Prospect Park is one of Brooklyn’s most treasured destinations with more than 10 million visitors each year. Since it opened in the mid-19th century, the park has been the site of celebrations, demonstrations, and everyday activities. From monuments and statues to pastoral vistas, this walk will guide you through Prospect Park's historic points of interest. More information about Prospect Park's history can be viewed here.

Machate Circle, unknown date. Originally, this area of land surrounding Prospect Park’s entrance was known as Park Circle. It was renamed Machate Circle in 1989 to honor the life and service of anti-crime officer, Robert Machate, who was shot and killed in pursuit of a suspect in March of that year. Similar to the other park entrances, Machate Circle is part of a greater architectural narrative. It exemplifies the intent of park architects, Olmsted and Vaux, who designed the circle to be space of transition between the busy city and the bucolic escape offered by the park.