While Tupper Thomas has done a lot for Prospect Park during her time as administrator, did the EPA jump the gun by awarding the park for its cleanliness? You know, the same park that has television sets and animal parts floating around in the lake.
The Brooklyn Paper is questioning the “environmental quality award” handed to Prospect Park last month, and locals have their back. One woman told them, “It makes me kind of angry. The chicken heads, a TV set [in the lake], the swan that died—it seems really silly they got an award." And what about the trash? On nice days, or after illegal BBQs, the park is filled with garbage.
An EPA spokeswoman claims the award was deserved, however, telling the paper, “The things that you described—not only am I not aware of it, but that type of thing happens. I’m assuming they weren’t responsible for it—but that was not related to the award.” Next up: the Gowanus Canal?
The healthy wildlife and well-kept trees were at the top of the list for things the park is doing right. And Prospect Park's Eugene Patron says, “When looking at the park holistically, there is no indication that there is anything wrong with the ecosystem.”
