Spots: New Jersey — Newark

Spot: Easily one of the best spots in New Jersey, not taking into account the fact that it is an immediate bust, of course. This spot has infinite amounts of ledges, from foot high ones to thigh high ones. There and slanted ledges, two ledges going down a four-flat-four, ledges inside the big five stair region stacked on top of each other – wherever you go, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting your grind on. There are a handful of ten stair rails going down into the big five pit, a mellow rail down a handicap ramp and a ledge to flatrail towards Broad Street. The big five is obviously the main attraction. It is topped off with a perfect runway and an ample landing space. The ground isn’t too friendly if you’re falling on it, so skating it in shorts or a short sleeve t-shirt isn’t the best idea.

Bust — ♦♦♦♦♦ / Almost Immediate: There is typically an outdoor security guard parked here in a white sedan, with the sole purpose of kicking out skateboarders, and maybe the occasional crackhead straying away from the park across the street. Apparently, they have the power to grab and cuff you, so be careful, because there have been horror stories about that happening and Newark police being called to take skaters down to bookings. All for skateboarding… Where did Newark rank on the “Most Dangerous Cities in the United States” list this year again? Oh, right. Good thing they have their priorities straight.

Anyways, come here at night, or be very discreet about it during the daytime. There is only one security guard, and the plaza is vast, so you can skate whatever portion of it he may not be attending to at the time. Read: In the event that you see him approaching you, run. Do not stay and try to talk your way out, or try to give yourself one last try. You will be chased. (Personal note: Speaking from experience, I have been chased with the crew for about six blocks, all the way to Penn Station, so they are fairly reluctant to give up depending on which guard you get.)

Location: Raymond Boulevard and Broad Street, in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Take the A, C, E, 2, or 3 to World Trade Center. Transfer onto a Newark bound PATH train (occasionally, the Newark line will not be running; in that event, you will want to take a Journal Square bound train and transfer to a Newark train at Journal Square.) Take the train to the last stop (25-minute ride from the city.) Once you exit Newark Penn Station, skate west on Market Street for several blocks. Once you reach Broad Street (the main strip in downtown Newark), make a right, and skate north for several blocks until you see Raymond Boulevard. The plaza begins at that corner, across from Military Park.

Pictures (Click to Enlarge):