The Brooklyn Banks is a three block area under the Brooklyn Bridge. It consists of various ledges, stairs, rails and barriers. However what it is most known for is the sloped architecture that surrounds the entrance of the bridge on the Manhattan side. It is most popular among skaters to a point which John Branch, of The New York Times, calls it a “skate mecca”.  Brooklyn takes credit for developing skating in the east coast and giving it a broader perspective on what is possible. With much love from the “under-ground”, the city did not recognize this place as significant to anyone. In November of 2004, the city decided the Banks would look nicer if it were green and was a park. Many people were outraged, especially Steve Rodriguez, a Bank skater since 1983 and owner of 5boro skateboards. He disputed their decision to tear down the banks. In an interview by The New York Times, by Justin Porter, Rodriguez says “If you’re going to make some changes, you should work with the people who use the space.”  Rodriguez ended up saving the park from destruction but was then closed again in 2010 for bridge maintenance. This task is rumored to be completed sometime in 2014 but nothing is certain.

Sources:

Louison, Cole. “Red Bull USA – Sports & Entertainment News | Teams & Athletes.”The Brooklyn Banks Skatepark. N.p., 21 May 2012. Web. 19 Nov. 2013.

Porter, Justin. “Under a Bridge, and on Top of the World.” The New York Times. N.p., 24 June 2005. Web. 21 Nov. 2013.

“15 Things: Brooklyn Banks.” Skateboarder Magazine. N.p., 22 Mar. 2006. Web. 29 Nov. 2013.

Branch, John. “To Fix Bridge, Skateboard Mecca May Be Lost.” The New York Times. N.p., 13 May 2010. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.

Interview conducted by me to the manger of Skate Brooklyn, Chris Liu.