1. Brooklyn Banks (Manhattan)
If you ever have a chance to skate Manhattan, the legendary Brooklyn Banks should be THE number one spot on your list. Built in the 1960’s, on the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge, this spot has been huge for the NYC scene since the early 80’s. Originally, the top section of the banks, (small banks) was where everyone skated. (pictured left)
Christian Hosoi was the first person to ever ollie the barrier, but after him, an astronomical number of skaters and tricks went down there. I can proudly say that I have ollied the small wall numerous times. Unfortunately, the luck of the banks would run out… [from skateboardermagazine.com]
“But when someone ollied it (the barrier) without looking for traffic, a long, black limo slammed on its brakes, stopping inches short of crushing the skater. The limo was carrying none other than former New York mayor, Rudolph Giuliani. Within a week, a large spiked fence was erected atop the wall to stop the skaters.”
That’s a true story, believe it or not. You would think that would stop us, but not for long.
[from skateboardermagazine.com]
“Within days Mike Vallely ollied over the new obstacle.” (Notice the steel, spiked fence in the image right)
After long, it was decided that the small banks were to be removed and replaced by a park. Luckily, New York OG and 5 Boro Skateboards owner, Steve Rodriguez stepped up to the plate. [from skateboardermagazine.com]
“After the smaller banks were remodeled and deemed unskateable, Steve…contacted Capital Projects who was receptive to their plight to save the spot. The larger banks were preserved and even improved upon…The Brooklyn Banks is a true success story.”
Nowadays, the Brooklyn Banks are a legit, legal skatespot, consisting of waves of banks, flat bars, a 10 stair handrail, benches, wallrides and much more.
2. Flushing Meadows Park, The Globe (Flushing, Queens)
Consisting of smooth ground, flat gaps and buttery, marble ledges for days, The Globe is a skateboarders paradise. It’s completely hassle free and a great place to get some footage and hob knob with some of the city’s best skaters.
Although the fountain gets filled for the U.S. Open tennis tournament, its bone dry for the other 11 months of the year.
(give or take a rainstorm or two)
3. Water Street, Pyramid Ledges (Manhattan, Financial District)
Water Street in Manhattan is basically one big skatepark. Except, Sunday is the only day you can skate there, as that is when all the businesses are closed and security guards are gone. The main attractions here are the pyramid ledges. (pictured left) Literally set up like a steppe pyramid, there are 3 separate ones. Many amazing tricks have gone down here, but don’t let that keep you from coming. In my opinion, pretty much any trick landed here is a winner. The run-up is brick as is the landing, so I hope you have some 55mm wheels… Along with the ledges, there are literally TONS of skate spots on Water Street. Just start on a lazy Sunday morning and cruise up and down the street. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
4. Chinatown Banks (Manhattan, Chinatown)
This is one of those spots that the kids from Cali look at and say “what’s the big deal? It’s just a regular bank.” But I beg to differ. Horrible ground + big granite bricks = a TRUE east coast experience. This may be one of the hardest spots to skate that looks the easiest. In fact, its so tough to skate, some guys took it upon themselves to cement the bricks, creating a quarter pipe. (pictured left) Aside from the concreted side, there are plenty of other parts to these banks.
5. New Design High School Rooftop (Manhattan, L.E.S.)
Put together by NYC’s own (by way of Florida) Billy Rohan, the New Design High School’s (Ludlow and Grand streets) roof has been turned into a skatepark, complete with pyramids, boxes and flat rails. Spots like this pop up one day and are gone just as quick. Who knows how long it will be around for, so go get your skate on ASAP! Check out the clip below from the Rooftop Rampge Jam that went down June 14th. There was even a successful High Ollie World Record!
