LeFrak Center picks up pickleball — and drops Lola Star's roller disco
But now, Prospect Park Alliance's much-loved center at Lakeside is back, and it's looking good. After a long-anticipated renovation, the beloved Brooklyn destination reopens August 2 with a fresh slate of activities, new concessions, a sleek new look, and, for the first time, pickleball courts. Yes, the country's favorite low-impact sport has landed lakeside, joining roller skating, pedal boats, and Brooklyn's largest splash pad as part of the revamped summertime lineup.
RECOMMENDED: The best NYC events in August 2025
The reopening marks the first major upgrade to the LeFrak Center since it opened in 2013, transforming a shuttered skating rink and cracked parking lot into one of the city's most dynamic outdoor recreation hubs. Now, a dozen years later, Lakeside has gotten a full glow-up: improved lighting, upgraded restrooms, shiny new mechanical systems, and Duck Island Cafe, a redesigned café and bar from Purslane/Oberon Restaurant Group, that will offer seasonal menus.
'The LeFrak Center at Lakeside is one of the most ambitious projects in Prospect Park Alliance's history,' said Prospect Park Alliance President Morgan Monaco in a statement. 'Since its opening in 2013, we have served hundreds of thousands of community members each year with dynamic programs and activities. With the selection of new operators, extensive renovations, and the appointment of the first LeFrak Center Director, we are looking at a bright future.'
One noticeable change: the absence of Dreamland Roller Disco, the long-running, Lola Star–led Friday night tradition that turned Lakeside into a sequined dance party. The Prospect Park Alliance says skating events will continue, but Dreamland's farewell marks the end of an era for many, including Star, who launched a Change.org petition to restore Dreamland.
'A private corporation should not have the power to decide the fate of a beloved community program that has brought joy, connection and meaning to thousands of Brooklynites,' she wrote. 'We believe there should be room for new and inclusive programming at LeFrak. But that should not come at the cost of displacing beloved, community-rooted weekly events like Dreamland Roller Disco.'
Re-opening weekend will be a mini-festival in itself, with free admission to select activities like skating and yoga, and first-come access to the new pickleball courts. It's the perfect excuse to see what's changed, what's stayed, and how the neighborhood is responding. RSVP for the full lineup of activities and events.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
28-07-2025
- Time Out
LeFrak Center picks up pickleball — and drops Lola Star's roller disco
At just 12 years old, LeFrak Center has already gone in for a little refresh, making us reach for the red light mask ourselves. But now, Prospect Park Alliance's much-loved center at Lakeside is back, and it's looking good. After a long-anticipated renovation, the beloved Brooklyn destination reopens August 2 with a fresh slate of activities, new concessions, a sleek new look, and, for the first time, pickleball courts. Yes, the country's favorite low-impact sport has landed lakeside, joining roller skating, pedal boats, and Brooklyn's largest splash pad as part of the revamped summertime lineup. RECOMMENDED: The best NYC events in August 2025 The reopening marks the first major upgrade to the LeFrak Center since it opened in 2013, transforming a shuttered skating rink and cracked parking lot into one of the city's most dynamic outdoor recreation hubs. Now, a dozen years later, Lakeside has gotten a full glow-up: improved lighting, upgraded restrooms, shiny new mechanical systems, and Duck Island Cafe, a redesigned café and bar from Purslane/Oberon Restaurant Group, that will offer seasonal menus. 'The LeFrak Center at Lakeside is one of the most ambitious projects in Prospect Park Alliance's history,' said Prospect Park Alliance President Morgan Monaco in a statement. 'Since its opening in 2013, we have served hundreds of thousands of community members each year with dynamic programs and activities. With the selection of new operators, extensive renovations, and the appointment of the first LeFrak Center Director, we are looking at a bright future.' One noticeable change: the absence of Dreamland Roller Disco, the long-running, Lola Star–led Friday night tradition that turned Lakeside into a sequined dance party. The Prospect Park Alliance says skating events will continue, but Dreamland's farewell marks the end of an era for many, including Star, who launched a petition to restore Dreamland. 'A private corporation should not have the power to decide the fate of a beloved community program that has brought joy, connection and meaning to thousands of Brooklynites,' she wrote. 'We believe there should be room for new and inclusive programming at LeFrak. But that should not come at the cost of displacing beloved, community-rooted weekly events like Dreamland Roller Disco.' Re-opening weekend will be a mini-festival in itself, with free admission to select activities like skating and yoga, and first-come access to the new pickleball courts. It's the perfect excuse to see what's changed, what's stayed, and how the neighborhood is responding. RSVP for the full lineup of activities and events.
Time Out
11-07-2025
- Time Out
A two-day indie sleaze music festival is coming to Staten Island this weekend
Staten Island remains the most shamefully under-visited of the city's five boroughs, even with a ferry service that has that rarest of NYC transport qualities: it's free. But for those looking for a nostalgic-slash-music reason to visit our southernmost district, the Maker Park Music and Art Fest this weekend promises a millennial Brooklynite's heaven, headlined by Dan Deacon and Jon Spencer. The event celebrates eight years of Maker Park Radio, a local Staten Island streaming station founded by Kristin Wallace (David Byrne's longtime promoter) and Tom Ferrie. Since its launch in 2017, the station has hosted over 120 DJs, some of whom will spin live between sets. Maker Park is on the island's northeast coast, with a lovely view of Bay Ridge just across the water for Brooklynites who might get easily homesick. But the festival's all-ages vibe will draw you right back into the moment with live portrait photography, local food and crafts vendors, and several art installations. Friday will kick off at 5 p.m. with NYC trash rockers Balaclava, followed by a 'sweet and amazing set' (Maker's words!) from Horsegirl and capped by Baltimore's Dan Deacon entrancing audiences with his electronic compositions. (If his name sounds familiar, you might have seen his name in the music credits for Venmo: The Last Dance or Francis Ford Coppola's Twixt.) Known for his audience-interactive shows, Deacon will have you feeling right at home. Night two packs an even bigger punch, highlighting Staten Island's indie outfit The Parallel Lines right off the bat, and Maker Park continuing their collaboration with Coney Island Sideshow artists with 'Priestess of Pyromancy,' the enchantress Sage Sovereign. The retro sounds of SKORTS will blend into The Thing—both NYC groups—before NOBRO, a Canadian band that just won the Best Album Juno (i.e. Canadian Grammy), takes the stage. Jon Spencer will close out the two-day festival with a three-piece band to deliver his soulful rock and roll.
The Sun
21-06-2025
- The Sun
TV presenter celebrates nepo-baby daughter's graduation – but can you guess her famous mum?
A HUGE TV presenter has celebrated her daughter's graduation with a sweet post - but can you guess her famous mum? The 56-year-old - who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 - took to Instagram to share a snap of her daughter Lola Star in her gown and cap. 3 3 3 Michelle Visage wrote: '@lolastarvisage it's your day. 'You made it happen. ConGRADulations my princess. 'Daddy and I are so proud of your strength and perseverance. Bring on the next chapter.' Away from her academic achievements, Lola has found huge success as a model and influencer on TikTok. She recently made a joke about her mother's fame on the social media platform. Lola posted a video showing her staring straight at the camera as a cartoon laugh played out in the background. In the text emblazoned across the slide, she wrote: "When people think it's cool having Michelle Visage as a mother but they don't realise it means your house is a shrine dedicated to her." Michelle was quick to reply: "As it should be!! Love you kiddo." RuPaul's Drag Race star Michelle, 56, has two daughters, Lillie and Lola, with husband David Case. The pair married in 1997 and have an open relationship.
