On Tuesday, February 20, Borough President Marty Markowitz joined Mayor Michael Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Council Members Letitia James and David Yassky, Prospect Park Alliance Chairman Henry Christensen III and President Tupper Thomas, to announce the construction of the new Lakeside Center recreation facility at Prospect Park. The new complex, which will be open year-round, will feature two outdoor skating rinks, replacing Prospect Park’s single, outdated ice rink, and will reflect Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux’s original landscape designs for the site.

“Prospect Park is one of New York City’s natural treasures, and by replacing the old rink with a new one, we're ensuring that it can continue to be one of Brooklyn’s most popular spots for recreation and family fun,” said Borough President Markowitz. “I am thrilled to support the Lakeside Center project, which will keep Brooklynites gliding, sliding, and creating their own personal Ice Capades on two rinks all winter long.”

Construction of the center, which will conform with the U.S. Green Building Council’s Silver Certificate LEED standards, is expected to begin next year, and will continue through 2010. Borough President Markowitz has committed $7.5 million in capital funds toward the Prospect Park Alliance’s $39 million fundraising campaign for the project.

The current rink, built in 1961, serves more than 100,000 visitors each winter and is the only outdoor ice skating rink in Brooklyn. The new Lakeside Center will offer vast improvements: in addition to a second rink, there will be a café, gift shop, and space for rental opportunities and educational programming. The skating rinks will be open for seasonal activities in the warm-weather months, when visitors to Prospect Park can look forward to pedal-boat rentals.