As I grew up and came to settle down in NYC again, I revisited this place that only brought nostalgia as I got closer to it. I was able to feel the rigid stone sidewalks and finding myself staring at the picturesque uniformity of residences in the neighborhood and even smelling the freshness that spring was cooking up with the beauty of its trees. While all of this was occurring, my mind was just remembering members who played a significant role in the appreciation I had and have for Prospect Park. As a kid who was able to experience this public park by running, family gatherings, sledding and visiting its zoo.
It’s a place that hits different when visiting. Prospect Park plays a significant role in the borough of Brooklyn, it nearly serves as a symbol of pride for us people of Brooklyn. The park is often compared to Central Park despite Central Park’s superior size. There are people who feel like Prospect allows oneself to immerse themselves a little more intimately with nature rather than being exposed to a swarm of people in Manhattan.
However, it’s astonishing that a park that was created, little more than 150 years ago (1867) still amazes people and is one of the factors for a higher cost of rent around the area of Park Slope.
Mike, I always feel nostalgic when I am in the park as well. If I use my imagination, especially when walking alone in one of the less-trodden corners of the park, I can almost see the Old Brooklynites walking along in their Victorian clothing. Prospect Park provides so many experiences based on the locale, season, and weather. Soon Prospect will have the scent of autumn.
I think it holds up well when compared to Central Park, which was built by the same designers: Olmsted and Vaux. We must keep in mind too that Brooklyn was still its own independent municipality in this period. If a great city like New York has a great park, then why not the great city of Brooklyn?! That’s how Brooklynites saw it at the time. And why not?
And yes, Prospect Park certainly contributes to the higher cost of rent in the Slope. Good observation and nice post.
Ever since I was a little girl growing up in Flatbush, Brooklyn, there was always this old abandoned theatre on Flatbush Avenue. For years I created my own assumption, that this old movie theatre caught on fire years ago and was just left there as a piece of history. Thanks to this class, I actually got to find out some information about this theatre that is known today as Kings Theatre.
Formerly known as Loew’s movie theatre, King’s first opened in 1929. It was known as one of the five “wonder theatre’s” in NYC. This theatre provided entertainment such as musicals, plays, live stage shows, and was even used for graduations. This theatre was opened until the year 1977. The city was approved ownership of the building in 1979. Within the many years of neglect, the building deteriorated and was vandalized. After a little over 30 years, in 2010 the city decided to do a full renovation to the theatre. This led to the re-grand opening in February 2015. The theatre has been used for plays, show casings and concerts for Brooklynites. It is unfortunate that I haven’t gotten to see a show yet but hopefully within due time, I will be able to support my community and see the great walls of history.
In my opinion , I love the fact that Brooklyn has yet another positive monument. However I feel the the King’s theatre has brought pain for the Minorities of the community. Minorities were already forced to move out because rent was too high. Gentrification was and is still happening at its best, causing the rent and businesses within the area to continue rising. King’s theatre added fuel to the fire when it comes to minorities and the many setbacks.
In my neighborhood at the corner of Linden Boulevard and Mother Gaston, is the New York City Department of Parks Recreation -Brownsville Recreation Center , also known as the Brownsville Boys club has been opened since 1953. The boys and girls club has welcomed all children and members of the community. This nonprofit community center ran by Abe Stark. Brownsville once was a predominantly Jewish neighborhood. Brownsville experienced a rapid demographic change in the 1950’s with African Americans as the new majority. This recreation holds many interesting stories. This center is very well known for its basketball court, fitness zumba classes, children karate classes, personal fitness equipment, live music shows, indoor pool, sport tournaments and kid activities. There is a fee you must pay for a membership. The adult membership is 150.00 dollars and 25.00 dollars for seniors 62 years old and up. Children,seniors and other members of the community are welcomed. I myself used to take free swimming lessons a few years ago at the recreation center. The recreation has been a second home to some kids and most people in the community. It has built a great sense of security for most children, younger youth and teenagers. The recreation has kept the youth out of trouble. The boys and girls club is a place where you can keep fit and will always have a fun activity to participate in.
The bad aspects of the center are that the building is very old and is in need of a serious new renovation of the building. Most people who attend the center, would agree that the building should be repaired. Also I have heard about Brownsville recreation center neighborhood facing gentrification. The neighborhood itself is on a high poverty level. The Brownsville neighborhood is one of the dangerous neighborhoods known. There has been a high rate of drugs, homicide and gang related disputes within the community. Many innocent youths are targeted in the crimes.
The recreation center is well known for it’s Black monuments and wall murals. During black history month there is a presentation given about the history of the slaves and well known African American civil rights leaders. Any visitor that comes to the center is welcome to see the pictures of the mural wall. Due to the novel coronavirus outbreak the recreation center has been closed until further notice.
Tameeka, thanks for sharing. You captured a great deal in just a few paragraphs.