Harold Ickes Playground

The $4.3 million project creates a safe space for bikers and skaters, with new skateboarding and BMX features, plus a climbing boulder, parkour space, game tables, and more

Today, NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue joined New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, New York City Councilmember Alexa Avilés, and members of the community to celebrate the official opening of a new skate and BMX park at Harold Ickes Playground in Red Hook. This $4.3 million investment has transformed an underutilized asphalt softball field into a state-of-the-art space for BMX biking and skateboarding, including the first ever bike repair station and air pumps installed in a Brooklyn park. After remarks, local skateboarder Eric Hernandez “cut the ribbon” by skating through a banner to officially open the skate park.

“As more New Yorkers take up sports like BMX biking and skateboarding, it’s vital that they have safe, dedicated spaces to practice, not just sidewalks and parking lots,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “It’s inspiring to see the transformation that we were able to achieve in this playground, turning an underused asphalt softball field into a lively skate park that’s already won the hearts of many Red Hook residents. This new public resource gives New York City’s diverse skating and biking community a beautiful place to come together for some safe fun. I’m grateful to our partners across government and in the private sector for their support as we continue to make Red Hook, and our entire city, more safe, healthy, and livable.”

“During the State of the City earlier this year, Mayor Adams announced the goal of making NYC the most skate friendly city in the country. Parks continues to deliver on that promise,” said Ya-Ting Liu, New York City Chief Public Realm Officer. “Congratulations to all the project partners on creating another vibrant, fun, multi-purpose space for all New Yorkers to enjoy!”

During design, Parks met with the skateboarding and BMX communities to solicit their vision for the new space. In collaboration with award-winning skateboard design firm Spohn Ranch, Parks created a state-of-the-art skate park that gives New York’s diverse biking and skating community a dedicated safe space to practice. In addition to permanent skating and BMX amenities, the renovated 0.77-acre space also includes a bike repair station and air pumps.

Thrill-seekers can safely practice parkour in the dedicated parkour space with safety surfacing, or practice their climbing on a climbing boulder donated by The North Face, with assistance from The Trust for Public Land. The greenspace has also been enhanced with new features that improve the park experience for all patrons. As part of the project, Parks installed new security lighting, accessible bottle fillers, chess and checker tables, and benches. The park’s greenery was also refreshed as part of the project, with new landscaping and trees planted to keep New Yorkers cool during the hot summer months.

This project was made possible thanks to $4.345 million from the New York City Council, Brooklyn Borough President, and Office of the Mayor. The project was completed ahead of schedule and has been serving the public since its soft opening in February.

In addition to this new skate park, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, NYC Parks, and the Skatepark Project recently announced a major initiative bringing four new skate parks to Brooklyn and the Bronx. These four new skate parks will provide anchor spaces for youth and adults to participate in these sports, engage in community activity, and improve their mental and physical health, while delivering revitalized public greenspaces that all New Yorkers can enjoy. More information about the initiative and the four skate parks planned can be found on the Parks website.

“Summer fun just got a lot cooler for Brooklyn’s youth,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “With the opening of this skateboard park at the crossroads of Red Hook, Cobble Hill, and the Columbia Waterfront, we’re nurturing a safe, intentional space for Brooklyn’s young people to enjoy the sport and make friends. Thank you to Mayor Adams and NYC Parks for bringing this project to fruition!”

"You know what they say: if you build it, they will skate," said New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes. "Parks has transformed this underused field into a beautiful space for the Red Hook community to enjoy skating, biking, climbing, and simply spending time outdoors. These sports get kids—and adults—active, and teach us so many important lessons, from the patience required to master a skill to the importance of picking yourself up when you fall. This new skate park is an investment in Red Hook's future, and I'm grateful to Mayor Adams, Commissioner Donoghue and NYC Parks for bringing it to life."

“The new skate and BMX park at Harold Ickes Park is a much-awaited and needed space that my constituents will cherish," said New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif. “Safe and welcoming spaces for recreation of all kinds are essential to a thriving Brooklyn. I am grateful to NYC Parks and all of the partners who have made today’s opening a reality.”

Harold Ickes Playground is located on top of the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel and is named for Harold LeClair Ickes (1874-1952), an ardent conservationist who served as Secretary of the Interior in President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Ickes’ tenure during the New Deal saw the creation of parks, highways, municipal buildings, and utilities such as the Hoover Dam.