Ten important skateboard spots in Cary, North Carolina
1. Sk8-Cary Skate Park
Undoubtedly the crown jewel of the skateboarding scene in Cary is Sk8-Cary, the town’s premier skatepark. Located in the heart of Bond Park, Sk8-Cary is an expansive and well-maintained facility designed for both skateboarders and BMX riders. The park features a diverse range of obstacles, including quarter pipes, banks, rails, ledges, and a variety of ramps for skaters of all skill levels. One of the highlights is the bowl, which offers deep transitions that challenge experienced skaters while providing a fun learning environment for novices.
Sk8-Cary is known for being meticulously clean and organized, with a mix of concrete and wooden structures that offer diverse terrain for every style of skating. It’s open seven days a week, and while it requires an entry fee and helmet use, the facility ensures a safe, community-oriented environment. Skaters appreciate the balance of beginner-friendly features and advanced obstacles, making Sk8-Cary a must-visit for anyone in the area.
Location: Bond Park, 2040 NW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27513
2. Downtown Cary Streetscape
The recently revamped Downtown Cary Streetscape has become a favored spot for skaters due to its smooth, open spaces, manual pads, and ledges. Downtown Cary has transformed into a pedestrian-friendly area with wide sidewalks, public art installations, and street furniture, many of which are perfect for technical street skating. Skaters enjoy the benches, curbs, and stair sets that make the downtown area ideal for practicing flat-ground tricks and more advanced moves.
Since it’s a public space, skaters should be mindful of pedestrians, but the bustling downtown provides plenty of opportunities to skate without too much interruption. The evening is a particularly good time to visit, as the streets are less busy, and the urban lights make for an atmospheric skating experience.
Location: S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511
3. Godbold Park
Another gem in Cary's recreational offerings is Godbold Park, which has become increasingly popular among local skaters. While it’s primarily known for its family-friendly atmosphere with playgrounds, basketball courts, and picnic areas, the park also features a smaller, more laid-back skateboarding area. The skate section includes basic elements like quarter pipes, flat rails, and fun boxes, making it an excellent choice for skaters looking to practice fundamentals or just enjoy a relaxed day of skating.
The atmosphere at Godbold Park is notably relaxed compared to larger parks like Sk8-Cary, making it perfect for beginners or skaters looking to escape the intensity of more crowded spots. Skaters also appreciate the park’s shaded areas, which provide a reprieve from the North Carolina heat.
Location: 2050 NW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27513
4. Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve Parking Lot
While Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is known for its tranquil hiking trails and beautiful natural scenery, the parking lot has become an under-the-radar skate spot for local skaters. The parking area offers smooth asphalt, slight inclines, and curbs that allow for laid-back flat-ground sessions.
The parking lot’s relatively quiet environment makes it a great spot for skaters who want to avoid crowds and just enjoy a peaceful session. Although it’s not a traditional skatepark with ramps and obstacles, the minimalist setup is perfect for working on manual tricks, ollies, and other technical skills. The lush surroundings of Hemlock Bluffs add a scenic backdrop, making this a unique skating destination.
Location: 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27518
5. R.S. Dunham Park
R.S. Dunham Park offers an ideal combination of recreational activities and excellent skating terrain. The park has a variety of sports courts and fields, but the basketball court area is particularly popular with skateboarders, especially when it’s not in use for sports. The smooth pavement and ample space offer a great place for flat-ground tricks and freestyle skating.
The park’s design includes curbs and small drops that skaters can incorporate into their sessions. Dunham Park’s open environment, with plenty of trees and benches, makes it a serene spot for skaters looking for a mix of street-style skating and a laid-back park vibe.
Location: 519 Walnut St, Cary, NC 27511
6. Preston Walk Shopping Center
Preston Walk Shopping Center might not be the first place you think of when it comes to skateboarding, but its layout has made it a sleeper hit among Cary’s skating community. With its clean sidewalks, manual pads, and ledges, the shopping center provides a wealth of street skating opportunities. Skaters can take advantage of the long, open walkways for lines, and the few stair sets add an extra challenge for those looking to practice drops and flips.
Like many urban skating spots, skaters should be respectful of businesses and shoppers, especially during peak hours. Early mornings or late evenings are the best times to skate here without interruption. This spot provides a raw, urban vibe that contrasts nicely with the town's suburban feel.
Location: 950 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27513
7. Triangle Aquatic Center Parking Lot
Similar to the Hemlock Bluffs spot, the Triangle Aquatic Center parking lot has become a hidden gem for skaters looking for a wide, smooth surface without the hustle and bustle of a busy skatepark. This expansive parking lot offers smooth asphalt, slight elevation changes, and plenty of open space, perfect for flat-ground tricks, manuals, and cruising. It’s a great spot for skaters who want to refine their street skating skills without the presence of larger crowds.
Though it’s not an official skate spot, the Triangle Aquatic Center's parking lot offers plenty of room to spread out and practice different moves. It’s especially favored during off-peak hours when few cars are present.
Location: 275 Convention Dr, Cary, NC 27511
8. Bond Brothers Beer Company
In recent years, the area surrounding Bond Brothers Beer Company has gained popularity with skaters, thanks to its smooth pavement, open spaces, and modern urban design. The brewery’s location near downtown Cary provides skaters with plenty of ledges, manual pads, and open flat ground, making it a favorite for local street skaters. Skating in this area is often paired with the nearby Downtown Cary Streetscape, providing a nice extension of skateable terrain.
Skaters should be respectful of the business and its patrons, but the brewery’s laid-back atmosphere makes it an enjoyable place to skate, especially during quieter hours. It’s a spot that perfectly blends Cary’s growing urban development with its skater-friendly culture.
Location: 202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC 27511
9. Southeast Cary Greenway
Skateboarding and longboarding enthusiasts who enjoy cruising will find the Southeast Cary Greenway to be an ideal spot. This multi-use trail system spans several miles, connecting various parks and residential areas. While it’s popular with cyclists and joggers, skateboarders appreciate the greenway’s smooth paths and gradual inclines, which make for a relaxing cruise.
The greenway offers a peaceful escape from more urbanized skating areas, with beautiful scenery and minimal pedestrian traffic. Longboarders, in particular, enjoy the flow of the trail system and the opportunity to carve through the shaded paths. The variety of terrain also makes it suitable for skaters of different skill levels.
Location: Begins at Kildaire Farm Rd and Lochmere Dr
10. Waverly Place Shopping Center
Another unexpected but excellent street skating spot is Waverly Place Shopping Center. The shopping center's design incorporates wide walkways, ledges, and a few small stair sets, making it an ideal location for practicing technical tricks. The modern aesthetic of the shopping center, along with its relatively low foot traffic, creates a good environment for street skating sessions.
Much like the Preston Walk Shopping Center, skaters should be mindful of the patrons and businesses, especially during peak shopping hours. But overall, Waverly Place offers a sleek, urban environment perfect for skaters looking for a mix of smooth pavement and interesting obstacles.
Location: 302 Colonades Way, Cary, NC 27518
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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