Skateparks can be found all over the cities and towns of Massachusetts and vary depending on the type of design. Concrete skateparks are the oldest type of design and also the sturdiest. Prefab skateparks emerge when skate ramps are built over an existing flat surface, like an abandoned parking lot. Due to the state's long and cold winters, indoor skateparks are plentiful in Massachusetts, ensuring skaters year-round access to bowls, half-pipes and ramps.
Indoor Skateparks
Skaters Edge in Taunton, Massachusetts, is the state's largest indoor skatepark, spanning over 30,000 square feet. Even though it's indoors, Skaters Edge has a ton of features that cater to both beginners and experts. Its "real street" section is full of stairs and rails and its snowman bowl is a popular crowd puller. The park offers skateboard lessons that are taught on Saturday mornings and are suitable for all skill levels. There are several skateboard clinics taught over the summer as well, and skate contests are held throughout the year.
Winter Skateparks
Theory Skate and Snow came about in 1998, when co-founder Frank Langone moved back to Massachusetts after spending a year in California experiencing great skateparks and shops. By 2001, he and co-founder Dan Dzuiban had opened three shops in the Springfield area. In 2002, the guys wanted to build a place where kids could skate outdoors in the winter. They found a place in Springfield and opened Junction Skatepark in 2003. Junction is open year-round seven days a week, and expands its hours during school vacations.
Boston Area Skateparks
The Boardwalk Skate Shop and Indoor Skate Park is located right outside Boston. Skaters may sign up and pay for sessions that last two or three hours, either from 12 to 3 p.m., 3 to 6 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m. each day. Private skateboard lessons are available, as well as group skateboard lessons that can be taught at the Boardwalk or outdoors at your local skate park. During the summer, the Boardwalk has six summer sessions lasting a week each. Skaters get a discount if they sign up a friend.
Late-Night Skateparks
Rad Skatepark, in Mendon, is an indoor skatepark that also allows BMX bikes and RAZR scooters. On Fridays and Saturdays, Rad is open until midnight. Skaters looking for expert instruction will find group and individual lessons on offer, both taught by Rad founders John Romiglio and Bob Bradford. The park's requirements are that helmets be worn by everyone, regardless of age, and that children under age six are not allowed in without parental supervision.
Safety
No matter your skill level, it's important to always wear a helmet while skating. Knee and elbow pads are also recommended. A simple fall can easily turn into a serious injury if protective gear is not worn. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children younger than five never ride a skateboard, and those between ages six and 10 be closely supervised. Children, especially ones new to skateboarding, have less balance and are more prone to falls and injuries.
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