Seattle Skateboard Parks

Public Skateboard Parks in Seattle

• As of March 2010, the city of Seattle contains two public skateparks. Ballard Commons skatepark, which opened in 2005, features a skate bowl, public art, seating areas and public lawns spread out across 1.38 acres of land.

  Woodland Park features 90 acres of multipurpose recreational space including lawns, running trails and other public recreation space. The skatepark, which was renovated in 2008, features 17,000 square feet of space and includes skate bowls and street skate course to challenge skateboarders of all skill levels.

Non-City-Owned Skateparks in Seattle

• As of March 2010, two skateparks exist in Seattle which the city does not own. Inner Space offers area skaters a 7,000-square-foot indoor space for year-round skating. Inner Space charges an admission fee but offers skating lessons and camps, and it hosts private birthday parties and events. The park features several configurations of ramps and rails for all types of skateboarders.

  Marginal Way skatepark opened in 2005 as a project of Seattle skateboarders. Skateboarders formed the Marginal Way Organization, collected donations to the fund and maintained their own skatepark out of fear that the city would shut down all publicly owned parks. Marginal Way uses its park as a venue for fundraising concerts in an effort to raise enough money to support the skatepark for current and future years.

Future Planned Parks

• Although several suggestions were received by Parks and Recreation for skatepark locations, as of March 2010, three were under construction or in the planning stages.

  By winter 2011, Seattle hopes to open Delridge Skatepark within a complex already suited to host baseball, soccer and tennis activities. The plan includes a full-range skatepark for all skill levels built on 13,000 square feet. Ground breaking construction currently is set to begin during summer 2010.

  Dahl Skatespot began construction in October 2009 and should open for public use in early 2010. The park features concrete elements for both novice and expert skateboarders. The original design proposed in 2008 received layout modifications because of safety concerns. As a result, elements of the park were separated by greater amounts of space to reduce the risk of collision or injury among skateboarders.

  Jefferson Park Skatepark remains in early planning stages as of March 2010. Although details of the park have not been finalized, the budget of $1,010,000 currently projects as the largest amount of money spent on any public skatepark in Seattle. The park design expects to cater to all skill levels and provide innovative elements that will keep Seattle skateboarders interested in returning to the park for several years.

Importance of Skateparks in Seattle

• The Seattle Parks and Recreation stressed the importance of skateparks in building self-esteem with area youths. Much like any sport, children interested in skateboarding need the recreational facilities to practice. Public sidewalks, streets and parking lots frequently cause danger to both skateboarders and area residents. Skateparks provide skateboarders with designated areas that provide both safety and organization for participants and onlookers. Skateparks also provide a recreational alternative for children and teens during after-school hours and summer vacations.

Shortage of Skateparks in Seattle

• According to the Seattle Parks and Recreation Citywide Skatepark Plan, Seattle ranks as the sixth-most popular city in America for skateboarders, boasting more than 28,000 participants. The Citywide Skatepark Plan specifically recognizes the need to offer skateboarders equal recreational facilities as other recreational sports in the city, such as basketball, tennis and baseball.