Exploring Brooklyn's Prospect Park and Victorian Flatbush
Details
RSVPs begin on Tuesday, October 28th at 8:30pm. Space is set aside for new members, first and 2nd timers who land on the waiting list. Email me at hankorenstein@gmail.com to request a spot once you see you are on the waiting list.
This tour is free with an optional donation to your guide at the end via cash, Venmo or Zelle.
Estimated walking distance is 5 miles. Some up and downhill in Prospect Park.
To Bring: Water to drink and snacks. Wear sturdy shoes and a hat is recommended for a sunny day. We'll have a restroom and sit-down break in the park in an area that also has a cafe that sells food and drink.
Restrooms at the beginning: Inside the public library. Arrive early as this will be a popular activity!
Make sure you check your transportion route in advance and allow extra time given weekend subway schedules and route changes.
TOUR OVERVIEW:
Frederick Law Olmstead, who had previously designed Central Park with his colleague, Calvert Vaux, called Prospect Park his masterpiece. We'll visit both the unique natural and human-made features of the park, including Brooklyn's only large forest, along with meadows and waterways, the historic Audubon Boathouse, the lovely meandering Lullwater, and the recently restored Concert Grove Pavilion. There is also a battle site from the American Revolution (Battle of Brooklyn August 27 -29, 1776) and a moving memorial to the brave Maryland regiment that gave the ultimate sacrifice.
After a restroom and sit-down break in the park we'll visit downtown Flatbush and see where Barbara Streisand and other famous Brooklynites attended High School. We'll continue on to Victorian Flatbush, truly one of New York's hidden gems, which began as a Dutch farming village in 1652 and began to develop as a residential suburb in the late 1800's. Today this group of neighborhoods makes up one of the largest collection of Victorian-era wood frame architecture in the U.S. Many of the homes contains distinctive ornamental features and thrive on lovely-tree-lined streets. You won't believe you are in the middle of Brooklyn!
We will end on walk in the Ditmas Park neighborhood, near the Q train at Cortelyou Road for a reasonably quick ride back to Manhattan or Atlantic Avenue for other train connections.
Optional afterparty at a local establishment.
Cheers,
Your organizer and guide,
Hank
646-596-3005
hankorenstein@gmail.com