City officials broke ground this week on further restorations of the Prospect Park ballfields, according to the Parks Department.
Parks aficionados on Dec. 9 began the revamp of ballfields 2 and 3 on the Long Meadow, the last of the meadow’s seven ballfields to be renovated as part of an ongoing restoration.
“I’m so glad that the restoration of the final two Long Meadow Ballfields is under way,” said Park Slope Councilmember Brad Lander, whose term ends at the end of the year. “Our parks and play areas are a critical resource, especially during this pandemic. We must continue to work to keep our communities happy, healthy, and connected through community green spaces. Brooklynites of all ages will enjoy these ballfields for years to come.”
Through $1.5 million in funding from City Hall allocated by Lander and Mayor Bill de Blasio, the restoration will improve drainage on the ballfields, install new pathways and benches, new shaded dugouts, and new clay storage bins around the fields.
Construction is expected to start in earnest in January 2022 and wrap up by December 2022.
The ballfield restoration is part of a larger makeover of the long meadow. The southern end of the meadow where the ball fields are located has traditionally been used for recreation dating back to the 19th century, according to the Parks Department.
“Prospect Park is affectionately known as Brooklyn’s backyard, and any good backyard needs to provide space to throw around a ball or two,” said Parks Department Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff. “We are excited to near the end of this restoration project and support our partners at the Prospect Park Alliance as their vision comes to life. We know these ballfields will be a treasured amenity for decades to come.”
