A come-to-Jesus moment on the TF at Tompkins Square Park

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Written by EVG 

Updated: City to Holy Ride: Thou Shalt Not Skate. Holy Ride is gone, but it has been resurrected elsewhere. Read on.

-----

A month after Hell Ride departed the Tompkins Square Park TF, its successor has arrived from a higher authority. 

Last month, the Hell Ride ramp disappeared from the Tompkins Square Park skateboard area after a relatively brief run. We were told that the Sunday field hockey players had lodged a complaint about the installation. 

At the time, an EVG reader suggested that perhaps the ramp would have been OK without the "Hell." 

And so yesterday, a group of skaters unveiled something bigger: Holy Ride.

The new three-ramp installation features Jesus, arms outstretched, riding a skateboard, flanked by the words "Holy" and "Ride."

Franco The Thirteenth created the artwork and, we're told, was also the artist behind Hell Ride.

The installation on this hot August afternoon required plenty of 2x4s, drill bits, teamwork and some impressive acrobatics as the crew maneuvered the oversized pieces into place.

A local artist even stopped by to sketch the proceedings.

The new addition was already getting plenty of attention — and reviews — before the work was finished. 

"These guys have no respect for Christ," one resident told us. 

Another observer had a different take: He thought Jesus would approve. 

Meanwhile, one woman had a more practical question: Why doesn't Jesus have a neck? 

We don't have an answer for that one. 

By late afternoon, Holy Ride was in place, and skaters were already putting it to use.

How long Holy Ride remains with us is in the hands of a higher power.

Thursday's parting shot

An extension in the works for Hell Ride on the multipurpose courts/TF in Tompkins Square Park...

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• Taking on Hell Ride

Taking on Hell Ride

Photos by Stacie Joy 

Like so many things in Tompkins Square Park, it simply appeared. 

Sometime in late spring, someone hauled in a homemade quarter pipe, painted it "Hell Ride," and left it for anyone willing to take it on. 

Since then, the ramp has become a gathering spot — and a test of skill — for skaters using the multipurpose courts. 

I recently spent some time with the skaters tackling Hell Ride...

For more skateboarding action... on Saturday, Jenkem Magazine is hosting a block party here during the afternoon...

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jenkem Magazine (@jenkemmag)

A new edge in Tompkins Square Park

Photos Saturday by Stacie Joy 

Skateboarders in Tompkins Square Park got a pleasant surprise Saturday morning. 

Early that day, a crew delivered a 15-inch-high granite ledge to the multipurpose courts/TF. (The ledge sits outside the main field and walking lanes, so it won’t need to be moved for field hockey leagues.) 

As Quartersnacks first noted, this arrival was a collaboration among the Parks Department, Nike SB, The Skatepark Project and California Skateparks.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Steve Rodriguez (@stever_nyc)

Given that this thing weighs a few thousand pounds, it will likely stick around the TF for awhile. (Quartersnacks deemed a sliver of triangular granite, nicknamed The Tombstone, as the most popular TF obstacle of the 2010s.) 

On Saturday morning, we spotted skaters lining up to test out the ledge … and start wearing down the edges.

As of yesterday, the Ledge remained the main draw here... and it was already showing a little wear...

Petition seeks to rename Tompkins Square Park skate area for Harold Hunter

There's an effort underway to rename the skate area at Tompkins Square Park in honor of the late Harold Hunter. 

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.

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Skatepark Project (@theskateparkproject)

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• At the Harold Hunter Skate Jam in Tompkins Square Park

At the Harold Hunter Skate Jam in Tompkins Square Park

Photos by Stacie Joy 

Hundreds of skateboarders descended up the TF in Tompkins Square Park for the latest Harold Hunter Skate Jam. 

Hunter, a charismatic local skateboarder born and raised at Campos Plaza on 13th Street, died in 2006 at age 31. 

The Harold Hunter Foundation (HHF) is an NYC nonprofit that provides support, opportunity and advocacy for skateboarders. 

The Jam also marked a collab drop for the DKG and the HHF Street Soldier Deck. 

Here are some scenes from Tompkins...