Coleman Playground facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coleman Playground |
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| Harold Hunter Skate Park Coleman Square Chinatown Skatepark LES Skatepark |
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Coleman Playground in 2012
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| Type | Urban park |
| Location | Lower East Side, Manhattan |
| Created | New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |
| Open | All year |
| Terrain | Concrete |
| Public transit access | Q, F, D Trains |
Coleman Playground is a fun public park in New York City. It sits right between the Chinatown and Lower East Side neighborhoods. It's a great spot for people of all ages to relax and play.
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Park History: Who Was Joseph Coleman?
This park is named after a brave soldier, Joseph Francis Coleman. He was a Corporal in the U.S. Army. Joseph lived near the park area before World War I. He fought in France with the American Expeditionary Force. Sadly, he became sick during the war. Joseph died in 1919 after returning home.
Just six months after his death, the city decided to honor him. They named this playground "Coleman Playground." It was a way to remember his service and sacrifice.
LES Skatepark: A Skater's Paradise
Under a big bridge, Coleman Playground has an awesome skatepark. It's officially called the Coleman Playground Skatepark. But many people know it by other names. These include LES Skatepark, LES Park, or Chinatown Skatepark.
How the Skatepark Started
The skatepark began as a "DIY" (Do It Yourself) spot. Skaters used old basketball courts. The only original obstacle was a double stair set. This stair set is still there today! In the early 2000s, the city added some pre-made obstacles. Skaters had mixed feelings about them.
Modern Redesign and Features
Local skaters, like Steve Rodriguez, wanted to make it better. They got help from the Tony Hawk Foundation. This led to a big change in 2012. The skatepark was completely rebuilt with concrete. Now, it has cool features like ledges, jumps, rails, and a pyramid. It's a great place for skaters to practice tricks.
The 2012 redesign was led by Steve Rodriguez. Nike SB helped pay for the improvements. The park is not supervised, so be careful! You can use inline skates here, but bikes are not allowed.
Art and Events at the Park
In 2017, a famous artist named Barbara Kruger created art at the park. She put her bold words on ramps and walls. The art is no longer there, but it was a cool addition.
In 2019, Steve Rodriguez and Adidas Skateboarding held an event. It was for Go Skateboarding Day. The next day, Rodriguez and Red Bull Skate hosted a "best trick" contest. Skaters like Jamie Foy showed off their skills.
Images for kids
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Kevin Godette doing a backside crooked grind at the LES skatepark.
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Andre Beverly landing a trick at LES skatepark.
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Skateboarder Yaje Popson landing a backside 50-50 at LES skatepark.
