NYC Skateboarders Unite To "Clean Up" Legendary Big Apple Skate Spot

New York *, NY – On July 12, 2003 *, New York City *’s 5boro * Skateboards will team up with Etnies *, Defex Clothing, and a multitude of local skateboarders and local skateboard companies * to “Clean Up” one of NYC’s most acclaimed skate spots – the Brooklyn Banks *.

In an age when skateboarding in Manhattan can often lead to stiff fines and other penalties from law enforcement officials, the "Clean Up The Banks Day" is a grassroots-oriented community service undertaking aimed at resurrecting one of the last hassle-free, public skateboarding spots left in the Big Apple.

"The Brooklyn Banks is a unique skate spot that has been skated heavily since 1984," says 5boro Skateboards Founder and Owner Steve Rodriguez. "It’s by far one of the most notable skate spots in the country, and it is one of the only places downtown [ NYC ] that we can skate without running into problems."

The average passerby probably pays little attention to the sloping brick banks lurking in the shadows located at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge in lower Manhattan. Skateboarders, on the other hand, see hours of fun and endless possibilities when they arrive at the banks. It is not landmarks like the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building or Statue of Liberty that draw skateboarders from far and wide to NYC. For many, it is instead the allure of the Brooklyn Banks and the desire to experience them first-hand that is the catalyst.

Over the past twenty years, the Brooklyn Banks have achieved legendary status within the skateboarding world, but recent neglect and misuse from the city has left the banks, which are technically a public park, in a state of disrepair.

"Since 2001 *, the banks have basically been used as a municipal parking lot," comments Rodriguez. "Oil from the cars destroys the bricks, and the weight of the cars makes the bricks uneven which is terrible for skating. Plus, the street sweepers don’t clean the banks anymore, and you can’t even sit in the park because of all the cars."

However, it appears as though city officials are changing their tune to an extent, as a section of the banks have recently been blocked off to police vehicles, as if it were an area specifically designated for skateboarding and BMX. It is this section that Clean Up The Banks Day will focus on.

In a June 6th New York Times * article, New York City’s Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe is quoted as saying: "We’re developing plans for work over the next year or two to develop other places – like at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge – where people can use their equipment in ways that will be safe for them and won’t damage the property." In essence, July 12th's Clean Up The Banks Day is designed to unofficially kick-start this process for the city and the citizens and skateboarders of Gotham.

The independently organized event gets underway at noon on Saturday, July 12th, at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge. All are encouraged to attend and lend a helping hand, and brooms and refreshments will be provided, but additional supplies are always welcome. Reportedly, a number of endemic skateboard publications are planning to cover the Clean Up The Banks Day event, including SkateboardDirectory.com, Resolve Skateboarding Magazine *, and 411 Video Magazine *.

We at SkateboardDirectory.com applaud the organizers for their proactive work at making New York a better place for New Yorkers and skateboarders alike.

For more information, please contact Sancho Cammayo at 646-752-1310

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