For some, concrete represents the gold standard in skating. Wood ramps and obstacles just don't have the weight and presence that concrete ramps have. Fortunately, for the skateboarders of east Texas, there are a number of places to ride your deck on concrete. Before heading out to your local skate park, get some information so you have a safe time and are able to find the best park for you.
Prices
Many public skate parks in Texas have admission fees. Parks requiring admission fees include GPX Skate Park in Grand Prairie and Eisenbergs Skate Park in Plano. The Edge at Allen Station Park is free to all, requiring neither membership nor entry fees. Entrance fees are sometimes higher for nonresidents. For example, at GPX nonresidents pay $6 as of September 2010, while residents pay $5.
Memberships
Some skate parks provide memberships that give benefits such as discounted entry to the park and discounts on special events. Eisenbergs Skate Park offers membership for $79 a year, as of September 2010. This cuts the price of admission to the park in half. The GPX Skate Park in Grand Prairie offers memberships for $15 for residents and $30 for nonresidents. This gives the member her first entrance into the park for free and provides a discount on subsequent visits to the park.
Equipment
Concrete skate parks in east Texas provide visitors with a variety of equipment to practice their skills on. The parks offer basic equipment such as ramps and pipes. Some parks, however, such as The Edge at Allen Skate Park, boast equipment such as picnic tables, railings, boxes and other accoutrement. Parks such as the Calallen Skate Park in Corpus Christi offer concrete bowls for skaters looking for the pool experience.
Other Activities
Skate parks, despite the name, are not just for people on skateboards. Concrete skate parks in east Texas also welcome people on BMX bikes and in-line skates. Some parks, such as Eisenbergs, allow bikes in at all times. Other places, such as The Edge at Allen Station Park, have special areas at the skate park designated for BMX riders.
Rules
While rules vary from one park to another, all parks have rules. The Edge at Allen Station Park does not require pads and helmets, however, they are highly recommended. Eisenberg requires all riders to sign a waiver before entering the park. Minors visiting the park without parents must have a waiver signed by their parents and authorized by a Notary Public.
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