The Vale of Cashmere
Through 40 million dollars in funding from the City, Prospect Park Alliance set out to restore over 8 acres of the historic park. Two years of public engagement with the diverse communities surrounding the park helped shape the vision for the project. Historic details of the lower Vale and the original intent for the Upper Vale are maintained, while a new comfort station and environmental learning and community center meet the needs of current park users. The Vale Environmental Center is at the center of several projects that have been completed over the last few years. This project ties in to the Park as whole, provides newly accessible spaces and strengthens the adjacent wildlife habitats.
The pavilion is built into the hillside at the northern end of the site, with a green roof that becomes an extension of the pollinator meadow. The pavilion is LEED certified and constructed of stone and wood finishes that are evocative of the park, with bird-friendly fritted windows. The ground floor, accessible from the lawn, features all gender restrooms and an open flexible space to be used for educational and other community events. An upper level terrace provides shaded seating to enjoy the views of the landscape.