Several of the existing obstacles from the skatepark have been moved by the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation to other skateparks in NYC, including Ben Soto Park in Staten Island.
The skatepark has been powerwashed and styrofoam and metal obtsacles are being placed on site. Temporary Dog runs are projected to be installed at Coleman Oval Park today, to prep for the closing of the existing dog runs.
The Coleman Oval skatepark was closed for construction today! The skatepark's existing obstacles was removed for their existing locations and are being prepped to be relocated to other skateparks in New York City.
The project was presented to the Manhattan Community Board 3 Parks Recreation, Cultural Affairs, Landmarks, & Waterfront Committee on March 15th. The Committee responded positively to the skatepark design. We will return to the May Committee meeting for an update.
Abel Bainnson & Butz, LLP (ABB) has joined the project team as the Design Lead on the Community Areas. Landscape Architects Denisha Williams and John Butz from ABB have started working on the schematic design for the new dog runs planned for Coleman Oval.
Pre construction planning is under way for the new skatepark. Many of the existing prefabricated obstacles are planned to be transplanted to other New York City skateparks.
The skatepark design was placed on the Public Design Commission's consent agenda for the April 2nd meeting- formal confirmation is expected soon.
Proposals from Landscape Architect candidates have been received and are currently under review.
A project update will be made to the Manhattan Community Board 3 Parks, Recreation, Cultural Affairs, Landmarks, & Waterfront Committee on March 15th.
The Public Design Commission has provided advanced comments on the design package that was submitted for review on February 22nd- the design package will be resubmitted on March 15th for the April 2nd meeting dates.
Fundraising efforts for the new permanent dog runs for Coleman Oval Park have begun.
The latest draft of the Adopt a Park agreement from the Parks Dept has been received and is currently under review- the agreement will hopefully be finalized shortly.
The 90% Construction Documents for the skatepark were submitted to the Parks Dept on Feb 3rd and are currently under in house review. California Skateparks has been in dialogue with the Parks Dept during this review process and are making adjustments accordingly.
The Parks Dept now stipulates that the skatepark design will need to be reviewed by the Public Design Commission after Parks Dept In House Review. A submission to PDC is currently being assembled to submit on February 22nd for the March 12th Meeting Date.
Conversations have taken place with a local landscape architecture firm to join the design team, as design lead on the non skate improvements. The Parks Dept has stipulated that a landscape architect with NYC Parks experience join the team.
Phasing for this project has been adjusted in light of the Parks Dept In House Review on January 4th. The project will proceed with the skatepark as an in kind replacement, including appropriation of the existing dog runs, as well as the development of temporary dog runs. The final design set for the skatepark is expected to be completed by Wed February 1, 2012 the latest, followed by an expected 1-2 week Parks Dept In House Review. Construction is anticipated to begin in March.
A landscape architect will join the design team and will help to identify opportunities for new permanent dog runs in Coleman Oval Park. The project team will meet with the Parks Dept Design Division to work on a plan for new dog runs and other possible interventions. Any new dog run design will need to go through the Parks Dept In House Design Review as well as the Public Design Commission Design Review.
Opportunities for temporary art installations and other programming are being explored with the NYC Dept of Transportation's Urban Art Division and Parks Dept.'s Temporary art Division.
Design
The schedule was extended to further develop the seating area and dog run design before submitting to the Parks Dept for in house design review and to the Public Design Commission.
Schedule Moving forward:
Preliminary and Final Design Submission to the Public Design Commission: January 10th
Public Design Commission Meeting Date: January 30th
A preliminary design set regarding the seating area and dog runs was presented to the Parks Dept for In House Review on December 22. Comments were received and the design is being developed further. Another In House Review is scheduled for January 4th, a review with the Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe for January 5th, and submission to the Public Design Commission on January 10th. The Commission will meet on January 30th- one week before the meeting we will be notified if the project will be on the consent agenda, if a representative from the project team needs to be present for testimony, or if we need to resubmit for the next meeting date due to comments.
Community Engagement
The skatepark design has been updated 90% Construction Documents will be developed by mid January.
At the December 8th Community Board 3 Parks Committee meeting, a update on the project was presented. The committee instructed the project team to present the final design at the next committee meeting on January 12th.
Adopt a Park
The Adopt a Park Agreement with the Parks Dept is in the last stages of the review process and should be finalized shortly in the new year.
Design
This week the project team will submit the preliminary designs for the seating areas and dog runs to the Parks Dept for the first of two Parks Dept In House reviews. These reviews are in preparation for a preliminary review submission to the Public Design Commission on December 13th.
Conversation took place this week with representatives of NYCDog, a local community group. They provided design input regarding the new dog runs.
Community Engagement
A meeting took place with Rebuilding Chinatown and Chinatown Design Lab consultant Robert Weber. Mr. Weber mentioned the need for intimate public spaces in Chinatown that provide opportunities for inter-generational socialization and also the importance of good fung shui.
A meeting also took place with the Two Bridges Neighborhood Council. Various development projects in the area were discussed including the Allen and Pike Street Pedestrian Malls, pedestrian improvements on South Street, and the recently announced development of Pier 42.
A community stakeholders meeting regarding the development of the East River Esplanade will take place at the Economic Development Corporation on December 12th. This will provide a good opportunity to discuss this project in the context of other community projects.
A presentation will be made to the Community Board Three Parks Committee on December 8th in advance of the submission to the Public Design Commission.
Design
Jens Holm of Holm Architecture Office and Kay Vorderwuelbecke of VM Design Studio, LLC have been selected as the Design Consultants on the project and will be focusing on the new seating area and dog runs. Jens and Kay are currently working on a preliminary design for those areas, to be submitted to the Parks Department for review by early December.
The project schedule going forward is as follows:
Preliminary Submittal to the Public Design Commission: December 13, 2011
Preliminary Public Design Commission Meeting: January 9, 2012
Final Submittal to the Public Design Commission: January 31, 2012
Final Public Design Commission Meeting: February 21, 2012
Community Engagement
A meeting has been setup with a representative of the Chinatown Design Lab, a working group from Asian Americans for Equality's Rebuilding Chinatown Initiative. This will help to inform the design regarding the cultural preferences of the community. A representative from the Two Bridges community organization is also interested in meeting to see how this project might connect with one of the group's current development projects in the community.
Construction on the skatepark, seating area, and replacement dog runs has been scheduled for Spring 2012, with anticipated construction occurring in March and April 2012.
The survey and geotechnical reports have been completed for the site. At first indication, it appears as though the concrete for the new park will be able to be poured on top of existing asphalt with a material as a barrier and the existing asphalt will not have to be demolition (pending confirmation from a structural engineer) This is great news!
30% Construction documents have been completed for the skatepark portion and approved by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. This week, work will begin on the 90% Construction Documents for the skatepark portion.
Last week, 4 short listed firms for the Architect of Records position were interviewed by the Architecture for Humanity project team: Loci Architecture, Starr Whitehouse, Holm Architecture Office, and Public Workshop. A firm is scheduled to be selected this week.
This past weekend, the Architecture for Humanity team visited NYC for the Design Like You Give a Damn Live conference. Several staffers were able to take a tour of Coleman Oval Park last Friday. Also, I made a presentation, "Manhattan Bridge Skate: Revamped and Reramped" during the conference's open mic. That can be found here.
Surveying and a geotechnical engineering analysis got under way recently at the Manhattan Bridge Skatepark.
Surveying firm Badey and Watson conducted fieldwork at the skatepark. They have completed a preliminary mapping of utilities at the site and the final survey is expected to be completed shortly.
Geotechnical engineering firm Carlin Simpson & Associates were on site on Monday October 3 to drill 3 borings, in order to conduct analysis of the asphalt ground and soil. This analysis will provide important information regarding how the concrete slab and obstacles can be placed and whether the existing asphalt needs to be removed. A preliminary report is expected this week and a final report is expected by October 12.
Urban Design Week
Architecture for Humanity hosted a design charrette at the Manhattan Bridge Skatepark as part of New York City's Urban Design Week on September 18th. The event brought together planners, architects, landscape architects, skateboarders and members of the community to brainstorm about how the skatepark and adjacent areas of Coleman Oval Park should and could look. The charrette focused on two design challenges: Create a skatepark that is well integrated with non skateboarding activities and Create a permeable yet well defined edge condition between the skatepark and non skatepark areas. Several of the design firms that had submitted master plan proposals in answer to an RFP issued by Architecture for Humanity were also in attendance and shared their visions for Coleman Oval Park. The participating firms were: Starr Whitehouse, Public Workshop, Bernheimer Architecture, Holm Architecture, and Loci Architecture.
Surveyor and Engineering
The surveyor firm Badey & Watson has begun work on the project, conducting fieldwork on 9/21 and 9/22.
Geotechnical engineering firms have been engaged for estimates and proposals. A geotechnical assessment is necessary to determine how to proceed with pouring the concrete slab for the new skatepark. One estimate has been received and two others are anticipated soon.
Updates in several areas, including good news from the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation that allows the project to move forward with the proposed skatepark footprint!
New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
Adrian Benepe, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR), has given permission to utilize the existing dog runs in the skatepark design. This allows for design development for the skatepark, Phase I of the project, to move forward as an in kind replacement. Next steps include finalizing the scope of Phase I with DPR and finalizing a construction schedule.
Design Details
An update meeting was held with Nike's East Coast Brand and Marketing Team. Another meeting or conference call will occur in the next few weeks to discuss skatepark design details.
Surveyor and Engineering
A surveying firm has been selected and will begin work shortly. Engagement of an engineering firm may be necessary for an assessment of how to proceed forward with the existing asphalt.
Manhattan Bridge Skatepark: Invitation to Develop a Master Plan
A group of selected firms were shortlisted and asked to provided their master plan vision for the park. See here The September 5th submission deadline has passed and the submissions will be reviewed soon.
Skatepark Builders
Preliminary estimates have been received by three skatepark builders (California Skateparks, Who Skates, and Grindline) and are currently being reviewed.
Hear from Steve Rodriguez the kids of the Manhattan Bridge Skatepark
Click on this link! to hear more from community partner Steve Rodriguez and some of the kids who frequent Coleman Oval Skatepark!
UPCOMING
Urban Design Week
Architecture for Humanity will be hosting a design charrette during Urban Design Week in New York on Sunday September 18th from 12pm-2pm at the skatepark. For more information please click Under the Manhattan Bridge Skateboarders Hit the Drawing Deck! The event is open to the public.
The Manhattan Bridge/LES redesign/reconstruction project is continuing in its design phase.
Proposed Construction Phasing:
Improvements to the Manhattan Bridge Skatepark are proposed through three constructions phases.
Phase I (Fall 2011) : Existing skatepark, access to skatepark, and temporary relocation of existing dog runs
Phase II: Seating Area at NE corner of Park, Compost area, center circulation area, permanent dog runs, park signage and identity
Phase III: Coleman Oval Park Master Plan
The skatepark portion of the project may be considered an in kind replacement by the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation- and therefore exempt from requiring approval from the Public Design Commission.
Design:
On July 27th, a presentation of the current design set was made to the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation Manhattan Design Team, including Deputy Chief of Design Nancy Prince. Discussions centered around the proposed relocation of the existing dog runs and extension of current skatepark footprint into that area, as well as introductory master plan concepts for the larger park (as per feedback from previously submitted design set). Feedback received included: further questioning of the necessity to relocate the dog runs, a request for shade studies for the proposed site of new dog runs, and more detailed view of proposed ADA accessible entrances to the skatepark.
On July 28th, the design set was further discussed ay an in house NYC Department of Parks & Recreation meeting attended by Deputy Commissioner Therese Braddock. The issue of relocating the existing dog runs was discussed further. The consensus at the meeting was that the dog runs should not be relocated until further review by the Public Design Commission. The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation Commissioner's office is being updated concerning project and further discussion of this issue is anticipated.
Local Architect/Landscape Architect of Record:
Submissions have been received for the position and currently five firms are being considered. The candidates will be asked to submit a initial master plan for the site along with a vision statement. The selected firm will be asked to provide construction organization and oversight as well as design services.
Upcoming:
Meeting with Steve Rodriguez and the Nike East Coast Brand & Marketing Team for a project update and to discuss programming ideas.
Finalization of the Adopt a Park agreement for Coleman Oval Park between Architecture for Humanity and the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation.
The Manhattan Bridge/LES Skatepark redesign/ reconstruction project has entered its design phase.
Community Outreach:
A meeting took place with Steve Rodriguez and Vince Callagy (Manager) and Stephen Stanley (Assistant Manager)from Knickerbocker Houses, a housing complex that neighbors Coleman Oval Park on July 18, 2011. Mr. Callagy outlined issues regarding skateboarders skating on the sidewalk on Monroe Street adjacent to Knickerbocker and how this may disturb the complex's large elderly population. Steve Rodriguez discussed possible solutions such as a no skateboarding stencil on the sidewalk and signs posted on that side of the sidewalk. A discussion concerning lighting at the skatepark and how to prevent users being at skatepark also took place. Overall, Mr. Callagy was very supportive of the project and stated that "The (exisitng) skatepark was a great success".
A meeting took place with the LES East Girls Club to discuss possible programming opportunities.
Design:
Survey bids have been given by three surveyors and are being considered.
A site visit at the skatepark took place with Namshik Yoon (Director of Operations Manhattan/NYC Dept of Parks and Recreation, Chris Farnum, Landscape Architect NYC Dept of Parks and Recreation and Steve Rodriguez on July 8, 2011. The overall footprint for the skatepark was discussed, including expanding into an adjacent paved "seating" area and the existing dog runs. The need for security fencing as well as lighting considerations were also discussed.
Steve Rodriguez and Architecture for Humanity developed the preliminary design for the skatepark. A site visit took place with Steve Rodriguez and the Nike team at the skatepark. Preliminary designs for the skatepark were submitted to the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation for in house review on July 5, 2011 and feedback has been given for changes to the presentation. The latest version has been submitted to the Parks Dept on July 20, 2011.
The skatepark design was sent to potential skatepark builders, California Skateparks, Who Skates, and Team Pain for bids on July 20, 2011.
Architecture for Humanity posted a call for local architect/landscape architect of record candidates for the project.
Skate it. Draw it. Build it.
Community Outreach:
A community design session/visioning took place at the Manhattan Bridge Skatepark on May 14, 2011. Many local skateboarders attended, as did Project Partner Steve Rodriguez. The skateboarders shared their input and ideas regarding the skatepark's redesign and reconstruction with Steve verbally as well as wrote comments on the existing asphalt ground of the skatepark in chalk.
The project was also introduced at Manhattan Community Board 3's Parks, Recreation, Cultural Affairs, Landmarks, and Waterfront Committee's (representing the community district the skatepark is in) meeting on June 16, 2001.
Go Skateboarding Day:
Go Skateboarding Day, the official holiday that celebrates skateboarding, took place on Tues June 21st. An event celebrating Go Skateboarding Day took place at three New York City locations: the Maloof Skatepark in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens 11am-1pm, the Manhattan Bridge Skatepark 2pm-4pm, and McCarren Skatepark ( street closure)Bayard Street between Lorimor and Leonard Streets in Brooklyn 5pm-7pm. Time for open skate as well as a best trick contest took place at each location (Maloof: Long Rail Trick Contest, Manhattan Bridge: Pyramid trick contest, and McCarren: Long Ollie Contest).
Here is a link to the official Go Skateboarding Day NYC 2011 video directed by Stephen Marino
Go Skateboarding Day NYC 2011!
The Manhattan Bridge/LES Skatepark redesign/ reconstruction project has launched. In early pre-design, Architecture for Humanity, Nike, and Steve Rodriguez are discussing various aspects of the project, including:
Manhattan Bridge Skatepark proposal
Design:
Architecture for Humanity and Design Fellow Preeti Sodhi are working with Steve Rodriguez towards conceptual (re)design of the skatepark and surrounding park areas.
Site surveyors and geotechnical engineers for the site will be identified and
bids are being assembled. Architecture for Humanity will hire a local Architect of Record who will oversee the design and construction of the project.
A local architecture firm has been approached to offer design insight on the project and as a potential local architect of record, a site visit is planned for this week. Initial talks with another architecture firm for pro bono services have taken place.
Community Outreach:
A user survey was distributed to spectators and participants at the LES Ollie contest at the skatepark on April 30th, to the Hester Street Collaborative table at the New Museum Festival for the New City and made available online. Various community groups, such as the Harold Hunter Foundation, will participate in the programming and design of the site – the first scheduled for May 14th. Outreach to the local community board 3 and neighboring Rutgers Houses tenant association is planned.
Skatepark
Construction fencing has been installed and the site is fully secure. California Skateparks continues to cut, place, and secure with rebar foam forms, the building blocks of skate obstacles, in a staggered process. Ornamental metal pieces have been placed as well.
The compost has been removed from the temporary staging area and the area has been power washed. Tree protections have been put in place. Concrete work is anticipated to begin at the site in the next week or so.
Dog Runs
The existing dog runs have been closed and two temporary dog runs are up and operational at the park. Schematic Design for the dog runs has begun. Calls have been made to local community dog owners to gather feedback on the new dog runs design and a update will be made today to the Manhattan Community Board 3 Parks Recreation, Cultural Affairs, Landmarks, & Waterfront Committee.