DEBUNKING THE WARNING? Daniel Websdale Takes on NYC’s "Worst" Skateparks

Six years ago, John Hill dropped a video telling the world which NYC skateparks to avoid. This year, Daniel Websdale crossed the Atlantic to see if those warnings still held water. From the rugged streets of Brooklyn to the heart of Manhattan, Daniel put Brower, Fat Kid, and LES to the test.

It turns out, one man’s "avoid" is another man’s playground—mostly. Here is Daniel's breakdown of the spots John Hill told you to skip.

Brower Skatepark (The "Avoid" for a Reason)

First up was Brower Park in Brooklyn. While Daniel went in with an open mind, this one lived up to the negative hype. Between the awkward layout and the deteriorating ground, Daniel found little to love here. It serves as a reminder that some warnings are justified, unless you’re looking for a struggle session, this one might stay on the "skip" list.

Golconda skatepark ("Fat Kid")

Next, Daniel headed under the bridge to the infamous Fat Kid. This spot is a staple of Brooklyn-style energy, but it comes with a specific atmosphere. Overall good, but a sketch environment. Daniel enjoyed the actual skating and overall obstacles, but the vibe around the park can be a bit heavy. It’s a great park if you have your wits about you, but the "sketch factor" is definitely part of the package.

LES Coleman Skatepark

Finally, Daniel hit the legendary LES Coleman in Manhattan. Despite being on Hill's "avoid" list, Daniel had a completely different experience and recommends LES to anyone visiting the city. The energy, the obstacles, and the iconic Manhattan Bridge backdrop make it the definitive NYC skate experience. For Daniel, this wasn't a park to avoid—it was the highlight of the trip.

Daniel Websdale’s New York tour proves that skatepark reviews are entirely subjective. While Brower might be a bust and Fat Kid requires a thick skin, LES remains a must-skate destination regardless of the crowds. Get out there, catch a flight, and find out for yourself which spots deserve the hype.