Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk's The Skatepark Project has started a petition with the Harold Hunter Foundation to rename the skate section of Tompkins Square Park in honor of Harold Hunter.
The campaign aims to recognize Harold’s lasting influence on skateboarding in New York City and his role in the East Village community.
Hunter grew up in the East Village and became one of the city’s most respected skateboarders in the 1990s.
He was known not just for his skill on a board but for his ability to connect with people and inspire those around him.
While skateboarding took him to cities around the world, he always returned home to Manhattan, where he played a central role in shaping the local skate scene.
The Harold Hunter Foundation continues his work today, offering mentorship and skateboarding programs for young people in the city.
Its offices are located just across the street from Tompkins Square Park, which was one of Harold’s favorite places to skate and spend time with friends.
In the 1990s, Hunter helped transform the park into a meeting place for skaters, artists, and musicians.
That era left a lasting influence on the park, and today people from all over come to ride the same asphalt Harold once did.
The northwest corner of Tompkins Square Park has long been a key spot for skateboarders. Local skaters have maintained the space for years, building obstacles and keeping it active for the community.
Recently, neighborhood advocates succeeded in keeping the asphalt intact, ensuring it remains open to skaters.
The petition calls for this section of the park to be officially named “Harold Hunter Park” in recognition of his contributions to skateboarding and the culture of New York City.
Residents of the East Village, Greenwich Village, Alphabet City, and the Lower East Side with zip codes 10002, 10003, 10009, 10012, and 10013 are especially encouraged to show their support.
Naming the skate area for Harold Hunter would ensure that his story and impact continue to inspire new generations of skaters and members of the community.
Please sign the petition here.