A new skatepark called the Brooklyn Skate Garden is getting people talking in Mount Prospect Park, who are worried about safety.
While the city is pushing to add more recreational areas, people are saying that this spot just isn’t the right fit.
The Friends of Mount Prospect Park, a local group, has raised alarms about the 40,000-square-foot facility taking away around 12% of the park's green space.
Folks are concerned about the chance of skaters getting hurt from stuff like falling acorns and twigs, and they’re also worried about how hard it is for emergency services to see and access the area.
NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue says it aims to give skaters safe spaces away from traffic while also boosting local greenery.
But critics aren’t buying it. The park is close to a busy road, Eastern Parkway, and they fear skaters might end up in traffic. Plus, the park isn’t very visible from the street, which makes it tough for emergency responders to get in quickly.
Local skater Harrison Park said, “There isn’t even a great way for emergency vehicles to get in,” pointing out the bad sightlines for cops and ambulances.
Safety guidelines from The Skatepark Project suggest that skateparks should be in open areas for quick access to emergency help, and the opponents think Mount Prospect Park doesn’t cut it.
On top of safety worries, the Friends of Mount Prospect Park believe that green space is important for activities like youth sports, senior gatherings, and even a nearby preschool.
People are anxious that turning a big chunk of the park into concrete would change its vibe completely.
Earlier this year, the group gathered over 2,000 signatures on a petition, which they handed to New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.
He admitted that the city has room for improvement when it comes to getting community feedback for new public projects. They’ve raised concerns with the Brooklyn borough president, City Council member Crystal Hudson, and NYC Parks, but many feel like they haven’t gotten much of a response.
City Hall insists the project will make public space better and provide needed resources for Brooklyn’s estimated 50,000 skateboarders.
Supporters, including skateboard historian Dr. Ted Barrow, argue that New York has been lacking in dedicated skate areas and that fears about traffic are exaggerated.
Community Board 9 has recommended the city look for other skatepark spots, bringing up worries about public input and the suitability of the site.
Some residents think existing skateparks, like the ones in Maspeth Park in Queens and Thomas Greene Park in Brooklyn, could use some revamping instead.
The debate isn’t over yet, but City Hall has promised that safety is a top concern and that they'll share a finalized design for public review. It’s still unclear if that will ease the worries of those against the plan.