Prospect Park Bandshell, after Blonde Redhead played a set

Parks are essential to my summer in the city. They’re for picnics, music, sports, parties, lounging and peace. I’ve already compared the New York City parks last spring. Let’s compare & list all my activities at each: Central Park vs. Prospect Park

Central Park
Juana Molina
Philharmonic
Met Opera Rehearsal
Vegan picnic (for Couchsurfing)

Prospect Park
Blonde Redhead
July 3rd Picnic (for CouchSurfing)
Sport Day
Biking loops

Certainly there is not a glaring difference between the two. While I may be  an affinity for Prospect Park, I admit it’s more because of my loyalty to Brooklyn. This summer is one of all boroughs. I’ve spent way more time out of Brooklyn. I have more than a few friends in Manhattan! Thus, Central Park is quite a “central” meeting place. Even when one forgets the crowds, the tourist traps, and its iconic status, it still is a large piece of green to escape to from the chaotic city.

1. Central Park, Manhattan
   The only time I would probably go here is after work; it’s only a few subway stops from the SoSauce office. Otherwise, it’s a bit out of the way for a large constructed piece of nature in the middle of upper Manhattan. While vast and clean, it’s clearly superficial– half of it is fenced off for “preservation”, and the other public parts– especially the Meadow, is too populated. It’s spring, so people still have a chance to nab a lucky spot in the shade! I sound bitter, but when you don’t want to leave the City, it’s still a nice place to grab a pretzel and lie down and enjoy the landscape… towering buildings poking out from the trees.
2. Prospect Park, Brooklyn
   I’m madly in love. You can go fishing here. I could count more than a few lakes/ponds and fields and other scenic nature components. It’s big enough (yet small enough) that you can get lost without really being lost. Several turns could make you end up in front of an ice rink near a lake or have you across the street from McDonald’s. But when you lie in the middle of a meadow, you can’t see buildings poking out and maybe you can pretend you’re not in New York. I’ve gone 3 times this month though it’s hell to get there… I’d either have to take a train to the City and transfer back to Brooklyn, or walk for about an hour to get there.
3. Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn
   The landscape reminds me of Dolores Park, San Francisco, except it has a fort, Ft Greene. It’s hilly, with proper amount of trees and open spaces. I say it’s a great community-sized park, decent for picnics, although not big enough if real isolation is needed.