Free things are elusive: They’re predictably infrequent, and where they do exist they often seem too good to be true. You have to be hit over the head with them before you realize that free really does occasionally mean free. Whether it’s a societal paranoia or an intentional suppression of our hopes, truly free opportunities tend to come as a genuine surprise.
So don’t feel like you have a low quality of life (or at least, lower than is generally accepted) if the following fact shocks you: the public is invited to go rowing, for free, on the Prospect Park Lake from noon to 4pm on Saturdays through August 26.
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Any and all are welcome (teenagers and babies need a parent escort) with no experience or reservations necessary. All you need is “some physical dexterity” to haul your booty in and out of the boats. You’ll need to sign a waiver, and you’ll be given a life jacket. The boats are quite a bit nicer than the image immediately called to mind when we read “traditional wooden rowing boats.” They’re sleek and well-built and really quite lovely. If only our subways were as functional a vessel.
In the words of NYC Parks, “Rowing is a beautifully simple, healthy, and empowering sport, and the ample waters of the lake are an ideal place to pursue its pleasures.” In the words of Brokelyn, this shit is A+ date material and a great way to inaccurately convince your friends visiting from Ohio that NYC is affordable and abounding in nature. Your butt’s imprint in your couch will still be there after a rowing session, so schlep over to Prospect Park, squeeze into a life vest, and be reminded of the majesty of water.
The Well House in Prospect Park, where boats are launched from, actually has an address: 200 Well House Drive.
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