On Tuesday, April 30th, Mayor Eric Adams announced significant steps to transform New York City into the skate capital of the East Coast. This initiative involves a $24.8 million investment to construct four new skate parks across Brooklyn and the Bronx. This development is part of Mayor Adams’ broader strategy, outlined in his State of the City address, to enhance recreational facilities across the city.
The skate parks, designed to cater to both novices and experienced skateboarders, will feature custom concrete landscapes suitable for a variety of skateboarding activities. This project not only aims to provide safe and dedicated spaces for skateboarding but also seeks to integrate these parks into the communities with aesthetic improvements and additional greenery.
In the press release announcing the initiative, Mayor Adams said, “New York City is on a roll — jobs are up, crime is down, and these four new skate parks we’re building will help make this city a more livable place for New Yorkers, young and old, to get outside and get active.”
Adams continued, “We’re grateful to our partners — from local elected officials to community advocates to Tony Hawk and The Skatepark Project — and we’re excited to hear from community members from across the city so we can make sure that these skate parks deliver for our city.”
The planning and design phase of these parks is set to begin with a series of community input meetings scheduled throughout May 2024. These meetings are an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions and influence the design process, ensuring that the final constructions reflect the needs and desires of the local communities.
One notable park, the Brooklyn Skate Garden, is planned to be a revamped area within Mount Prospect Park. This site will not only serve as a skateboarding venue but also as a cultural hub near major local landmarks like the Brooklyn Public Library and the Brooklyn Museum. The design includes ample seating and improved pathways to make the park a versatile space for various community activities.
NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donaghue said, “As more and more New Yorkers pick up skateboards and discover the thrill and community that come with this Olympic sport, it’s vital that they have safe and accessible spaces to practice. By bringing four new skate parks to the Bronx and Brooklyn, we’re ensuring New Yorkers of all ages have access to safe spaces to perfect their ollies and kickflips, free from the distraction of car traffic and enhanced with new greenery that the entire community can enjoy. As with all of our projects, our design of these skate parks will be guided by extensive community input, so please get involved and let us know what you want to see in your local skate park!”
Similarly, the projects in Brower Park, Bronx Park, and Soundview Park focus on replacing outdated facilities with modern skate parks that are equipped with new safety features and designed to enhance user experience. Each location will include facilities for spectators and enhancements to the surrounding park areas, such as new lighting and landscaping.
Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of these parks in providing young New Yorkers with safe, fun, and accessible places to skate, which also contribute to their physical and mental health. The administration’s partnership with The Skatepark Project and local stakeholders underscores a community-focused approach to urban development.
As these projects take shape, they promise to not only boost New York City’s reputation as a leading city for skateboarding on the East Coast but also improve the quality of life for its residents by providing vibrant, active public spaces.
