Grand Army Plaza

Jay Klotz

A huge open space that serves as the grand entrance to Olmstead and Vaux’s masterpiece, Prospect Park, GAP allows one to see the sky, and it invites one into the park past the ornamental columns and gazebos that flank the park entrance. There are benches, a large fountain, trees, and of course the arch, a memorial (along with the entire plaza) to Union soldiers in the Civil War. The space is also a public gathering spot, including for a weekly farmers’ market, Chanukah menorah lighting, demonstrations, sitting and people watching, the terminus for the Caribbean day parade, even dancing. Grand Army Plaza features a good amount of benches and other sitting places, which allows for social distancing while enjoying the space.

(added April 2020)

#essentialplace