By Sally Curtis
Photos by Seth Kaplan and Sally Curtis

Community Volunteers from three organizations filled more than 15 bags of trash collected from the water and shoreline of Prospect Park Lake on Saturday in the first annual Cleanup of Prospect Park Lake. Mary Beth Artz of W.I.L.D., a community group that cares for the flora and fauna of Prospect Park and focuses on the lakeside and the dangers to wildlife such as fishing line, hooks, bags etc. along the Seth Kaplan of Parks4Us and Village Community Boathouse sponsored the cleanup. Many of these areas are difficult to access and can only be reached by boat. Village Community Boathouse supplied the boats and rowers. WILD and Parks4Us provided volunteer garbage collectors and Prospect Park Alliance supplied grabbers to retrieve the debris from the water and shoreline.

From Prospect Park Lake Cleanup 2

Prospect Park Lake Cleanup 2

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PUBLIC ROWING IN PROSPECT PARK!

From Prospect park Rowing 6/20

The Village Community Boathouse is offering free public rowing on Prospect Park Lake this summer.

Sessions run from noon until 4:00 PM on Saturdays from June 4 to August 27.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE: Community rowing is open to all, although some physical dexterity is required to get in and out of the boats. The focus of the program is recreation in a safe and respectful environment. Each participant must sign a waiver; under 18s need to be escorted by a parent. Life jackets are provided—and must be worn!

WHAT WE ROW: We use a diverse fleet of traditional wooden rowing boats, built by volunteers and similar in shape and appearance to those used in the early days of park rowing.

WHERE WE ARE BASED: Boats are launched from the ramp on Well House Drive in the southwest corner of the lake. Our temporary boathouse–two shipping containers–is located just across from the ramp.

WHY WE DO IT: Rowing is a beautifully simple, healthy, and empowering sport, and the ample waters of the lake are an ideal place to pursue its pleasures. The park is surrounded by a large and diverse population that needs more access to on-water recreation.

HOW WE FUND IT: We are a nonprofit organization entirely run by volunteers. While no commitment is required from those who row with us, our facilities, boats and equipment require regular upkeep and repair. Your donations make our program possible.

MORE QUESTIONS? WANT TO VOLUNTEER? Email us at [email protected], or phone Rob Buchanan at 917 656 7285.