The skate park under the Manhattan Bridge aka Chinatown/LES Skate Park on our block is due for a complete renovation next year! The HAO/Holm Architecture Office won the design bid for the project and the new park will be funded by Architecture for Humanity and a Nike Gamechanger’s grant. Steve Rodriguez of 5BORO skateboards will also have a part in the development of the new park that will be known as “Coleman Oval Skate Park.” With the recent loss of the nearby, historic Brooklyn Banks, we feel that this “revamp” is long overdue.
In addition to a brand new skate park, the new design includes a dog-run with a view, upgraded baseball field, new playground, an urban gallery (sounds like legal walls), and new board game benches. See the layout plans of the space below:
“New York has more film festivals than any other city in the world. Throughout the summer, independent and established film festivals show screenings under the bridge. Summer concerts includes locals and national bands celebrating the coolest music venue in the city while, on select days, the part and skate park combines to create the Coleman Oval Market for furniture, food and festivities.” This is a great idea but we’re not sure if anyone factored in the constant loud roar of the train overhead during these concerts and screenings.
We are excited about this new design and we hope that we actually start to see some progress come next year. Can’t wait for the food trucks to get here! We’ll definitely be involved in any upcoming events at the new space and everyone should feel free to drop by Klughaus Gallery just across the street at 47 Monroe!
Read more about the proposed skate park at:
Curbed: Damn Skateboarding Kids to Take Over Coleman Park
Bowery Boogie: Renderings for New Coleman Skate Park on Lower East Side
Inhabitat NYC: HAO Architects Win Coleman Oval Skate Park Redesign!