📜 Secluded ruin and historic valley in Prospect Park, once home to exotic plants and a children's playground. 🔍 Valley carved by a glacier 17,000 years ago, redesigned in the 1890s by Olmsted and Vaux, known for its secluded ruins and naturalistic design. # Why Go 🐦 Popular for migrating birds. 🤫 Isolated and peaceful, away from crowds. 🚶‍♀️ Explore historical park features and ruins. 🏳️‍🌈 Historically a significant cruising area for queer men of color. # Why Avoid ⚠️ Area is in decay, with overgrown lily pools and dry fountains. # Tips 📍 Enter Prospect Park from the north, use the easternmost pedestrian entrance (to the left of East Drive). 🚧 Restoration work began Oct 2019, with a new entrance south of the Vale.