Prospect Park

The Daily Plant : Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Prospect Park Lit Up For The Holidays

Photo by Malcolm Pinckney

For the second consecutive year, Mayor Bloomberg came to Prospect Park to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.

Despite cold temperatures and bitter winds, approximately 100 New Yorkers came out on December 3 to witness the lighting of Grand Army Plaza. The distribution of free hot chocolate certainly came in handy!

The lighting installation at Grand Army Plaza features 300,000 LEDs - energy-efficient and long-lasting lights that are environmentally friendly. They were used to illuminate the Bailey Fountain and a tree underneath the Sailors and Soldiers’ Memorial Arch. Lighting of the Bailey Fountain includes a wave-shaped structure to create the effect of flowing water. Lighting of the tree features a patchwork quilt of colors. The lighting installation will be in place through January 14, 2008.

Mayor Bloomberg was joined in “flipping the switch” by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Council Members Letitia James, David Yassky, Darlene Mealy and Simcha Felder, Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, and Prospect Park Alliance President Tupper Thomas.

The Fort Hamilton High School Marching Band got the crowd rocking to “Eye of the Tiger,” and the All City High School Choir entertained with a medley of holiday tunes. Children from the Brooklyn Music School, preparing for their upcoming performance of “The Nutcracker,” also helped in turning on the lights.

Christmas tree and menorah lightings are happening in communities throughout the city. For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/parks or call 311. Happy Holidays!

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

“Household tasks are easier and quicker when they are done by somebody else.”

James Thorpe
(1888 - 1953)