Lakeside Reopens In Prospect Park With Fresh Summer Activities On Deck

PARK SLOPE, NY — Get ready, Brooklyn — the LeFrak Center at Lakeside is reopening with a fresh look, new activities and tasty food and drinks to match.

After extensive renovations and new operators stepping in, the LeFrak Center will reopen on the weekend of Aug. 2 and 3, debuting roller skating, boating, and—new this year—pickleball.

Originally opened over a decade ago as Prospect Park’s largest capital project, Lakeside transformed a defunct Robert Moses-era skating rink and parking lot into a vibrant lakeside destination managed by the Prospect Park Alliance.

"The LeFrak Center at Lakeside is one of the most ambitious projects in Prospect Park Alliance’s history,” said Prospect Park Alliance President Morgan Monaco. "Since its opening in 2013, we have served hundreds of thousands of community members each year with dynamic programs and activities."

The community space will now be managed by two new operators: Ekstein Development Group and Oberon Restaurant Group. Ekstein, which runs community rinks in Queens, will handle recreational activities such as roller skating, pickleball, boating and winter ice sports.

Oberon Restaurant Group, known for running Purslane Café at Prospect Park’s Boathouse, will open Duck Island Café and Bar, a seasonal restaurant offering a varied menu to appeal to all types of diners.

"Lakeside will continue to provide ice skating, ice hockey, roller skating, roller disco, roller hockey, curling and boating in season, with the addition of new activities such as pickleball and yoga," Erik Ekstein, President and CEO of Ekstein Development Group said. "Other sporting and entertainment opportunities for the community will be announced in the weeks and months ahead."

Having recently passed its 10-year mark, the Alliance said they have also been addressing wear and tear at this heavily used facility.

Recent renovations include upgrades to the Splash Pad, the park’s largest water play area, which operates on the Center’s uncovered rink during the summer, as well as improvements to the restrooms and lighting throughout the site.

“We are excited to bring a refreshed experience to all community members seeking delicious food and drink in this vibrant area of the park,” said Henry Rich, Managing Partner of the Oberon Group. “We also will be partnering with local businesses in Flatbush and beyond to host pop-ups and special events.”

To celebrate the reopening with free family-friendly events and activities, reserve your spot and get the full schedule at prospectpark.org.