New York Sate Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is rehabilitating a portion of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway that spans Golconda Park.  The viaduct rehabilitation work will have a significant impact on an existing skating area within the park.  NYSDOT is reconstructing the skatepark due to its impact on the area.

Carroll Gordon’s design for the new 18,000 SF skatepark includes a combination of cast-in-place and pre-manufactured features.  Low-height bowls, ramps and stairs will be formed on site and constructed out of concrete.  Larger flat areas will include pre-manufactured grind rails, fun boxes, and peaked and rolled top ramps.

The design of the skatepark incorporates NYC Park’s desire for safe recreation, NYC Art Commission’s desire for a visually attractive space, and the users’ desire for challenging recreation, into one complete design package.  The height of the skate features are required to be below 36 inches to limit the potential for skater injury. 

The skatepark is a tastefully colored and laid-out extension of the adjacent playground and planting areas.  Benches are situated in such a way that parents can observe children in both the playground and skatepark from the same vantage point.  Skatepark elements are spaced so that beginners can treat them as individual challenges but more experienced skaters can use them as a series of events for an increased level of difficulty.

Areas between the skatepark and playground are landscaped and fenced to provide a safety separation between the varying users.  Most plants are low to maintain critical sight lines.  Existing mature trees will be protected throughout construction.