Brooklyn Skate Garden

Frequently Asked Questions 

Updated February 2026

Why are we building a skate garden?

Skateboarding and other action sports in New York City are rapidly growing! There are approximately 307K action sports participants in the city and not enough public space for them to participate. Without access to safe and legal places to play and exercise, skateboarders and other action sports participants are forced to turn to non-sanctioned and potentially unsafe spaces.

Like other public recreational spaces, skateparks are community parks located within existing larger park footprints, and integral to public space.  These are safe, accessible places for young people and adults to participate in all-wheel sports, engage in community activity, and improve their mental and physical health.

Why was Mount Prospect Park chosen as the location for the Brooklyn Skate Garden?

Recognizing the need for additional skateparks in central Brooklyn, The Pablo Ramirez Foundation initiated a community-driven petition that attained over 5,200 signatures to create a skate garden in the area. The Mount Prospect Park site was subsequently chosen by the City because it is in a neighborhood that currently lacks access to a skatepark and is near public transportation and other recreation amenities. After the site was selected, the petition received 1,400 new signatures and counting. The site is in a park next to one of the largest and most utilized greenspaces in Brooklyn. Additionaly, the proposed location will not disturb tree root zones or other plant life. It will mitigate ongoing drainage issues. The size and location of the proposed skate garden will allow it to co-exist in harmony with all the other uses in the park.

Will the project maintain local residents’ access to green space? Will the local community still be able to use the park for the same activities?

Absolutely! The skatepark portion of the project will utilize less than 12% of Mt. Prospect Park’s 340,000 square feet of space.  (Think of one slice of a pizza pie.) The BSG will enhance the existing park and greenspace by upgrading the park into a multi-use area with ample seating, walkways and public space.

Will the trees and plant life be impacted?

We love our trees! No trees will be damaged or removed in the process of building the BSG. In fact, the project will add more trees and native plantings to the park. 

Why is coexistence vital to the BSG?

Coexistence and mutual respect are core principles of the BSG. Because we are committed to the community – skaters, families, seniors, daily park-goers – our design will support:

  • Calm seating areas alongside active spaces where people can sit, chat, watch, and relax.

  • Landscaped lawns, with new trees and native plantings.

  • Clear visual pathways that make the park welcoming for all users.

How will the BSG enrich Mount Prospect Park parkgoers? 

  • New trees and native plantings, for shade and increased greenery.

  • Refreshed landscaping, to promote connection to nature.

  • Quiet places to read or unwind.

  • Open lawns for soccer and informal games.

  • Walking paths for people (and dogs!)

How will the BSG assure environmental stewardship?

The NYC Parks Department, the entity charged with building the BSG, is committed to enhancing the natural systems in Mount Prospect Park. Anticipated improvements include:

  • Native, climate-resistant new trees, plantings and landscaping. 

  • Reseeding the lawn to fight erosion.

  • Eco-sustainable stormwater filtration to mitigate flooding.

What will the BSG look like?

In accord with NYC Parks’ community engagement protocols for Capital Projects, we anticipate presenting preliminary designs for public comment in Spring 2026. Follow BSG on social media for updates @brooklynskategarden.

Who is designing and building the skate garden? How long will it take?

Along with planners at NYC Parks Dept. The Skatepark Project is developing the BSG design. (The Skatepark Projects’s design services are provided pro bono.) As city protocols direct, all elements will proceed in accordance with NYC Parks’ development process. Once the design is finalized the New York City Economic Development Corporation will lead the construction. We aim to skate in the BSG in 2027.

Use this QR code to sign up for The Skatepark Project’s NYC Skatepark Mailing List or go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NYCSkateparks