The 1980s Need To Be Stopped

As Astroland leaves, perhaps forever (“We just couldn’t find the right fit”), there’s something even better about to take its place at Coney Island:

A skateboard park could wheely be coming to Coney Island, the Daily News has learned.

In addition to restoring the historic B&B Carousell, the city is considering including a brand-new skateboard park at the anticipated Steeplechase Plaza, the public park slated for the area underneath Coney Island’s iconic Parachute Jump.

“There’s a number of components. We have a really ambitious program,” said Coney Island Development Corp. President Lynn Kelly. “The city’s making a real tangible investment in bringing Coney back.”

The design for Steeplechase Plaza could also include concessions, a performance space, water fountains, gardens and special lighting.

The ideas are being incorporated into plans for the Steeplechase Plaza by consultant teams who responded to the city’s 2007 request for designs for the public park.

Although several skateboard parks are in the works in other areas of Brooklyn, only one in Bay Ridge is currently open.

Already, some Coney Island fans were cheering the idea.

“It would be a very big thing for the young people here and for kids from all over,” said Community Board 13 District Manager Chuck Reichenthal. “It’s a very popular activity for young people right now.”

Location Scout: Parachute Jump.