The Skatepark Project, which Tony Hawk founded, and the Harold Hunter Foundation have launched a petition to rename the multi-use/skate section of the park Harold Hunter Park.
Hunter — a charismatic and influential skateboarder and actor — was born and raised at Campos Plaza on 13th Street. He died in 2006 at age 31.
Tompkins Square Park was one of Hunter's favorite places to skate, and in the 1990s, he helped shape it into a creative hub where skaters, artists, and musicians crossed paths. That era helped cement the park's global reputation as a destination for skate culture.
The proposal was scheduled to be heard tomorrow by Community Board 3's Parks, Recreation, Waterfront & Resiliency Committee, but the item was withdrawn and is expected to return at a later date.
You can read more and view the petition here.
7 comments:
I remember him from Kids!
Sounds like something that should have already happened. Do it!
I do not think that we should be naming a park after someone who died as a result of a cocaine overdose, we have so many drug problems among young people in the LES/EV that someone who made poor life choices should not have a park skate area named after him.
I’m fine with it but not calling it “park”. A park inside a park sounds silly. Call it Harold Hunter Field or something.
He is not a role model for naming anything after him, sorry. I played there in 1960 when there was respect for property. They just fixed 2 huge holes in the fence and another hole was cut. They use cutters to do it. I say get rid of those goddam eysore ramps and make the field really available to everyone.
Agree
In reply to Anon 7:1, I thought he died of a heart attack. Same thing perhaps? Someone's life and work should not be defined just by their drug use. If it were, a lot of names would be off a lot of buildings etc. He made an impact. He was liked and there is a petition proving a lot of people agree. I am all for naming for a local who made a difference in the neighborhood, not some corporation who will buys naming rights.
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