Skateboard Parks in Los Angeles

A drained swimming pool is hard to find these days, let alone a half-pipe, and most cities have instituted laws against skateboarding in public spaces. A good, law-abiding skater needs a skate park to enjoy himself. The first American skate park was built in 1976, in Carlsbad, California, and now they are found all over the world. Los Angeles is home many award-winning skate parks that are free, host national events, and are much better designed than the local shopping center for skating.

  1. Culver City

    • Opened in 2007, the Culver City Skate Park features a clover-shaped pool. It doesn't get better than this, with a 10-foot deep end. The 12,000 square-foot park is concrete, like most skate parks, and is considered one of the best in Southern California. There are no lights, so it does close at dusk. Safety gear is required.

      Culver City Skate Park

      9910 Jefferson Blvd.

      (Northwest corner of Jefferson and Duquesne)

      310-253-665

      culvercity.org

    Glendale Verdugo Skatepark

    • The Glendale Verdugo Skatepark is free for residents and $2 daily for non-residents. This park has lights and closes at 10 p.m., and it features a clover pool and a kidney-shaped pool. One Friday a month, the park hosts a Friday Night Lights for skaters, with pizza, skateboarding videos and competitions.

      Glendale Verdugo Skatepark

      1621 Canada Blvd.

      Glendale, CA 91208

      818-548-6420

      ci.glendale.ca.us

    The Cove Skatepark

    • Santa Monica Skatepark, also known as The Cove, is another award-winning park. This original Dogtown skate area was immortalized in the movie, "Dogtown." This is a huge facility over 20,000 square feet, and it charges $3 for residents daily and $5 for nonresidents. BMX bikers and in-line skaters are allowed in this popular park.

      The Cove Skatepark at Memorial Park

      14th & Olympic

      310-458-8228

      smgov.net

    Belvedere Skatepark

    • Belvedere Skatepark is located on the east side of Los Angeles near downtown. Opened in 2007, it has lights and you can skate till 9 p.m. It is free for everyone, and protective gear is the rule. It features vert, street and tranny terrain.

      Belvedere Park‎

      4914 E. Cesar E Chavez Ave.

      Los Angeles, CA 90022-1309

      323-260-2342

      lacounty.gov‎

    Stoner Recreation Center Skate Plaza

    • The $1 million Stoner Recreation Center Skate Plaza opened in July 2010 to much fanfare from skateboarders and officials. In the Sawtelle neighborhood of West Los Angeles, this state-of-the-art skate park is 20,000 square feet and paid for by local developer fees. Many local skaters had input on the design.

      Stoner Recreation Center

      1835 Stoner Avenue, Los Angeles

      310-479-7200

      laparks.org