Officials Allocate $3.5 Million For Improvements to Prospect Park’s Flatbush Avenue Perimeter And Oriental Pavilion

Last week, the Prospect Park Alliance announced a total of $3.5 million in funding from Borough President Eric Adams and the City Council in order to renovate the Oriental Pavilion and the Flatbush Avenue perimeter.

The City Council allocated $2 million in funding to restore the Oriental Pavilion, and Borough President Adams secured $1.5 million to improve the Flatbush Avenue perimeter.

The Flatbush Avenue improvements will nearly double the width of the pedestrian walkway, install new decorative fencing and add an allée of street trees along the park perimeter from Grand Army Plaza toward the Prospect Park Zoo to restore this section of the Avenue.

The Oriental Pavilion, which is located near Lakeside in the Park’s southeast corner, has served for decades as a popular spot for family gatherings and picnics. After years of slow deterioration, the Pavilion was declared unsafe and closed to the public in 2014. The $2 million in funding will enable the Alliance to restore the historic structure.

“The community has voiced a strong desire to see these projects come to light and we are thankful to our outstanding elected officials who have provided this support,” said Alliance President Sue Donoghue.

“Prospect Park is a valued source of open space for communities across Brooklyn, and enhancing usability and safety around its perimeter is critical to ensuring all residents benefit equally from all the park has to offer,” said Borough President Adams. “For too long, there has been a tale of two Prospect Parks, with the east side truly needing support. I am proud that my capital dollars will help the Prospect Park Alliance restore the balance and enhance the experience for park-goers and passersby along Flatbush Avenue, with new fencing, park entrances, and sidewalks.”

“The Oriental Pavilion is one of Prospect Park’s great spaces. People love having barbecues, parties, even weddings there — but not when the roof is falling,” said Council Member Brad Lander, who represents Prospect Park. “These funds will help restore this charming and historic structure to its former glory.”