Bowery Boogie | A Lower East Side Chronicle

Stoked at Coleman Playground

Posted: June 29, 2009 at 8:22 am

Skateboarding remains a vibrant component of urban life, especially downtown, where it’s not uncommon to see young professionals commuting to work on a longboard. So it was quite appropriate to see the STOKED Skate Jam in effect on Saturday afternoon at Coleman Playground on Monroe Street; it is undoubtedly one of the most extensive skateparks in the city. Scores of adolescent and teenage skaters flocked to the unique under-the-bridge park, practicing tricks to a DJ-driven soundtrack.

Simply put, it was a zoo. Kids were climbing on the fences and up the bridge abutments, the emcee was constantly on the bullhorn with announcements, and the smell of pot was, at times, palpable.

More about STOKED (Successful Teens with Opportunity, Knowledge Experience, & Determination):

Stoked Mentoring is a non profit action sports organization for at risk youth with the mission of developing Successful Teens with Opportunity, Knowledge, Experience, and Determination through the use of action sports, mentoring and coaching. We want you involved.

Related Reading:
Grinding Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass [Bowery Boogie]
STOKED Mentoring [Official Website]