The atmosphere was fiery but, for the most part, respectful.

It began with information presented by the Parks Department, Skatepark Project, Councilmember Hudson and their constituents regarding the proposed Skate Park — its history and future plans. 

“Today, we are excited to present to everyone this evening the plans for a Skate Garden in Mt. Prospect Park,” Hudson said, followed by an onslaught of boos and cheers.

The proposed 40,000 square foot, $11,165,000 Skate Garden is expected to be a custom poured-in-place concrete park built from the ground up — fitted with security lighting, spectator seating, community gardens and space for programming to be integrated into the skate park and park setting.

Martin Maher, Brooklyn Parks commissioner, explained to the audience that one of the reasons Mt. Prospect Park was selected, specifically, is because it’s in central Brooklyn and easy to get to by public transportation.

“Our goal here is to provide a safe place for everybody to enjoy,” Maher said, adding, “No trees are going to be harmed or removed during construction, and the playground will not be touched.”

“Bottom line: This park will not be paved over,” he stressed to the cheering crowd.  

“Further, there will not be any stadium lighting, contrary to what some are saying — or any nighttime skating lighting at all.” 

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who also made a brief appearance at the meeting, said he supports the development of the project.

“I know the value of this skate park; it’s so important to keep kids busy. And it’s convenient because of its proximity to Prospect Park,” Reynoso pointed out.

“So why isn’t it in Prospect Park?” an audience member shot back.

Benjamin Anderson Bashein, CEO of The Skatepark Project, noted that it’s essential that people go outside and move their bodies more, and skateboarding is ideal in that regard.

“We were founded almost 25 years ago based on the idea,” Bashein said. 

In an interview with the Brooklyn Eagle, Bashein explained that he thinks there is a lot of confusion, misinformation and assumptions about what the park will be like.

“What people need to understand is that Brooklyn Skate Garden will be less than 12 percent of Mt. Prospect Park. The park is 340,000 plus square feet. And that 12 percent will include new walkways, a community garden and new trees — the actual paved skate space is a fraction of that 12 percent.” 

Loren Michelle, director of the Pablo Ramirez Foundation (which honors the legacy of skater Pablo Ramirez through non-profits in skateboarding, music and art), pointed out that this is the kind of project that “supports and serves healthy Brooklyn lives.”

“Wouldn’t we rather see our kids skating and playing with friends than in a dark room playing video games?” Michelle asked as the audience cheered.  

“We believe that skate parks can be more than just a place to skate — they can be for learning, growing, and building community.”  

The audience was also given a platform to comment and ask questions.   

“It’s not that we oppose skate parks,” one woman said. “You just never even asked us what we thought. 

“You call it a community park, but you never even talked to the community.”  

Another woman referred to the proponent’s presentation as a “sales pitch.”

“If you were really serious about engaging the community, you would have shown up here with your timeline,” she said. “And more importantly, when will the community members’ voices get a chance to be heard?”

Hudson explained that today is the very first part of community engagement.

“Looking forward, the Parks Dept. has a formal process [for community input],” she said, adding that some of it will be online and some in person, and it will consist of various surveys, polls and the like.

“It’s a long process, but over the next several weeks and months, the community will be able to comment and voice their opinions.” 

Isabel Broyer, president of CuRBA (Cultural Row Block Association, Eastern Parkway), who was also in the audience, addressed Hudson directly. 

“This is not what we want!” she exclaimed. “You’re not listening to us; you should find a different location!” 

“I don’t understand why there is so much animosity toward this investment in our community,” one man said. “We are being offered an opportunity to do something positive here, and I really think this project needs to get done.” 

After the meeting, the Brooklyn Eagle met with a NYC Parks representative, who pointed out that while many think there is a final design that has been rubber-stamped and approved already, that couldn’t be further from the truth.  

“We are just now beginning the design process,” he said. “Yes, the location has been determined, and 2025 is the goal for completion. But all the elements of the design itself — those are still up in the air.”

Indeed, neighbors who fear concrete and bright lights taking over their open park space are anxiously awaiting the actual renderings.