c. Jordan Rathkopf

Be A Park Champion

The trees, birds, wildlife and our community depend on Brooklyn’s Backyard—become a Park Champion today!

What would Brooklyn be without Prospect Park? This treasure is essential to the health and wellbeing of millions of community members, and is home to Brooklyn’s only lake and last remaining forest: a critical habitat for hundreds of species of plants and wildlife.

Prospect Park Alliance sustains the park in partnership with the City, but we cannot do it alone. Be a Park Champion and play your part in keeping the park green and vibrant!

  • I will responsibly dispose of my litter.
  • I will stay on paved or wood chipped paths in woodlands.
  • I will keep my dog leashed outside off-leash hours and areas.
  • I will enjoy the trees and not harm them by climbing or hanging objects.
  • I will smell the blooms but leave the flowers for bees and other pollinators.

Want to know more about being a Park Champion? Explore our guides, tips and more:

Volunteer in Prospect Park

Becoming an Alliance volunteer is a great way to Be A Park Champion. Learn about the various types of volunteering and upcoming events in the park.

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Youths volunteer for Prospect Park in the summer.

Leave No Trace

Be a Park Champion and carry all that you bring into the park back out with you to dispose of it at home where you can recycle and compost it. You can also dispose of litter in designated receptacles in the park. Help protect Prospect Park’s natural areas by making sure that no trash or debris gets left behind.

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people on a grassy hill with barbecue smoke in the air

Have the Best BBQ

We love a park grill out—make sure your event is safe and compliant by following the Alliance’s BBQ Rules +Safety guidelines. You’ll learn where to grill, how to ensure the health of park wildlife and the way to properly dispose of coals at the end of your event.

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Pumpkinseed Fish

Fish Like a Park Pro

Enjoy catch-and-release fishing while protecting local wildlife by sticking to designated fishing areas at Brooklyn’s only lake. Follow our Fishing Rules + Safety guide to learn more about permitting, fishing hook rules and where you can set up your lines.

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Dog at Picnic Summer

Pups in the Park

Keeping dogs leashed outside of designated off-leash areas and hours helps other park visitors and our local wildlife enjoy their time in the park, too. Learn more about our dog walking rules, including off-leash areas and times, so you can have the paw-fect day in the park!

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Long Meadow Summer

Park Permits

Many organized park activities require permits, including gatherings of more than 20 people, organized cycling and running races, film and photo shoots, and athletic field use. Find out more about the permit process.

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Picnic in the Park

Eco-Friendly Picnic Guide

Prospect Park’s 585 acres are the perfect place for a get together. We’ve compiled 6 tips to help you Be A Park Champion to keep the park healthy and happy while you gather.

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Theo Mascot PPA Champion Logo

Meet the Park Champion Mascot: Thelonious "Theo" Chipmunk

We received over 1,000 name submissions and votes for the new Park Champion mascot, and we’re pleased to announce that the winner is…Thelonious “Theo” Chipmunk!

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Red Eared Slider in Water

7 Ways to Care for Prospect Park's Lake

Prospect Park’s 60-acre Lake is home to a wide range of fish, amphibians, birds, and home to a variety of beloved park activities. We’re sharing 7 ways that you can help care for the Prospect Park Lake with each visit to the park.

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Audubon Nature Exploration

Connect with Wildlife

The Prospect Park Audubon Center, the nation’s first urban Audubon Center, offers free public programming that connects visitors of all ages with nature. Through hands-on games, family-friendly activities, and interactive Animal Encounters, naturalists teach participants about the park’s diverse ecosystem. Programs like Pop-Up Audubon also bring mobile education and birdwatching checklists directly to areas throughout the park.

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