How to Party in NYC Parks

September 03, 2019

Why is it legal to have a cookout in Prospect Park, but not in Central Park?

Befitting its role as "Brooklyn's backyard," Prospect Park has long been a grilling mecca. Park officials took a laissez-faire approach until complaints about litter and improper charcoal disposal led to them establishing the first official barbecue areas in the mid-1990s. More recently, officials and locals have sought to add grilling areas to Prospect Park's underserved eastern side.

As for Central Park, there are three days each year- Memorial Say, Independence Day and Labor Day- that it allows barbecuing to take place in certain areas.

In general, though, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation regulations make it illegal to "kindle, build, maintain, or use a fire in any place, portable receptacle, or grill," except in areas marked with a sign, or when it's specifically allowed by a special permit.

Even where cookouts are allowed, there are further regulations including prohibitions on ground fires and propane;flames must be at least 10 feet from trees and buildings, and users must properly dispose of their charcoal.

For years, officials turned a blind eye to cookouts in Central Park. That began to change in the 1970s, particularly after the city footed most of a $17,000 bill to clean up litter from a festival.

In 1947, only two public parts in Manhattan- Randalls Island and Riverside Park- had barbecue areas. That number has since increased to 10, including Inwood Hill Park, Morningside Park and John V.Lindsay East River Park.

Residents wishing to request a designated barbecue area can contact their borough's Parks Department office or their local community board. Several factors are taken into account when determining a site's suitability, including proximity to residences, according to Kelly Krause, a department spokeswoman.

In April, the department added three barbecue areas to McCarren Park in North Brooklyn, including 18 picnic tables and nine double-headed grills, potentially sparing patrons from having to bring their own.( Tip: get there early, especially on nice weekend days.)

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