites

And if you don't have time this week-end, don't worry. The NYC Department of Sanitation will also be conducting special curbside collections for mulching and recycling of Christmas trees from January 3 through January 14.
For more info on MulchFest, click here. Read more

Better Come Hungry To The Next Food Truck Rally At Grand Army Plaza

Yes, these Food Truck events have a tendency to be a bit crowded, but this is a great opportunity to sample everything from lobster rolls, dumplings, souvlaki and ice cream in one convenient Brooklyn location. Mark your calendar and come hungry!

Taste the delights of NYC's food trucks!

Sunday August 21, 2011

11 AM to 5 PM

At Grand Army Plaza/Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Some of New York's best food trucks are coming to Prospect Park on the third Sunday of each month through October (August 21, September 18, October 16). The Prospect Park Alliance and the New York City Food Truck Association are holding a Food truck Rally, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Grand Army Plaza entrance to the Park. Taste a wide range of delicious foods, treats and refreshments; from savory to sweet, and influenced by cuisines from around the globe. Plus enjoy live music and a raffle.

For more information:http://www.prospectpark.org/calendar/event/foodtruc

Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park.

Directions to Grand Army Plaza.

Click here to view this location on an Interactive Map.

Participating Food Trucks*

• Bistro Truck • Coolhaus • Joyride • Kelvin Natural Slush Co.

• Kimchi Taco • Mexicue • Mud Truck • The Red Hook Lobster Pound

• Rickshaw Dumpling Truck • Souvlaki GR • Taïm Mobile

• The Eddie's Pizza Truck • The Treats Truck • Vanleeuwen Ice Cream

• Wafels and Dinges

*Subject to change

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Walk Through the Sound Of Spring In Prospect Park

If you have felt the need to re-connect to nature now that spring is here, you won't want to miss this event from Proteus Gowanus. Read on:As part of our year-long exploration of Paradise, we will walk through the sounds of spring in Prospect Park.

We will be silent, unplugged from all our devices, and “all ears” as birdsong (“the dawn chorus”) surrounds us in the midst of a borough of 2.5 million people. This will be a walking meditation, a natural concert, a rehabilitation of our urban-abused sense of hearing, and anything else you wish it to be.New York City is in the Atlantic Flyway, the east coast’s major migration route for billions of birds moving northwards to their breeding grounds during spring. Prospect Park is a vital stopover for dozens of species heading further north, as well as those species that nest there. It is still an avian paradise, 'though constantly imperiled.

The sun rises at 5:55 a.m. on May 1.
This walk will be led by bird-listening and natural history blogger Matthew Wills.
Meet at Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park at 6 am sharp.

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Bicycle This Way »»»»»»» To Prospect Park

The sign pointing bicyclists to Prospect Park must have made its appearance on a light post at the intersection of the bike lanes at Smith and Union Streets very recently. I don't remember seeing it there before. Do you?

Of course, since the B 71 bus route was cut last year, a bicycle is the fastest way of getting to the park and to the Brooklyn Museum.

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Reminder: This Sunday, Electronic Waste Recycling At Prospect Park

photo credit: Swiatoslaw Wojtkowiak

If you got new electronic toys for Christmas and don't want to just throw out the old, you may want to bring it to the Electronic Waste Recycling event in Prospect Park on January 16th. It's a great way to get a green start to 2011.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Renewed for the New Year!

Here's a chance to start off your New Year on the right foot. Or footprint! Whether it's clothes you've been meaning to get rid of, your holiday tree, or that old electronic gadget that you just upgraded, here's a chance to do the right thing with your waste.

Electronic Waste Recycling at Prospect Park

January 16, 2011 | 10:00am - 4:00pm

Prospect Park West and 3rd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215

info@lesecologycenter.org

The Ecology Center is bringing its 8th Annual "After the Holidays" E-waste Events to Prospect Park this January to help you responsibly dispose of all of your unwanted or broken gadgets. Help us meet our goal of collecting 100 tons this January by spreading the word to your friends and neighbors! A list of acceptable materials can be found here and we accept electronics from households and small businesses (less than 50 employees, please call ahead) as well as not-for-profits. We do not accept home appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators, or air conditioners.

Directions:

Transit: Take the F or G train to 7th Avenue, walk 4 blocks east to Prospect Park West and 6 blocks north to 3rd Street, or take the B67 or B69 bus to 7th Avenue and 3rd Street and walk 4 blocks east.

Driving: Take Prospect Park West south from Grand Army Plaza to 3rd Street, the event will be on the left side of the street or take 3rd Street to the intersection with Prospect Park West and the event will be directly in front of you.

We would like to thank Prospect Park Alliance and the Department of Parks and Recreation for hosting this event and thank Tekserve for sponsoring the event.

REMEMBER: January 16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Bring your old electronics to Prospect Park West and 3rd St for them to be recycled and kept of out landfills! The Lower East Side Ecology Center is bringing its 8th Annual "After the Holidays" E-waste Event to Prospect Park to help you responsibly dispose of all of your unwanted or broken gadgets. Help them meet their goal of collecting 100 tons this January by spreading the word to your friends and neighbors.

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Building In NY City Parks? In 1912, Such A Suggestion Sparked Outrage

Something must be very wrong with things as they are if it is possible for the public to lose any portions of such a Park. Surely something can be done to prevent this ever-recurring danger of stealing, under one pretense or another, any portion of so valuable a fresh-air space in a great city like this.

A "Constant (Central) Park Goer" in 1912

Identified building sites in Brooklyn Bridge Park indicated in orange

(image credit: Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation)

Central Park in early 1900's

Photo Courtesy of:The Olmsted Legacy

(courtesy: New York Times)

From The New York Times

June 1912

to see a bigger version, click here

Excerpt from article above

The former Lenox Library in the early 1900's

photo courtesy of the Library Of Congress

The ongoing debate over the financing plan for the new Brooklyn Bridge Park, which calls for the construction of luxury condos and a hotel on six sites within the park's footprint to pay for its upkeep, has divided many in the community. In my posting on the second public meeting on alternatives to housing in Brooklyn Bridge Park, I wondered what Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture, would have thought of the suggestion of housing in Central Park or Prospect Park. I found the answer in an old article from the New York Times (see above). Apparently, in 1874, Olmsted objected to a proposed building in Central Park by stating: "Will the Park, by the plan proposed, be made more valuable as a substitute to the mass of the people for a visit to the country- as affording the greatest possible healthful change of scene, of air, of mental associations from those to which they are subject under the ordinary conditions of city life?"

In 1912, shortly after Olmsted's death, park proponents had to fight to keep another building out of Central Park. City officials had proposed to reconstruct the Lenox Library near the Arsenal. The library, founded by bibliophile James Lenox in 1871, was originally located on Fifth Avenue between 70th and 71st Streets. It contained not only Lenox's vast private collection of books and documents, but also the first Gutenberg Bible that came to the New World.

In 1906, the ornate building was sold to steel magnate Henry Clay Frick for $2.5 million. Intending to build his own mansion on the spot, he offered to relocate the structure to Central Park. That suggestion, however, resulted in widespread public protest and broadened "into a general movement in favor of a strict Park policy against building encroachments of any kind."

Both the American Institute of Landscape Architects and the Parks And Playground Association were vehemently opposed to the plan and quickly organized to dissuade the Art Commission of New York City, who voted on the matter.

Artist W.B. Van Ingen, who had painted many scenes of Central Park, added his voice to the protest. He wrote: "The Park was created that the people of the city should have ready and inexpensive access to such scenes of nature as may be reached by the wealthy through their opportunities of travel. It was designed to provide means of escape from the sights of buildings, and screens of trees were placed with the avowed intention that such structures might as far as possible be shut from the sight."

Thankfully, the proposal was ultimately defeated and Lenox's collection becoming part of the New York City Public Library on 5th Avenue at 42nd Street.

A hundred years ago, as today, buildings in public parks were viewed as a dangerous precedent and against the interest of the public. For decades, New Yorkers have been able to successfully defend their green oases. Lets hope that Brooklyn Bridge Park will not be the exception that becomes the rule.

Related Reading:

Park Defenders Join In War On Library (NY Times)

No Space In Park For Lenox Library (NY Times)

Central Park Safe, Architects Hear (NY Times)

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Spectacular Autumnal Color In Prospect Park, So No Need To Drive Upstate

No need to drive upstate to admire nature's incredible display of fall color. Here in Carroll Gardens, the foliage seems to have changed overnight, while in Prospect Park, some trees look as though they are ablaze.  So make sure to take a walk in the next few days, otherwise you may miss this splendor.
This by far is my favorite season of the year.



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Allen Toussaint And Davell Crawford,The Princes Of New Orleans, Rocked Prospect Park

Allen Toussaint playing in Prospect Park

Davell Crawford on piano

Davell Crawford on keyboard

Saturday evening could nnot have been more beautiful for a concert in Prospect Park. The second evening of music in the 2010 Celebrate Brooklyn season at the park's band shell, featured two of New Orleans' giants, Allen Toussaint and Dawell Crawford.

Allen Toussaint, started the evening off***. With just his piano to accompany him, he entertained the crowd with many of the songs from his long carreer producing and arranging music for the Neville Brothers, the Rolling Stones and Elvis Castello.

Dawell Crawford with his incredible band came on next. The Piano Prince Of New Orleans was electrifying. By the third song, the crowd was on its feet, dancing to his infectious mix of blues,

jazz and gospel.

Great music, great evening. Hope you were there!

*** A reader corrected me. Apparently Dawell Crawford came out first, followed by Allen Toussaint. Crawford then came out again after Toussaint.

I came slightly late and must have missed Crawford's first set.

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A Moment Back In Time: Children In Prospect Park, Circa 1890's

A Moment Back In Time To Prospect Park in the 1890's

Taken in the 1890's, this wonderful photograph shows children in their summer finery in Prospect Park. It looks as though they are waiting for something or someone, but for whom or for what has long been forgotten.

Don't you love it?

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"Dancin' In the Rain": A Fundraiser For Prospect Park's Playgrounds

Photo Credits: Prospect Park Alliance

Just think how lucky we are here in Brooklyn to have Prospect Park with its wonderful green expanses and its great playgrounds. Thanks to the Prospect Park Alliance, these play area's are always well maintained. On May 21st, the Alliance's Playground Committee is holding an event to raise funds for their continuing care. Read on:

Party for Playgrounds 2010

Dancin' in the Rain
Friday, May 21, 2010
7 – 10 p.m

The Boathouse at Prospect Park

Cocktails Hors D’Oeuvres Music
Boat Rides Silent Auction
Cocktail Attire Parking Available

Tickets: $75 and up

A donation to Prospect Park's playgrounds is a unique way to honor a child

The Prospect Park Alliance’s Playground Committee works to support the Park’s seven award-winning playgrounds. Founded in 2004, the Committee has raised more than $150,000 to date to ensure that these spaces receive diligent care and maintenance, in addition to raising awareness and advocating on behalf of the Park’s playgrounds and open spaces.

More details at http://www.prospectpark.org/calendar/event/party-for-playgrounds

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