You walk into an industrial block in Bushwick and everything feels a bit cold, a bit grey. Then you see it. The checkerboard. That iconic Vans branding isn't just a logo here; it’s basically the heartbeat of the building. Vans Skate Space 198 isn't just another indoor park. Honestly, it’s one of the few places left in New York City where the DIY spirit of East Coast skating meets the corporate backing that actually keeps the lights on and the heaters running in January.
Most people think of indoor parks as these sterile, plywood boxes. Not this one. It’s gritty. It’s loud. It’s very Brooklyn. Located at 198 Ten Eyck St, this spot has become the de facto living room for the NYC skate scene. When the streets are covered in slush or the humidity is so thick you can't breathe, Space 198 is where the community migrates. It isn't just about the ramps; it's about the fact that you might be hucking a kickflip next to a pro who just flew in from California or a kid who just bought their first complete at a shop down the street.
What Actually Is Vans Skate Space 198?
So, let's get the logistics out of the way. It’s a massive indoor facility. Think high ceilings, industrial beams, and a floor that’s smooth enough to make you feel like you’ve actually got good style. It opened a few years back—right around early 2020, which was obviously a weird time to open anything—and it was built specifically to give New York skaters a high-end, year-round home.
The design of the park is interesting because it doesn't try to be a mega-ramp X-Games setup. It’s street-focused. It mimics the kind of stuff you’d actually find out in the wild, like granite ledges and banks that feel like real city architecture. The park was designed with input from the local community, which is why it doesn't feel like a cookie-cutter corporate park. It feels lived in.
The Design Philosophy Behind the Concrete
If you’ve skated "The Berrics" or any of those high-gloss West Coast parks, Space 198 will feel different. It's darker. The obstacles are a bit more technical.
The layout usually features a mix of transition and street. You’ve got a bowl section that isn't so deep it’s terrifying, but it’s got enough bite to keep you honest. Then there's the street course. It changes occasionally, but the core elements—the rails, the manny pads, the stairs—are always there. The builders focused on "skate-ability." That basically means the flow of the park makes sense. You aren't constantly crashing into people unless it’s a packed Friday night, which, let's be real, it usually is.
What’s cool is how they handle the "New York" of it all. The park incorporates textures that feel like the city. It isn't all perfect, frictionless plastic. There’s a bit of vibration. It makes you work for your clips.
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Why This Place Is Different from Your Average Skatepark
Look, New York has plenty of parks. You’ve got Chelsea Piers, you’ve got McCarren, you’ve got LES. So why bother trekking to Bushwick for Vans Skate Space 198?
It's the vibe. Truly.
Indoor parks usually charge an arm and a leg. Or they’re so exclusive you need to be on a list. Vans flipped the script by making Space 198 largely accessible to the public through a reservation system. It’s free. Yeah, actually free. That is virtually unheard of for a facility of this caliber in a city where a sandwich costs twenty bucks.
Because it’s free, the diversity of the crowd is wild. You see:
- Old school guys in their 40s wearing original Half Cabs.
- "Skate rats" who spend eight hours a day there.
- Fashion kids from the neighborhood who just want to look the part (but eventually get humbled by a flatground ollie).
- Professional team riders like Beatrice Domond or Dick Rizzo popping in for a session.
This mix prevents the park from becoming a "jock" environment. It’s more of a cultural hub. They host art shows, workshops, and video premieres. It’s where the "Off The Wall" slogan actually stops being a marketing gimmick and starts being a physical reality.
The Community Aspect
Vans didn't just drop a park in Brooklyn to sell shoes. Well, they did, but they did it smartly. They partnered with local shops and organizations. They made sure the space was used for girls-only nights and LGBTQ+ sessions.
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In a sport that has historically been a bit of a "boys club," Space 198 is surprisingly inclusive. If you go on the right night, you’ll see the "Skate Kitchen" crew or other local collectives taking over. It changes the energy. It’s less about who can jump down the biggest set of stairs and more about who is having the most fun.
The Reality of Getting a Session
Now, here is the catch. You can't just roll up and walk in. Well, you can, but you probably won't get on the floor.
Because it’s free and it’s arguably the best indoor park in the Northeast, the spots fill up fast. The reservation system is a bit of a digital Hunger Games. You have to be on the website at the right time to snag a slot.
Some Pro Tips for Space 198:
- Check the schedule daily. They often update for events or private sessions.
- Sign the waiver online before you go. Don't be that person holding up the line at the front desk.
- Respect the locals. Bushwick skaters are tight-knit. If you’re a beginner, that’s totally fine, but keep your head on a swivel. Don't snake people.
- Bring a jacket. The warehouse is big. Even with heaters, the transition from "active skating" to "sitting on the bench" can get chilly fast.
What Most People Get Wrong About Corporate Parks
There’s this lingering idea in skating that anything "corporate" is bad. People hate "the Man." But Vans is sort of the exception that proves the rule.
Without the corporate backing of a brand like Vans, a space like 198 wouldn't exist. The real estate in Bushwick is too expensive. The insurance alone would kill a DIY project of this scale. Space 198 proves that if a brand actually listens to skaters, they can create something that feels authentic.
The floor isn't covered in advertisements. The obstacles aren't shaped like giant shoe boxes. It’s a skatepark that happens to be owned by a shoe company, not a shoe commercial you can skate in. That's a huge distinction.
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Is It Worth the Trip?
If you're visiting New York and you skate, yes. 100%.
Even if you aren't a "park skater," seeing the facility is worth it. It’s a piece of modern skate history. It represents the shift of the industry's center of gravity from Southern California to New York City. For decades, everything happened in LA. Now, the East Coast—and specifically Brooklyn—is the epicenter of style and influence. Space 198 is the physical manifestation of that shift.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you want to actually skate Vans Skate Space 198, follow this exact process to ensure you aren't standing outside in the rain looking at a closed door.
- Monitor the Official Site: Go to the Vans website and look for the specific "Space 198" subpage. This is where the booking happens. They usually release slots in blocks. If it says "Full," keep checking; people cancel all the time.
- Check the Instagram: Follow local NYC skate accounts and the official Vans channels. They will post about "Open House" days or special events where you might not need a reservation.
- Verify the Location: It’s at 198 Ten Eyck St, Brooklyn, NY 11206. It’s a short walk from the Grand St (L train) station. Don't take an Uber from Manhattan if you can avoid it; the L train is faster and cheaper.
- Gear Up: You need a helmet if you're under 18. Honestly, even if you’re older, the concrete is unforgiving. Bring your own board—this isn't a rental shop.
- Explore the Neighborhood: Once your session is over, walk around Bushwick. There are incredible murals, great coffee shops (try Sey Coffee nearby), and several local skate shops like KCDC that are worth supporting.
Skating is about more than just tricks. It’s about the space you occupy. Vans Skate Space 198 has successfully carved out a spot in the concrete jungle that feels like home for everyone who steps on a board. Whether you’re trying to learn to drop in or you’re working on a Nollie Flip into a manual, this warehouse is probably the best place in the city to do it. Just make sure you book that slot early.
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