The Eastern Border
Prospect Lefferts Gardens is inextricably linked to Prospect Park. Ocean Avenue forms the neighborhood's western boundary, running parallel to the park's eastern perimeter. For residents of PLG, the park isn't a destination; it's an extension of their backyard.
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux after their success with Manhattan's Central Park, Prospect Park's 526 acres offer everything from dense woodlands to open meadows and Brooklyn's only lake.
Neighborhood Entrances
Accessing the park from PLG is seamless, with two primary entry points that shape how residents utilize the space:
- Lincoln Road Entrance: This entrance delivers you directly to the east side of the Lake and the Kate Wollman Rink/LeFrak Center. It's the most direct route for accessing the Boathouse and the Audubon Center.
- Parkside Avenue Entrance: Situated at the southwest corner of the neighborhood, this grander entrance leads toward the Parade Ground, the Tennis Center, and the southern reaches of the Lake.
The Lake & The Boathouse
The eastern side of the park—closest to PLG—is dominated by the 60-acre Lake. The shoreline features the historic 1905 Boathouse, beautifully restored and housing the Audubon Center. From spring through fall, the lake is dotted with pedal boats and kayaks, while the surrounding paths offer some of the park's most scenic walking routes.
Recreation & The Loop
The park's 3.35-mile main drive loop is heavily utilized by cyclists, runners, and walkers year-round. From the PLG entrances, residents can easily join the loop for a workout. The nearby Parade Ground (just south of Parkside Avenue) provides 40 acres of athletic fields for soccer, baseball, football, and netball, functioning as the organized-sports hub for the surrounding neighborhoods.