Prospect Park Parade Ground Corner To Transform Into 'Gaming Space'

PROSPECT PARK, BROOKLYN — A new "gaming space" is on its way to Prospect Park's Parade Ground thanks to a $525,000 upgrade project.

The project — voted for by neighbors in City Council District 40's Participatory Budgeting initiative — will transform the southwest corner of the Parade Grounds to a community gathering and game space complete with ping-pong tables, a petanque area and game tables, officials said.

The Prospect Park Alliance and city officials broke ground Monday on the renovation, which is dubbed the Parade Ground Fit.

"Parade Ground Fit is an exciting project that will create a beautiful space for all New Yorkers to gather and enjoy," said Mayor's Community Affairs Unit Commissioner Fred Kreizman. "During the height of the pandemic, our outdoor spaces were vital for communities, especially those who simply wanted some fresh air. This project delivers on just that, and we're thrilled for New Yorkers of all ages to enjoy a game of ping-pong with the new game tables."

The new gaming space will add to the Parade Ground's other recreational areas, which include 40 acres of baseball, tennis, soccer and football fields for local schools, leagues and clubs for children and adults, as well as basketball, netball and volleyball courts.

The Parade Ground is also home to the Prospect Park Tennis Center, Kensington Dog Run, a seasonal concession stand and the Stewart Playground.

The $525,000 upgrade at the southwest corner will include new ping-pong tables, a refurbished petanque area, game tables, new benches and new landscaping, officials said.

The project comes as neighbors in District 40, now served by Council Member Rita Joseph, vote on a new round of participatory budgeting projects. Participatory budgeting lets residents brainstorm, pitch and vote on ideas for local funding.

"The opening of the Parade Ground Fit shows the power of Participatory Budgeting," Joseph said this week. "When communities are able to directly decide how their money is spent, real improvements are made. That's why I am so excited for our neighbors to be able to use this PB project."