Skateboard fanatics in Seattle won't have a hard time finding places to practice their ollies and kickflips. Whether you want an underground DIY skatepark with a punk vibe or an architecturally designed upscale park with all the latest bells and whistles, you'll find the skateboard park you're looking for in skater-friendly Seattle.
Marginal Way Skatepark
Marginal Way came into existence in 2004 as part of an illegal project carried out by local skaters on an abandoned patch of city land. Nearby businesses and the Seattle Department of Transportation supported the skaters' efforts to transform the area. Marginal Way received the official blessings of Seattle city officials and now functions as a legal skatepark built, maintained and operated entirely by local Seattle skaters. Located in Seattle's SODO district, Marginal Way Skatepark offers riders more than just concrete bowls to skate: This venue also holds barbecues, live music shows and other events put on by Seattle's underground skater community. The venue is free, though Marginal Way encourages tax deductible donations to help fund the skatepark.
Inner Space Skatepark
As of 2010, Inner Space claims the title of Seattle's only indoor skateboard park. This pay-to-skate venue offers riders access to a skate shop, concessions and around 7,000 square feet of skateable space in exchange for an admission fee. All children under 18 must wear helmets and provide a signed parental waiver before being allowed to skate. Inner Space also holds weeklong skate camps during summer, spring and winter breaks for riders who want to brush up on their skills.
Seattle Center Skatepark
Called "Sea Sk8" by local skaters, the Seattle Center Skatepark features 10,000 square feet of outdoor skateable space. Skateboarders of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros, will find something suitable to ride on in this large outdoor park. Sea Sk8's features -- custom designed by New Line Skateparks -- include skateable sculptures, glass riding structures and a street plaza with stairs, transitions and ledges.
City Skateboard Parks
Seattle's first public skatepark, located inside Ballard Commons Park, features a large skate bowl developed and maintained by the Seattle Parks and Recreation department. Seattle Parks and Recreation also maintain a larger public skatepark inside Woodland Park. Named Lower Woodland Skate Park, it offers skaters two different skating bowls and street-skating facilities. These city parks are free and open to the public. As of 2010, the city of Seattle continues to develop and fund projects to build additional public skateparks in the area, as outlined in Seattle's Citywide Skatepark Plan.
Member Comments