Since Pier 76 opened to the public in June of 2021, New Yorkers who skate have found solace in its vast, paved, level, car-free space. In addition to it being a setting where we can safely practice our art and sport, Pier 76 has organically become a place of community for us. It has become the go-to spot for meetups and rollouts, for lessons and dancing. It is no exaggeration to say this pier, in its current state, has become a sacred place for skaters.

In late July 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to amend the Hudson River Park Act to allow redevelopment of Pier 76, with up to 50% commercial use, and at least 50% parkland. While we are saddened to hear that we will be losing at least half of our beloved pier to more shops and restaurants, we hope to see the development of parkland include the needs of those of us who have already made this place our home. 

We ask the Hudson River Park Trust, along with the city and state of New York, to include the preservation of our safe, inclusive, accessible, and free skate space. We ask that the HRPT sees the redevelopment of Pier 76 as an opportunity to create a place unlike any other in the city: one specifically designed and designated for this kind of roller skating (similar to the Skate Dance Plaza in Venice Beach, CA). We ask for an area of flat and leveled, smooth and continuous poured concrete, spanning more than 15,000 square feet, that is preferably well-lit and partially covered, to facilitate free year-round use for skaters of all ages, skill levels, and physical abilities.

READ MORE ABOUT PIER 76 AND ITS SKATERS IN THIS TIME OUT ARTICLE.