Skateparks tend to blend into their surroundings, but these architectural gems and artworks will surprise you.
By Anissa Tijani
OTRO, Île de Vassivière, France: A must-see at night, this radiant artwork will blow your mind while you “skate the landscape”, as its author Koo Jeong-A likes to describe it. Enter the dream of a skatepark glowing at night and living in complete harmony with the island’s lush countryside. www.escaut.org
Photo © François Lichtlé
Lake Tahoe, California, USA: When professional skateboarder Bob Burnquist set up a skateboard ramp on this beautiful Californian lake, some people were sceptical. But we like knowing that such a floating landmark exists for a one-of-a-kind skating experience.
Nike SB Templo Mayor, Mexico: This huge temple lives up to its name, with sculptures, graphics and mosaic handrails by local artist Luis Ponce evoking Aztec influences. Templo Mayor aspires to be democratic and respectful of the surrounding environment, and its riding elements are for all ages and abilities.
PAS House, Los Angeles, USA: What if your home was designed for indoor skating, even your furniture was part of an environment entirely skateable? This was iconic skater Pierre-André Senizergues’ dream, and the result is pretty awesome.
Photo © Francois Perrin
Kapermolen Skatepark, Hasselt, Belgium: This urban skatepark and its numerous nooks and crannies make you wonder where to start, given all the possibilities. Take your time and go spot by spot – cradle, bowl and rails are patiently waiting for you in the first European skate plaza. concrete-skateparks.com
Photo © Concrete Skateparks
Burnside Skate Park, Portland, USA: These ramps might sound familiar if you’ve watched Gus Van Sant’s masterpiece Paranoid Park or played Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater back in the day. Try your best to score high while riding them out in real life under iconic Burnside Bridge.
Photo © Flickr User James Alby
House of Vans, London, UK: No need to search further for the house of street culture, you’ve reached your destination. With its skate-BMX park, cinema, bar, live music scene and art gallery all under the same roof – or rather, tube station – House of Vans is anything but commonplace. houseofvanslondon.com
Stapelbäddsparken, Malmö, Sweden: The main idea was to have a skatepark with everything you could dream of skating on, and though reality tends to turn out quite differently, it was fortunately another story for Stapelbäddsparken. Located right by the sea and available to everyone, this timeless concrete park takes its design inspiration from all periods. skatemalmo.se
Photo © Flickr User Björn Söderqvist
Skate Park Expo, Lisbon, Portugal: Under Vasco da Gama Bridge, not only can you take long walks along the river, you can also enjoy some mini-ramps and a place to practice in total freedom – with a view.
Photo © Flickr User Peter Burka
Zap’ados Calais, Calais, France: Teens, go crazy! Located in an old industrial hall, this minimalist masterpiece is full of good intentions and aspires to welcome everyone with wheels who wants to learn or practice their riding, while the youth animation centre – also present on the spot – offers workshops and activities.
Louisville Extreme Park, Louisville, USA: Skater or BMX rider, beginner or not – you are all welcome at this well-lit skatepark open around the clock – a local initiative from the Louisville government. louisvilleky.gov
Shaw Millennium Skatepark, Calgary, Canada: The biggest skatepark in North America, it’s also a family activity park where young and old can share a morning stroll while skaters test their limits on the signature full-pipe. calgary.ca
Photo © Flickr User Nicolas Hesson
Bowl de Marseille, Marseille, France: Born in the early 1990s, the Bowl needs no introduction – to the skate community, at least. With its various heights and graffiti artworks so dear to the city, the concrete Marseillais will charm you. marseilleskatepark.free.fr
Photo © Flickr User Katherine Hala
Kumba Skate Plaza, Kimberley, South Africa: A supporter of youth development through skater culture, Kumba Skate Plaza is a nominee for “Best Skatepark” at the prestigious Global Skateboarding Awards. And don’t miss out on the annual KDC Skateboarding World Championships (October 7-10) to take in some amazing performances. kimberley.co.za
Photo © Grant Mclachlan
Cairns Esplanade Skate Plaza, Cairns, Australia: Considered one of the best skateparks in Australia, on par with famous Sydney and Brisbane ones. We don’t know if it’s because of the big clover bowl or all the criss-crossing paths that make the skating experience really collective – but it surely does create some magic. cairns.qld.gov.au
Amazing Square Skate Park, Tokyo, Japan: In buzzing Tokyo, it’s no small luxury to relax for a while, and what better way to do that than stopping by the skatepark next to Shinjuku Central Park? Open all day, it’s the perfect spot whether you feel in the mood for skating the massive half pipe or enjoying some lessons for budding skaters.
Photo © Panoramio User dahuey
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