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BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARKOWITZ AND OTHER OFFICIALS CELEBRATE RE-OPENING OF PROSPECT PARK PICNIC HOUSE

Photograph by Kathryn Kirk

In photo (from left to right): Council Member Bill de Blasio, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Council Member Al Vann, Council Speaker Gifford Miller, Council Members Michael Nelson and Yvette Clarke, State Senator Carl Andrews, and Prospect Park Alliance President Tupper Thomas cut the ribbon of the newly renovated Prospect Park Picnic House.

On Monday, September 19, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz joined Council Members Gifford Miller, Bill de Blasio, and other elected officials for the ribbon-cutting of the historic Prospect Park Picnic House. Also invited were couples who have celebrated their weddings at the lovely historic site.

“I am proud to help beautify a truly democratic institution that Brooklynites and New Yorkers of all economic and cultural backgrounds adore and enjoy,” said Borough President Markowitz. "The Picnic House plays host to joyous celebrations of every stripe, including, of course, the many weddings that have launched countless couples into the land of matrimonial love -- Brooklyn-style!"

A popular venue for a multitude of celebrations, the Picnic House underwent extensive renovations over the last year, including roof repairs, upgrades to the lighting, ventilation and heating systems, and a new hardwood floor. Borough President Markowitz contributed $1.35 million to the renovation.

The original Picnic Shelter dates back to 1876, when it was built to accommodate the Long Meadow’s immense popularity as a site for large parties and picnickers. The current Picnic House, designed by Jay Sarsfield Kennedy, was built in 1928 after the original shelter was destroyed in a fire.

The ribbon-cutting featured displays of wedding photos from the past several decades.