I nonetheless keep in mind exhibiting as much as the Brooklyn Banks for the primary time—these brick waves unfolding like an city playground beneath the Brooklyn Bridge.
On this publish, I’m gonna take you thru the wealthy historical past of the Brooklyn Banks, from their unintended creation to their rise as a skateboarding icon, and the current occasions in 2023 that had each skater speaking. So seize your deck, and let’s dive into the story of how the Banks got here to be—and why they’re nonetheless the heartbeat of New York skate tradition.
Key takeaways
- The Brooklyn Banks had been initially designed by panorama architect M. Paul Friedberg in 1972, unintentionally creating a major skateboarding location.
- In the course of the mid-80s, the Banks turned NYC’s skateboarding mecca, serving because the central hub for skaters earlier than the institution of official skateparks.
- Neighborhood efforts led by Steve Rodriguez efficiently preserved the Banks in 2004 and 2010, highlighting the robust resilience of the skateboarding group.
- The resurrection of the Brooklyn Banks in 2023 marks a big revival, reaffirming its standing as a legendary skate spot in New York Metropolis.
The unintended delivery of an iconic skate spot
what’s wild? The Brooklyn Banks (usually simply known as the banks) weren’t even constructed for skating. Again in 1972, panorama architect M. Paul Friedberg designed these wavy brick surfaces beneath the Brooklyn Bridge as a part of the 1 Police Plaza growth.[2] He most likely had no concept he’d by chance create the right city playground. However hey, one skater’s random brickwork is one other skater’s treasure, proper?
However wait, how did these brick banks grow to be the last word canvas for skateboarding? It’s all about these distinctive angles and transitions. The best way the surfaces stream, it’s as in the event that they had been secretly designed for us to carve and grind. And who may resist these benches, pillars, and rails sprinkled all through?
Did Friedberg actually intend for skaters to take over his design? Completely not, however that’s the great thing about skateboarding—we make the streets our personal.
Within the mid-80s, the Banks became the epicenter of NYC skateboarding.[1] Earlier than there have been any official skateparks within the metropolis. The Brooklyn Banks weren’t only a spot; they had been dwelling to skaters. The Banks fostered a way of belonging that you simply simply couldn’t discover wherever else.
The Brooklyn Banks haven’t solely been a staple within the skate group but additionally a outstanding characteristic in skateboarding media. From iconic skate movies to journal spreads, the Banks have supplied the backdrop for among the most memorable moments in skate historical past.
It had all you wished in a avenue skating spot; small banks, granite ledges—it was a skateboarder’s paradise.[1] And oddly sufficient, It was all proper beneath the noses of 1 Police Plaza. Skating proper beneath the radar![1]
Right here’s the factor although. Personally. I hate skating the banks. Perhaps that’s blast for me to say however it’s simply so tough, what I imply is that the brakes usually are not tremendous silky, clean, proper, it’s nonetheless a bit of clunky, so it’s not like skating at a clean skate park. There’s a bit of grid to the pavement so to talk.
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Trials and tribulations: The combat to save lots of the Brooklyn Banks
Quick ahead to 2004, and the town decides it’s time for renovations. They wished to show our brick sanctuary right into a inexperienced park, and within the course of, they destroyed the little banks.[2] Man, that was a punch to the intestine. However we weren’t gonna let the massive banks meet the identical destiny.
That’s when Steve Rodriguez, a real hero within the NYC skate scene, stepped up.[2] He rallied the group, bought skaters organized, and collectively we lobbied to save lots of the massive banks. And guess what? We gained!
The Division of Parks and Recreation agreed to revamp the realm to be “skateboard-friendly.”[2] Speak about a victory for the tradition. It’s proof that once we come collectively, we are able to transfer mountains—or at the least get the town to maneuver bricks!
However in fact, the battles didn’t finish there. In 2010, they shut down the Banks once more for Brooklyn Bridge repairs, utilizing it as a storage web site.[2]
The resurrection: 2023 and past
Now right here’s the place issues get thrilling. After years of petitions—*53,000 signatures robust!*—and relentless advocacy, Could 24, 2023 marked a brand new daybreak.[2] On the a hundred and fortieth anniversary of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Banks had been partially reopened.[2] The small banks had been rebuilt, and the massive banks are set to make a comeback, all because of Steve Rodriguez and the unstoppable skateboarding group.[2]
Why the Brooklyn Banks matter greater than ever
In a world the place skateparks pop up in each metropolis, you may marvel, why combat so exhausting for an previous brick spot beneath a bridge? As a result of the Banks are the center and soul of NYC skateboarding. They’re a dwelling historical past, a spot the place generations of skaters have minimize their enamel and located their group.
Plus, let’s be actual—there’s nothing like the texture of these brick banks beneath your wheels. It’s not simply in regards to the terrain; it’s in regards to the legacy. And as somebody who’s been skating because the early 2000s, educating my child find out how to skate there sometime is a dream I gained’t let go of.
Isn’t it simply nostalgia conserving us tied to the Banks? Perhaps a bit, however it’s extra about honoring the place we’ve been whereas carving out the place we’re going.
Enjoyable reality
Do you know that the partial reopening in 2023 coincided with the Brooklyn Bridge’s a hundred and fortieth anniversary?[2]
So what’s subsequent for the Brooklyn Banks? Effectively, I can’t say for positive, however one factor’s clear: the Banks are greater than only a spot—they’re an emblem of our resilience.
Ultimate ideas
The Brooklyn Banks aren’t only a spot on the map; they’re a testomony to the spirit of skateboarding—resilient, rebellious, and deeply rooted in group. As we roll into the long run, the Banks stand as a reminder that some issues are price combating for.
So subsequent time you’re in NYC, seize your board and pay homage to the Banks. In spite of everything, they’re not simply bricks and mortar; they’re a bit of skateboarding historical past nonetheless within the making. Need to dive deeper into skate tradition? Take a look at why skateboarding is a criminal offense or discover the finest skateparks on the planet.