Up until a few days ago, NYC was at risk of losing one of it’s most iconic skate hangouts ever, the TF at Tompkins Square Park. The city was planning to replace the beloved asphalt baseball diamond with astroturf fields, most likely to be used for league sports catering to NYC’s growing yuppy inhabitants.
An online petition opposing the change was started by Adam Zhu and it racked up nearly 33,000 signatures. The city was slow in offering any response, so after several weeks Adam organized a rally so skaters could be seen and heard.
Coincidentally, the night before it was supposed to take place, the city announced they would not be installing any astroturf at Tompkins after all.
It was a victory for those who fought to prevent the change, and in light of the positive news, the rally became a celebration. Our friend and photographer Sophie Day was on the scene and captured the spirit of the day and the young faces who will be able to continue calling Tompkins and TF a second home.
Here’s what Sophie had to say:
“As soon as I could see TF from down the street I couldn’t stop smiling. Seeing so many people there gathering to celebrate having saved such an important community space, I could tell that the feeling of joy was shared amongst everyone. It is so special that a planned protest could turn into a celebration overnight. Everyone’s willingness to organize and act caused real change. Seeing the younger kids in the park was a beautiful reminder of why Tompkins is so important. Generations to come can continue to use the space the way it has been used and loved for decades. I hope this experience can leave us all with a longstanding sense of gratitude for Tompkins.”
Eric Reinertson flashing the goods.
NYC artist Manon Macaseat, Fanny Cohen, and Ozzy.
King aka @tompkinskids who celebrated Chinese New Year with us.
Diego Donival and Isaac White soaking in the final days of summer with a victory.
Veronica, Annabel, and Sasha.
Emilio Cuilan, founder and creator of Hardbody and filmer and editor of Dany.
Homies Network affiliates Diego, Mark, Chris, and Quinn.
If it wasn’t for Adam Zhu this may not have happened and everyone would just be complaining with their friends over beers. His organizing made this all possible.
Comments
Popular
-
MY EXPERIENCES IN SKATEBOARDING
"I've been terrified of garnering the reputation of 'ramp-tramp' or 'pro-ho' just from spending time with skaters."
-
WHAT WOULD MAKE SKATERS DITCH THE BIG SHOE BRANDS?
We asked younger skaters how small shoe brands could win back their business from the big budget behemoths.
-
8 ARTISTS REIMAGINE THE INDEPENDENT LOGO
What would an Independent rebrand even look like?
-
WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON WITH ILLEGAL CIV?
The Illegal Civ stuff feels like an ongoing soap opera, so to air out any confusion we talked to a few key characters.
-
A SERIOUS REVIEW OF MARK SUCIU’S SERIOUS “VERSO”
Verso asks that we pay it a kind of attention many of us automatically do not. Knowing this, we choose to either look more closely or let it pass before our eyes the way the rest of skating does.
September 12, 2019 10:44 am
Thank God they saved a spot for trust fund babies and rich kids to come and mingle with street trash.
September 12, 2019 11:49 am
Hey Guys your pal Adam here. Just learned how to fakie. Can’t wait to try it at Thompson’s Square Park this November. If you’re free hit my line.
Much Fakie,
Adam Howe
September 15, 2019 3:46 pm
people out here wishing they were in kids in the 90’s. shit already happened!
September 15, 2019 4:58 pm
I wish hardbody would get bulldozed