Travel the Globe to Visit the Best Skateparks in the World
Skateboarding is a sport that has taken the world by storm. It’s an activity that requires skill, creativity, and a daring spirit. Skateparks provide a space for skaters to hone their skills, connect with other skaters, and express themselves creatively. From raw, DIY-style skateparks to large-scale, professionally designed parks, there are countless options available for skaters of all levels.
In this article, we will explore some of the best skateparks in the world, taking into account their design, features, and impact on the skateboarding community.
Burnside Skatepark (Portland, Oregon, USA)
Burnside Skatepark is a DIY-style skatepark located in Portland, Oregon that is considered one of the best skateparks in the world. It was built in 1990 by a group of local skaters who were tired of being kicked out of other skate spots. The park has a raw, gritty feel, with features that include concrete bowls, vert walls, and a snake run. Burnside is known for its unique design and its emphasis on community involvement. The park has become a cultural landmark and a symbol of the DIY ethos that is a cornerstone of the skateboarding community.
Burnside Skatepark is one of the most iconic and beloved skateparks in the world. It has played a significant role in the history of skateboarding and has had a tremendous impact on the skateboarding community. The park has been featured in several skateboarding films, documentaries, and magazines, and it has become a cultural landmark in Portland, Oregon. Burnside Skatepark has also inspired the construction of other DIY skateparks around the world, as skaters have replicated its design and ethos in their own communities.
What sets Burnside Skatepark apart is its unique design and construction. The park was built by a group of dedicated skaters who took matters into their own hands and built the park themselves. They used donated materials and volunteer labor to construct a massive concrete structure that is equal parts challenging, creative, and fun. Burnside Skatepark is more than just a skatepark; it’s a testament to the power of community, creativity, and perseverance.
The Berrics (Los Angeles, California, USA)
The Berrics is a private indoor skatepark located in Los Angeles, California. The park was built in 2007 by professional skateboarders Eric Koston and Steve Berra, and it has since become a hub for the skateboarding industry. The Berrics features a variety of obstacles and features, including stairs, rails, and ledges, and it is known for its high-quality construction and unique design. In addition to being a world-class skatepark, The Berrics also serves as a media company, producing original content that showcases the best skateboarding talent from around the world.
The Berrics is more than just a skatepark; it’s a cultural institution that has had a significant impact on the skateboarding community. The park has hosted a variety of high-profile events and contests, including the annual Battle at The Berrics, which is a highly anticipated skateboarding contest that attracts top pro skaters from around the world. The Berrics has also launched several initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in skateboarding, including its PUSH series, which showcases up-and-coming skaters from diverse backgrounds. The Berrics has become a symbol of excellence in skateboarding, and it continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.
Stoner Skate Plaza (Los Angeles, California, USA)
Stoner Skate Plaza is a unique skatepark located in Los Angeles, California. The park is named after the adjacent Stoner Recreation Center and is situated on a hillside overlooking the city. Stoner Skate Plaza is known for its unusual design, which incorporates a variety of street-style features and obstacles. The park features a large central hub that is surrounded by multiple ledges, rails, and stairs, providing skaters with endless possibilities for lines and tricks. Stoner Skate Plaza is a popular destination for skateboarders of all skill levels, and it has become a local landmark in the West LA skateboarding community.
What sets Stoner Skate Plaza apart is its emphasis on creativity and improvisation. The park’s unique design allows skaters to explore their own style and approach to skateboarding, and it encourages experimentation and innovation. The park’s central hub is especially noteworthy, as it provides skaters with a central meeting point and allows for a variety of creative lines and tricks. Stoner Skate Plaza is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the skateboarding community, as it was built through a combination of private donations and public funding.
Stoner Skate Plaza has become a symbol of the vibrant and diverse skateboarding culture that thrives in Los Angeles. The park is more than just a skatepark; it’s a gathering place for the local skateboarding community, a hub for creative expression and exploration, and a symbol of the power of perseverance and community. Stoner Skate Plaza has inspired the construction of other skateparks around the world, as skaters have replicated its unique design and ethos in their own communities. It remains an important and beloved landmark in the Los Angeles skateboarding scene, and it will continue to inspire and influence skaters for years to come.
Les Franqueses Skateplaza (Barcelona, Spain)
Les Franqueses Skateplaza is a state-of-the-art skatepark located in Les Franqueses del Vallès, a town near Barcelona, Spain. The park was designed by the architectural firm Badalona Arquitectura and was built in 2015. Les Franqueses Skateplaza features a unique design that combines street-style elements with a large central bowl, providing skaters with a variety of options and challenges. The park is also notable for its high-quality construction and materials, including polished concrete and steel coping.
What sets Les Franqueses Skateplaza apart is its focus on inclusivity and accessibility. The park was designed to be used by skaters of all skill levels and ages, and it includes a variety of features and obstacles that cater to a wide range of skating styles. The park also features a wheelchair-accessible ramp and has been used to host adaptive skateboarding events, making it a symbol of the growing movement for greater inclusivity in skateboarding. Les Franqueses Skateplaza has become a popular destination for skaters from around the world, and it has helped to put Les Franqueses del Vallès on the map as a skateboarding hotspot.
Les Franqueses Skateplaza is more than just a skatepark; it’s a cultural institution that has had a significant impact on the local community. The park has helped to create a vibrant and diverse skateboarding culture in Les Franqueses del Vallès, and it has become a hub for local skaters and skateboard-related events. Les Franqueses Skateplaza has also been used to host a variety of cultural and artistic events, including concerts and film screenings, making it a multifaceted and dynamic space for creative expression and exploration. Les Franqueses Skateplaza is a testament to the power of skateboarding to bring people together and create positive change in communities around the world.
Skatepark of Tampa (Tampa, Florida, USA)
Skatepark of Tampa (SPoT) is one of the oldest and most iconic skateparks in the United States. Located in Tampa, Florida, the park was originally built in 1993 and has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years. Skatepark of Tampa is known for its street-style layout, which features a combination of ledges, stairs, and rails, as well as a massive bowl section. The park also hosts the annual Tampa Pro skateboarding contest, which attracts some of the best skaters from around the world.
What sets Skatepark of Tampa apart is its deep connection to the skateboarding community. The park has played an instrumental role in shaping skateboarding culture and has helped to launch the careers of some of the biggest names in the sport. Skatepark of Tampa has also been a breeding ground for new talent, with up-and-coming skaters from around the world flocking to the park to hone their skills and compete against their peers. The park’s focus on community and inclusivity has made it a beloved institution in the skateboarding world and a symbol of the power of skateboarding to bring people together.
Skatepark of Tampa has also been a pioneer in the use of technology to enhance the skateboarding experience. In addition to its physical park, Skatepark of Tampa also operates an online store and community platform that allows skaters from around the world to connect and share their love of skateboarding. The park has also been a leader in the use of live-streaming technology to bring its events and contests to a global audience, making it a model for other skateparks and event organizers. Skatepark of Tampa’s commitment to innovation and technology has helped to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of skateboarding, and it has cemented the park’s status as an industry leader and innovator.
Skatehalle Berlin (Berlin, Germany)
Skatehalle Berlin is a world-class indoor skatepark located in the Friedrichshain neighborhood of Berlin, Germany. The park was designed by architects Jan Kattein and Philipp Eberle and was opened to the public in 2012. The park features a unique and challenging street-style layout, as well as a massive bowl section with multiple levels and transitions. Skatehalle Berlin is notable for its high-quality construction and use of environmentally-friendly materials, such as recycled concrete and wood.
What sets Skatehalle Berlin apart is its commitment to sustainability and community. The park has been designed to minimize its environmental impact and to promote sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient lighting and the use of rainwater for cleaning. Skatehalle Berlin has also become a hub for the local skateboarding community, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility. The park hosts a variety of events and activities, including contests, workshops, and open sessions, making it a dynamic and welcoming space for skaters of all ages and skill levels.
Skatehalle Berlin has also played an instrumental role in shaping the skateboarding culture in Berlin and beyond. The park has been a catalyst for the growth of skateboarding in Germany and has helped to create a vibrant and diverse community of skaters in the country. Skatehalle Berlin has also been a platform for artistic and cultural expression, hosting a variety of exhibitions, concerts, and other events. The park’s focus on sustainability, community, and creativity has made it a model for other skateparks around the world, and it has helped to advance the cause of skateboarding as a positive force for change.
Vans Skatepark (Orange, California, USA)
Vans Skatepark, located in Orange County, California, is one of the most famous and beloved skateparks in the world. The park was designed by legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk and was built in 1998. Since then, Vans Skatepark has become a mecca for skaters from around the world, with a massive street-style course, a world-class bowl section, and a variety of other features. The park has also hosted a number of major skateboarding events, including the Vans Park Series and the US Open of Surfing.
What sets Vans Skatepark apart is its connection to the skateboarding industry and culture. The park is owned and operated by Vans, one of the most iconic skateboarding brands in the world, and it has become a hub for the skateboarding community in Southern California and beyond. Vans Skatepark has also been a platform for artistic and cultural expression, with a variety of events and exhibitions showcasing the rich history and diversity of skateboarding culture. The park’s commitment to creativity and community has made it a beloved institution in the world of skateboarding.
Vans Skatepark has also been a leader in the use of technology to enhance the skateboarding experience. The park features a state-of-the-art lighting system, which allows skaters to continue skating long after the sun goes down. Vans Skatepark has also been at the forefront of the live-streaming revolution, with a variety of events and contests broadcast to a global audience via the internet. The park’s innovative use of technology has helped to expand the reach of skateboarding and has brought the sport to new audiences around the world.
Pizzey Park Skatepark (Gold Coast, Australia)
Pizzey Park Skatepark is a public outdoor skatepark located on the Gold Coast in Australia. The park was built in 1998 and features a variety of obstacles and features, including a vert ramp, a mini ramp, and a street course. The park is known for its high-quality construction and its challenging layout, and it has become a popular spot for skaters in Australia and beyond. Pizzey Park Skatepark has hosted a variety of events and contests, including the Australian Bowl Riding Championships and the Vans BOWL-A-RAMA Gold Coast.
What sets Pizzey Park Skatepark apart is its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. The park has been designed to be accessible to skaters of all ages and skill levels, with features that can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to professionals. Pizzey Park Skatepark also plays an important role in the local community, providing a safe and engaging space for young people to gather and express themselves through skateboarding. The park hosts a variety of events and programs, including skateboarding lessons and workshops, making it a valuable resource for the community.
Pizzey Park Skatepark has also played a key role in the growth of skateboarding in Australia. The park has been a platform for some of the country’s most talented skateboarders, who have used the park as a training ground and a launching pad for their careers. Pizzey Park Skatepark has also hosted a variety of major skateboarding events, including the Australian Skateboarding Championships, which attract top skaters from around the country and the world. The park’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity has made it a beloved institution in the Australian skateboarding scene.
Kimberley Diamond Cup Skatepark (Kimberley, South Africa)
Kimberley Diamond Cup Skatepark is a world-class skatepark located in Kimberley, South Africa. Built in 2011, the park was designed by world-renowned skatepark designer, Joe Ciaglia, and is known for its unique features and stunning design. The park features a variety of street-style elements, including rails, ledges, and stairs, as well as a massive bowl section with a variety of transitions and depths. Kimberley Diamond Cup Skatepark is notable for its use of local materials, including a unique blend of concrete and crushed diamonds, which gives the park a distinct aesthetic and connection to the local diamond industry.
What sets Kimberley Diamond Cup Skatepark apart is its role in promoting skateboarding in Africa and supporting the local community. The park is home to the annual Kimberley Diamond Cup, one of the largest skateboarding competitions in the world, which attracts top skaters from around the globe. The event features a variety of contests and events, including street, vert, and bowl competitions, as well as a cultural festival that celebrates African music, art, and cuisine. The event provides a platform for African skaters to showcase their talent and connect with the global skateboarding community, while also promoting the sport and culture of skateboarding in Africa.
Kimberley Diamond Cup Skatepark has also played an important role in supporting the local community. The park is operated by the Northern Cape Provincial Government and provides a safe and engaging space for young people to gather and express themselves through skateboarding. The park hosts a variety of events and programs, including skateboarding lessons and workshops, making it a valuable resource for the local community. The park has also been involved in a variety of community outreach programs, including the Skateboarding for Hope initiative, which aims to promote positive youth development through skateboarding.
Conclusion
Skateparks play a vital role not only in the skateboarding community but also in the broader cultural landscape. They provide a space for self-expression, creativity, and socialization, and they promote physical activity and mental health. They also serve as public gathering spaces that bring together people from different backgrounds and communities. As such, skateparks can be seen as a microcosm of the diversity and richness of the human experience.
The impact of skateparks on the local communities where they are located cannot be overstated. In addition to providing a safe and accessible space for skaters, they can also boost local economies and tourism. They attract skaters from all over the world, as well as spectators and enthusiasts, who come to witness the beauty and excitement of skateboarding. Furthermore, they can serve as a source of civic pride, representing the ingenuity and creativity of the local community.
As the skateboarding community continues to grow and evolve, we must continue to invest in the development of high-quality skateparks. These parks not only provide a space for skateboarding but also promote social and cultural values that are essential to the well-being of individuals and communities. By creating more skateparks that are designed with sustainability, accessibility, and innovation in mind, we can ensure that the skateboarding community remains vibrant and resilient for years to come.
In short, the skateparks on this list represent the best of what skateboarding has to offer: a community of passionate individuals who push themselves to new heights, and spaces that enable and celebrate their achievements. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, these parks are a testament to the power of skateboarding to inspire and connect people around the world. So grab your board, head to one of the best skateparks in the world, and experience the joy and beauty of skateboarding for yourself!
