Ten important skateboard spots in Yonkers, NY
1. Murray’s Skatepark
Murray’s Skatepark, located in Yonkers’ Trevor Park, is undoubtedly the crown jewel of skateboarding in the city. This park, named after the legendary skateboarder George “Murray” Ryan, features a mix of street and transition elements. It boasts quarter pipes, funboxes, ledges, rails, and an open bowl, making it a favorite among skaters of all skill levels.
The park is known for its smooth concrete, well-designed obstacles, and flow. The street section provides everything a skater needs to work on technical tricks, with rails, ledges, and manual pads. The bowl and transitions allow for big airs, grinds, and flowing lines. With its variety of features, Murray’s Skatepark is an all-in-one location for skaters who want a well-rounded experience.
The local skateboarding community frequently gathers here, and it’s a popular spot for both beginners learning the ropes and seasoned skaters refining their craft.
2. Van der Donck Park
Van der Donck Park, located near the Yonkers waterfront, is a surprising urban oasis that offers a variety of skateboarding opportunities. While it’s not a designated skatepark, the park’s open, paved areas and concrete ledges make it a favorite for street skaters looking to get creative with their lines.
The park’s ledges, benches, and stair sets are perfect for grinds, slides, and flip tricks. Skaters often flock to the wide walkways and open spaces to practice flatground tricks, and the urban setting gives the park a unique street vibe.
With the scenic views of the Hudson River and the Yonkers skyline in the background, Van der Donck Park offers both a peaceful atmosphere and excellent terrain for street skaters. Be mindful of pedestrians, as the park is a shared public space, but its size provides plenty of room for skaters to find their own spots.
3. Nepperhan Community Center (NCC) Street Spots
Nepperhan Community Center, located in the heart of Yonkers, is another popular skateboarding destination, especially for those who prefer street skating. The surrounding area features a mix of urban architecture, including ledges, rails, stair sets, and banks that street skaters can take full advantage of.
The center itself has become a gathering point for local skaters who enjoy hitting the nearby spots. The mix of terrain allows skaters to work on a wide range of tricks, from technical grinds and slides to flips and manuals. It’s an ideal place for skaters looking to immerse themselves in Yonkers’ street skating culture.
Although this isn’t an official skatepark, the community has embraced it as a legitimate skate spot, making it one of the best street-skating destinations in the city.
4. Yonkers Waterfront Esplanade
The Yonkers Waterfront Esplanade offers another unique environment for skateboarders. Stretching along the Hudson River, the smooth pavement of the esplanade makes it perfect for cruising and long-distance skating. The esplanade is wide and features open spaces where skaters can practice flatground tricks or simply enjoy a relaxing ride by the water.
While it’s more of a cruiser’s paradise, skaters can also take advantage of the benches and curbs for some low-key street-style skating. The scenic backdrop of the river and city skyline adds to the atmosphere, making it a great place for a mellow skate session or a casual hangout.
Due to its multi-use nature, it’s important to be aware of pedestrians, but the length and size of the esplanade make it a favorite for skaters looking for a scenic cruise or a relaxed session.
5. Andrus Park
Andrus Park is a lesser-known but beloved spot among local skaters. Though primarily a public recreational park, its open areas, paved walkways, and urban features make it a hidden gem for street skaters. The park’s benches, ledges, and curbs provide excellent opportunities for grinds and slides.
The park’s smooth surfaces and flat areas make it perfect for skaters practicing flip tricks and manuals, while the more adventurous can use the ledges and rails for technical tricks. Andrus Park offers a peaceful, quiet environment that is ideal for skaters who want a break from busier skateparks and street spots.
Although it’s not a designated skatepark, the variety of urban elements at Andrus Park makes it a go-to spot for skaters looking for a laid-back session.
6. Sprain Ridge Park Trails
Sprain Ridge Park, located on the outskirts of Yonkers, is primarily known for its hiking and biking trails, but adventurous skateboarders have found ways to incorporate the park’s terrain into their sessions. The park features paved paths and long downhill sections that are perfect for skaters who enjoy cruising and downhill skating.
The trails at Sprain Ridge Park offer a unique skating experience, combining the thrill of speed with the beauty of nature. The long, winding paths allow skaters to build up speed and carve through turns, while the smooth pavement ensures a comfortable ride.
This spot is ideal for skaters who enjoy downhill skating and want to experience the exhilaration of speed in a natural setting. Be cautious of other trail users, but the wide paths and open spaces make it a great place for longboarding and cruising enthusiasts.
7. Ridge Hill Mall Parking Structure
Ridge Hill Mall, a large shopping center in Yonkers, may not seem like a traditional skate spot, but its multi-level parking structure has become a popular destination for skaters. The smooth concrete, long ramps, and open spaces make it perfect for cruising and downhill skating.
Skaters often use the parking structure’s ramps for downhill sessions, and the wide-open floors provide plenty of space for practicing flatground tricks. Although it’s not an official skate spot, the parking structure has gained a reputation as a fun and challenging place to skate, especially during off-hours when there’s little car traffic.
This spot is especially popular among longboarders and downhill skaters, as the ramps provide a fast and smooth ride.
8. City Hall Plaza
The area surrounding Yonkers City Hall is another prime spot for street skaters. The urban layout of the plaza, complete with ledges, stairs, and rails, makes it a great place to practice technical tricks and street-style skating. Skaters can take advantage of the smooth surfaces for flip tricks and manuals, while the ledges and handrails provide opportunities for grinds and slides.
City Hall Plaza has a true street skating vibe, with a mix of architecture and urban design that mimics the feel of a traditional city skate spot. Skaters should be mindful of security and pedestrians, but the plaza’s open layout allows for plenty of skateable terrain.
The combination of urban obstacles and smooth surfaces makes City Hall Plaza a must-visit for skaters who enjoy technical street skating.
9. Tibbett’s Brook Park
Tibbett’s Brook Park is a large public park in Yonkers that offers a variety of activities, including swimming, hiking, and picnicking. But for skateboarders, the park’s paved walkways and urban features make it a great spot for a casual skate session. The park’s wide paths are perfect for cruising, while the benches, curbs, and ledges can be used for grinds and technical tricks.
The park’s natural setting provides a serene backdrop for a skate session, making it an ideal place for skaters who want to combine skating with a peaceful environment. While it doesn’t have the features of a dedicated skatepark, Tibbett’s Brook Park offers enough urban elements to keep skaters entertained.
10. Cross County Shopping Center
Similar to Ridge Hill Mall, Cross County Shopping Center offers an interesting skateboarding environment due to its large, open parking lots and wide walkways. The smooth pavement and open spaces make it a great spot for cruising and flatground tricks. Skaters often take advantage of the parking lots during off-hours when there is minimal car traffic.
Cross County Shopping Center is especially popular among younger skaters who enjoy practicing flip tricks, manuals, and technical skills in a low-key setting. The wide open spaces allow for plenty of room to skate without interruptions, making it an enjoyable spot for casual sessions.
As always, be mindful of security and other shoppers, but the shopping center’s open layout provides plenty of opportunities for a fun skate session.
Skateboarding is tribal and most locals are welcoming, but if you're new to a spot, or just passing through, have respect for the locals. Listen. Be smart. Have fun.
A human being
Art can change the world – and everybody is an artist. Those who scribble stickmen. Those who paint chapel ceilings. Those who tattoo biceps. Those who are careful with pigment on canvas. Those who create fantasy characters. Those who paint pet portraits. Those who yarn bomb. Those who write poems on crappy old cardboard.
My art lives on the bottom of skateboard decks. It's designed for you to destroy. For you, the rider, my art may come second to the deck’s ability to perform – and that’s awesome. To me, art comes first. Always.
It’s how I think. It’s who I am. It’s what I am.
A machine
This article has been created with the help of artificial intelligence platforms ChatGPT and Bard. If there are inaccuracies or there are opportunities for improvement, please let me know.
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