Brooklyn Banks: The Legendary Skate Spot That Refuses to Fade Away

I still remember showing up to the Brooklyn Banks for the first time—those brick waves unfolding like an urban playground beneath the Brooklyn Bridge.

In this post, I’m gonna take you through the rich history of the Brooklyn Banks, from their accidental creation to their rise as a skateboarding icon, and the recent events in 2023 that had every skater talking. So grab your deck, and let’s dive into the story of how the Banks came to be—and why they’re still the heartbeat of New York skate culture.

The accidental birth of an iconic skate spot

You know what’s wild? The Brooklyn Banks (typically just referred to as the banks) weren’t even built for skating. Back in 1972, landscape architect M. Paul Friedberg designed those wavy brick surfaces under the Brooklyn Bridge as part of the 1 Police Plaza development.[2] He probably had no idea he’d accidentally create the perfect urban playground. But hey, one skater’s random brickwork is another skater’s treasure, right?

But wait, how did these brick banks become the ultimate canvas for skateboarding? It’s all about those unique angles and transitions. The way the surfaces flow, it’s as if they were secretly designed for us to carve and grind. And who could resist those benches, pillars, and rails sprinkled throughout?

Did Friedberg really intend for skaters to take over his design? Absolutely not, but that’s the beauty of skateboarding—we make the streets our own.

In the mid-80s, the Banks turned into the epicenter of NYC skateboarding.[1] Before there were any official skateparks in the city. The Brooklyn Banks weren’t just a spot; they were home to skaters. The Banks fostered a sense of belonging that you just couldn’t find anywhere else.

The Brooklyn Banks have not only been a staple in the skate community but also a prominent feature in skateboarding media. From iconic skate videos to magazine spreads, the Banks have provided the backdrop for some of the most memorable moments in skate history.

It had all you wanted in a street skating spot; small banks, granite ledges—it was a skateboarder’s paradise.[1] And oddly enough, It was all right under the noses of 1 Police Plaza. Skating right under the radar![1]

Here’s the thing though. Personally. I hate skating the banks. Maybe that’s blast for me to say but it’s just so rough, what I mean is that the brakes are not super silky, smooth, right, it’s still a little clunky, so it’s not like skating at a smooth skate park. There’s a little grid to the pavement so to speak.

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Trials and tribulations: The fight to save the Brooklyn Banks

Fast forward to 2004, and the city decides it’s time for renovations. They wanted to turn our brick sanctuary into a green park, and in the process, they destroyed the little banks.[2] Man, that was a punch to the gut. But we weren’t gonna let the big banks meet the same fate.

That’s when Steve Rodriguez, a true hero in the NYC skate scene, stepped up.[2] He rallied the community, got skaters organized, and together we lobbied to save the big banks. And guess what? We won!

The Department of Parks and Recreation agreed to redesign the area to be “skateboard-friendly.”[2] Talk about a victory for the culture. It’s proof that when we come together, we can move mountains—or at least get the city to move bricks!

But of course, the battles didn’t end there. In 2010, they shut down the Banks again for Brooklyn Bridge repairs, using it as a storage site.[2]

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The resurrection: 2023 and beyond

Now here’s where things get exciting. After years of petitions—*53,000 signatures strong!*—and relentless advocacy, May 24, 2023 marked a new dawn.[2] On the 140th anniversary of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Banks were partially reopened.[2] The small banks were rebuilt, and the big banks are set to make a comeback, all thanks to Steve Rodriguez and the unstoppable skateboarding community.[2]

Why the Brooklyn Banks matter more than ever

In a world where skateparks pop up in every city, you might wonder, why fight so hard for an old brick spot under a bridge? Because the Banks are the heart and soul of NYC skateboarding. They’re a living history, a place where generations of skaters have cut their teeth and found their community.

Plus, let’s be real—there’s nothing like the feel of those brick banks under your wheels. It’s not just about the terrain; it’s about the legacy. And as someone who’s been skating since the early 2000s, teaching my kid how to skate there someday is a dream I won’t let go of.

Isn’t it just nostalgia keeping us tied to the Banks? Maybe a bit, but it’s more about honoring where we’ve been while carving out where we’re going.

Fun fact

Did you know that the partial reopening in 2023 coincided with the Brooklyn Bridge’s 140th anniversary?[2]

So what’s next for the Brooklyn Banks? Well, I can’t say for sure, but one thing’s clear: the Banks are more than just a spot—they’re a symbol of our resilience.

Reflexiones finales

The Brooklyn Banks aren’t just a spot on the map; they’re a testament to the spirit of skateboarding—resilient, rebellious, and deeply rooted in community. As we roll into the future, the Banks stand as a reminder that some things are worth fighting for.

So next time you’re in NYC, grab your board and pay homage to the Banks. After all, they’re not just bricks and mortar; they’re a piece of skateboarding history still in the making. Want to dive deeper into skate culture? Check out why skateboarding is a crime or explore the best skateparks in the world.