Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Photos: Prospect Park Gets Two Skating Rinks In New Recreational Facility
By
Jen Carlson
Published Dec 18, 2013
Modified Dec 18, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
View all 28
By
Jen Carlson
Published Dec 18, 2013
Modified Dec 18, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Yesterday, during some appropriately wintery weather, Prospect Park's new Lefrak Center opened amongst 26 acres of restored parkland in the Lakeside Section of the park.
Mayor Bloomberg, BBP Marty Markowitz, Parks Commissioner Veronica White, and the President of the Prospect Park Alliance Emily Lloyd cut the ribbon at a ceremony opening up the center, which features a cafe, event space, and two ice skating rinks (one open, one covered)—though one will be used for roller skating during the warmer seasons.
This was all part of the final phase of a larger $74 million restoration and redesign of an underutilized section of Prospect Park, and Lloyd explained how the undertaking was funded, noting that "The Prospect Park Alliance and its individual, corporate, and foundation donors played a critical role in making the project a reality, raising close to $20 million—nearly 30% of the funds for the entire project. Because of this generous private giving, we attracted significant public investment to make our plans a reality. Plus the contribution of our naming donors, the LeFraks, means that Lakeside will remain an attraction for the next 100 years." The center is named for Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak.
The recreational center will open to the public this Friday, December 20th. Hours: Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: $6 (weekdays) and $8 (weekends), with skate rentals for $5.
Tagged
brooklyn
ice skating
lefrak
lefrak center
prospect park
original
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.
Before they attempt to fend off LeBron James and the 76ers on Tuesday, the Knicks will have a chance to show off their winning mentality through their tunnel fits.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 19, 2026
Will Barnes and Noble in the East Village spell doom for smaller shops? It's complicated.
Independent booksellers are grappling with whether the big-box chain is a threat or an ally in the fight against Amazon.
By
Sonia Rao
Arts & Entertainment
Will Barnes and Noble in the East Village spell doom for smaller shops? It's complicated.
Independent booksellers are grappling with whether the big-box chain is a threat or an ally in the fight against Amazon.
By
Sonia Rao
Can eligible NYC singles find love with 30 minutes and some really spicy food?
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
How the NYC Marathon has changed in the last 50 years
By
Hannah Frishberg
A visit to Art of Play, the Brooklyn store in an animatronic bird beef with Kelly Clarkson
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .