Prospect Park Alliance is reopening the Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Center at Lakeside with a weekend celebration on Aug. 2 and 3, following the completion of renovations and the selection of new management. The popular destination will offer roller skating, boating and, for the first time, pickleball.
Ekstein Development Group will operate the LeFrak Center, while Purslane will manage the on-site cafe. Ekstein, which runs City Ice Pavilion and World Ice Arena in Queens, plans to expand activities year-round with ice skating, ice hockey, roller disco, curling, pickleball and yoga. Purslane, part of the Oberon Group, will provide seasonal menus and host pop-ups and events with local businesses.
Now over 10 years old, the LeFrak Center has received significant improvements to address wear and tear. Renovations include updates to the Splash Pad, the park’s largest water play area, as well as restrooms and lighting. The Alliance also appointed a new center director and on-site team to maintain operations and ensure a quality visitor experience, guided by community feedback.
Lakeside is Prospect Park’s largest project in more than 150 years, transforming 26 acres in the southeast corner through a $74 million restoration. The award-winning design blends with the park’s natural landscape and includes the Shelby White and Leon Levy Esplanade and Baier Music Island, with walkways, picnic areas and restored lake shore.
"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. With the selection of new operators, extensive renovations, and the appointment of the first center director, we are looking at a bright future."
To obtain more information on the opening weekend celebration, RSVP here.
