Latest news with #SkateparkProject
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Skateboarding ‘Mecca' under Brooklyn Bridge reopens after 15 years
Skaters are kickflipping with joy. A massive section of public space under the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge has reopened after 15 years with a spate of new amenities – including a site once known as the 'mecca of New York skateboarding.' Two acres of 'The Arches,' named for the 53 arches under the historic bridge, reopened Thursday with the legendary 'Brooklyn Banks' skateboarding site, which was shuttered in 2010 to serve as a contractor staging area during the restoration of the Brooklyn Bridge. 'In the shade of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, this project delivers many things — an architectural marvel, a proper home for skating in one of the sport's global hubs, and a place to relax in a neighborhood with too few,' Deputy Mayor for Operations Jeff Roth said in a statement. Mayor Eric Adams' administration began revitalizing the area near Chinatown in 2023 with space for shuffleboard, basketball, pickleball and seating in one of the city's most crowded neighborhoods. The project also gave access to the space under the Brooklyn Bridge's landmarked vaulted archways. Tony Hawk's nonprofit Skatepark Project had also advocated for years for the Brooklyn Banks to return to its roots as part of the renovation, with project CEO Benjamin Anderson Bashein calling Brooklyn Banks an 'icon of skating around the world. 'To have it reopened is absolutely profound,' Bashein said. 'This historic skate spot is a special place where people from across the world have come to skate and to find community, and we're thrilled to see it open to the public once again.' Another $50 million for public seating, plantings, lighting and more at The Arches is earmarked from the Adams administration's 2026 budget, part of the mayor's 'We Outside Summer' investment and programming initiative. Thursday's reopening serves as the largest plaza portion to reopen under the phased renovation, which includes Gotham Park – a planned 9-acre urban community space around the iconic bridge. The incoming multi-million investment is expected to 'bring this space back to life, and transform it into a lively, inclusive space for friends and neighbors to come together,' Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement, 'welcoming New Yorkers from all walks of life. 'Right in time for our 'We Outside Summer,' The Arches brings us closer to creating a more equitable, livable, and prosperous New York.'
New York Post
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Skateboarding ‘Mecca' under Brooklyn Bridge reopens after 15 years
Skaters are kickflipping with joy. A massive section of public space under the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge has reopened after 15 years with a spate of new amenities – including a site once known as the 'mecca of New York skateboarding.' Two acres of 'The Arches,' named for the 53 arches under the historic bridge, reopened Thursday with the legendary 'Brooklyn Banks' skateboarding site, which was shuttered in 2010 to serve as a contractor staging area during the restoration of the Brooklyn Bridge. 4 A massive section of public space under the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge has reopened after 15 years with a spate of new amenities – including a site once known as the 'mecca of New York skateboarding.' LP Media 'In the shade of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, this project delivers many things — an architectural marvel, a proper home for skating in one of the sport's global hubs, and a place to relax in a neighborhood with too few,' Deputy Mayor for Operations Jeff Roth said in a statement. Mayor Eric Adams' administration began revitalizing the area near Chinatown in 2023 with space for shuffleboard, basketball, pickleball and seating in one of the city's most crowded neighborhoods. The project also gave access to the space under the Brooklyn Bridge's landmarked vaulted archways. 4 Skaters and bikers enjoy the newly opened section of 'the Arches' in lower Manhattan. LP Media Tony Hawk's nonprofit Skatepark Project had also advocated for years for the Brooklyn Banks to return to its roots as part of the renovation, with project CEO Benjamin Anderson Bashein calling Brooklyn Banks an 'icon of skating around the world. 'To have it reopened is absolutely profound,' Bashein said. 'This historic skate spot is a special place where people from across the world have come to skate and to find community, and we're thrilled to see it open to the public once again.' 4 Mayor Eric Adams at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly-revitalized park in lower Manhattan. LP Media Another $50 million for public seating, plantings, lighting and more at The Arches is earmarked from the Adams administration's 2026 budget, part of the mayor's 'We Outside Summer' investment and programming initiative. 4 Two acres of 'The Arches,' named for the 53 arches under the historic bridge, reopened Thursday with the legendary 'Brooklyn Banks' skateboarding site. LP Media Thursday's reopening serves as the largest plaza portion to reopen under the phased renovation, which includes Gotham Park – a planned 9-acre urban community space around the iconic bridge. The incoming multi-million investment is expected to 'bring this space back to life, and transform it into a lively, inclusive space for friends and neighbors to come together,' Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement, 'welcoming New Yorkers from all walks of life. 'Right in time for our 'We Outside Summer,' The Arches brings us closer to creating a more equitable, livable, and prosperous New York.'
Time Magazine
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
TIME100 Philanthropy 2025
Tony Hawk says the skatepark in his hometown of San Diego did more than help develop the skills that made him the world's most famous skateboarder. It also gave him a sense of belonging. 'It was never lost on me how lucky I was to have that community,' he says. As the sport took off, along with Hawk's personal fame, he became increasingly aware that aspiring skateboarders in many parts of the country were honing their skills in shopping centers and public parks where they were often unwelcome. He launched The Skatepark Project (formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation) in 2002, which has since awarded almost $13 million to help fund 661 safe places to skate in all 50 states—including 15 new parks in 2024, plus donations of nearly 600 skateboards, 400 helmets, and other equipment. The Skatepark Project has also helped fund skateparks in Afghanistan, Cambodia, and South Africa, in partnership with the nonprofit Skateistan. Going forward, Hawk wants to provide more skateparks in Native American communities, as well as rural and other underserved areas. Skate parks 'are probably the most inclusive spaces in terms of race, gender, age and skill levels,' says Hawk. 'You can find people from all walks of life, top performers and beginners, enjoying the same space.'
