Ten important skateboard spots in Bellevue, Washington
1. Bellevue Skate Park (Highland Skate Plaza)
Located within Highland Community Center, Bellevue Skate Park is arguably the most popular and well-established skate spot in the city. Since its construction in the early 2000s, it has been a hub for local skaters of all ages and skill levels. The park features an impressive layout, including various ramps, rails, ledges, stairs, and a bowl. Designed to emulate street skating environments, the park has enough variety to challenge skaters while allowing beginners to develop their foundational skills.
One of the most attractive aspects of Bellevue Skate Park is its versatility. It is open to both skateboarders and BMX riders, which helps create a strong sense of community. Whether you're a technical skater focusing on flip tricks or someone who enjoys cruising in a bowl, Bellevue Skate Park caters to everyone. The park is maintained by the city, ensuring that it's always in good condition, which adds to its popularity.
2. Crossroads Park Skate Spot
Crossroads Park, located in East Bellevue, is home to a small but well-loved skate spot. While it isn't a traditional skatepark, it is a prime location for skaters who prefer a low-key environment with fewer crowds. The skate spot is part of the larger Crossroads Park, which features playgrounds, sports fields, and a community center, making it a great location for families and groups.
The skate area itself has basic street features such as ledges and rails, making it an ideal place for beginners to practice. Its flat surface allows for practicing manuals, ollies, and flip tricks. For skaters looking for a laid-back place to skate without the intensity of a full-fledged skatepark, Crossroads Park offers a great alternative.
3. Wilburton Hill Park
While Wilburton Hill Park is primarily known for its soccer fields and hiking trails, it also has some interesting features for street skaters. The park's large paved pathways and open spaces provide an excellent opportunity for skaters who prefer flat-ground tricks or cruising. The smooth pavement is perfect for practicing flips, grinds, and manuals, while the park’s urban-style setting is ideal for those who enjoy a more freestyle approach to skateboarding.
Although it isn't an official skate spot, Wilburton Hill Park’s expansive layout offers plenty of space to carve out your own skate experience. Additionally, the nearby pedestrian bridges and stair sets can be used for more adventurous street skating.
4. Downtown Bellevue Park
Downtown Bellevue Park, located in the heart of the city, offers a mix of urban and natural elements. While primarily a recreational area for walkers and joggers, its wide, smooth walkways make it a favorite for skaters as well. Skating along the circular paths that wrap around the park’s iconic reflecting pond allows for a scenic, relaxing experience. The park also has several stair sets, rails, and ledges, which offer opportunities for more advanced tricks.
The park's central location makes it easy to access and a popular spot for skaters looking to mix their love of the sport with the bustling energy of Bellevue’s urban core. The open, flat terrain also makes it an ideal location for beginners to get comfortable on their boards.
5. Bellevue Downtown Plaza
While primarily designed as a public space for relaxation, the Bellevue Downtown Plaza doubles as a street skater’s dream. This urban square features ledges, benches, and low stair sets, all of which are ideal for grinding and ollieing. Skaters often flock here for the smooth surfaces and street-style features.
The Plaza is conveniently located next to Bellevue’s busy downtown area, which means it offers a high-energy atmosphere filled with pedestrians, street performers, and other urban life. This makes it an exciting spot for street skaters who thrive in busy environments. However, skaters should always be mindful of the crowds, as this is a shared public space.
6. Chism Beach Park
Chism Beach Park is a scenic waterfront park located on Lake Washington’s shores. While not a traditional skate spot, the park’s large, smooth pathways are excellent for longboarding and cruising. Skaters who enjoy more laid-back, scenic rides will love the park's ambiance, with its lush greenery and stunning views of the lake.
Chism Beach Park may not be the place for grinding rails or attempting huge tricks, but its smooth terrain and tranquil setting make it a fantastic spot for those who prefer a relaxed skateboarding experience. The park’s large parking lot is also a good place for practicing basic tricks.
7. South Bellevue Community Center (Robinswood Park)
Robinswood Park is home to South Bellevue Community Center, which features a small but versatile skate area. While not as large as Bellevue Skate Park, this spot is perfect for those who prefer a quieter environment. The park includes some rails and ledges, making it a great place for practicing street tricks.
This park’s smaller size allows for a more personal experience and is often frequented by younger skaters or beginners. The community center nearby offers additional amenities, including restrooms and a gym, making it a comfortable place for skaters to spend their day.
8. Newport Hills Park
Newport Hills Park may not be the first spot that comes to mind for skateboarding, but its large open spaces and smooth pathways are perfect for longboarders and casual skaters. The park’s expansive sports fields and courts provide plenty of flat ground for practicing flat-ground tricks. While it doesn’t have specific skateboarding features like rails or ramps, it’s a great spot for skaters who enjoy cruising in a calm, suburban setting.
This park also has plenty of seating areas and shaded spots, making it a comfortable place to spend time in between skate sessions. Its quieter environment makes it ideal for skaters looking to avoid the crowds of more popular skateparks.
9. Hidden Valley Sports Park
Hidden Valley Sports Park, located just a short drive from downtown Bellevue, is another excellent spot for skateboarders. The park is primarily used for sports like soccer and tennis, but its large paved areas make it a great place for skaters as well. There’s plenty of open space to practice, and the flat ground is perfect for beginners learning how to ride and balance.
The park is well-maintained, and its quiet, residential location makes it a more relaxed alternative to the busier skateparks in the area. Skaters who enjoy longboarding or cruising will appreciate the park’s smooth pathways and wide-open areas.
10. The Spring District (Unorthodox Spot)
The Spring District, Bellevue’s up-and-coming neighborhood, is primarily known for its modern architecture and tech-focused development. However, the newly built streets, open plazas, and smooth surfaces in this area offer prime street skating opportunities. Though technically not an official skateboarding spot, the urban layout, including planters, stairs, and benches, makes it an attractive location for skaters looking for a modern street skate experience.
Since The Spring District is still developing, the skater presence remains relatively low, making it a unique and less crowded place to skate. Skaters should keep in mind that this is a commercial area, and it’s essential to respect the space, especially during business hours.
Skateboarding is tribal and most locals are welcoming, but if you're new to a spot, or just passing through, have respect for the locals. Listen. Be smart. Have fun.
A human being
Art can change the world – and everybody is an artist. Those who scribble stickmen. Those who paint chapel ceilings. Those who tattoo biceps. Those who are careful with pigment on canvas. Those who create fantasy characters. Those who paint pet portraits. Those who yarn bomb. Those who write poems on crappy old cardboard.
My art lives on the bottom of skateboard decks. It's designed for you to destroy. For you, the rider, my art may come second to the deck’s ability to perform – and that’s awesome. To me, art comes first. Always.
It’s how I think. It’s who I am. It’s what I am.
A machine
This article has been created with the help of artificial intelligence platforms ChatGPT and Bard. If there are inaccuracies or there are opportunities for improvement, please let me know.
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