Ten important skateboard spots in Eugene, Oregon
1. Washington-Jefferson Skatepark
Topping the list of skateboard spots in Eugene is the Washington-Jefferson Skatepark, the largest covered skatepark in the country. Located under the I-105 bridge, it offers year-round skating sheltered from Oregon’s frequent rain. Opened in 2014, the skatepark quickly became a central hub for skaters of all levels. With over 23,000 square feet of skateable space, it features a combination of bowls, ramps, ledges, rails, and stair sets, catering to both street and transition skaters.
What makes Washington-Jefferson special is its diversity of terrain. The beginner-friendly areas allow new skaters to practice basics, while the more advanced features, like the deep bowls and technical street elements, provide ample challenges for seasoned skaters. Its accessibility, central location, and size make it a must-visit for any skateboarder in Eugene.
2. Amazon Skatepark
Another popular spot is the Amazon Skatepark, a community favorite nestled in Amazon Park in South Eugene. This skatepark is known for its smooth concrete surface and its variety of features, including a snake run, bowls, banks, and rails. Originally built in the 1970s, Amazon Skatepark has undergone several renovations, most notably in 2007, when it expanded to its current form.
Amazon Skatepark has a flowy layout that mimics street elements while offering transitions for those who prefer to skate bowls. One of its standout features is its kidney-shaped bowl with pool coping, which is highly regarded by vert skaters. The park’s open space allows for seamless movement between sections, making it an ideal location for skaters looking to improve their flow and speed. The surrounding park area also provides a relaxing atmosphere for skaters to hang out between sessions, adding to the community vibe.
3. Cal Young Skatepark
Located in the Cal Young neighborhood, Cal Young Skatepark offers a more intimate skateboarding experience compared to the larger parks in Eugene. Built in 2003, this skatepark might be smaller in scale, but it is well-designed, with a balance of street and transition elements that keep skaters coming back.
Cal Young is a favorite for skaters looking for a laid-back, less crowded environment. The park includes several quarter pipes, flat bars, and manual pads, making it great for skaters who want to hone their technical skills. Its central pyramid with ledges and the smooth transitions appeal to street-style skaters, while a smaller bowl provides transition options. Its neighborhood location gives it a local, community-centric feel, making it an excellent choice for skaters who want to avoid the larger, busier parks in town.
4. Bethel Skatepark
Located in the western part of Eugene, Bethel Skatepark is another gem in the city’s skateboarding scene. This park, while smaller than Washington-Jefferson or Amazon, is known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse layout. It was built with a mix of street and vert features, including a range of banks, ledges, quarter pipes, and a large bowl.
Bethel Skatepark stands out for its versatility, providing plenty of space for both beginners and more advanced skaters. The bowl is deep and smooth, making it perfect for skaters who enjoy carving and gaining speed. On the street side, ledges and flat bars are ideal for practicing flip tricks and grinds. Bethel is also less crowded than some of the more centrally located parks, which makes it an excellent spot for skaters seeking a quiet session.
5. Sheldon Skatepark
Sheldon Skatepark, located near Sheldon High School in northeast Eugene, offers a solid skateboarding experience for those in the area. Though smaller in scale, it has a strong local following and offers a well-maintained space for skaters of all levels. The park is equipped with various quarter pipes, a pyramid, and manual pads, making it a fun spot for street-style skaters.
One of Sheldon Skatepark’s best features is its smooth concrete and simple layout, which allows for fast lines and easy transitions. This park is ideal for practicing technical tricks, from grinds to flip variations, thanks to its minimal obstacles and flat surfaces. The park’s neighborhood setting makes it a quieter, less intimidating option for skaters looking for a more relaxed environment.
6. Alton Baker Park
While not a skatepark in the traditional sense, Alton Baker Park is a popular spot for street skaters. Located near the University of Oregon, this large urban park features smooth pathways, ledges, stairs, and open areas perfect for flatground tricks. Skaters often take advantage of the park’s urban landscape, using benches, rails, and natural inclines to create impromptu skate spots.
Alton Baker Park offers a scenic environment, with the Willamette River running alongside, and plenty of open space. The park attracts street skaters looking for new challenges, away from the more structured confines of traditional skateparks. It’s also a favorite location for longboarders who enjoy cruising along the park’s winding paths. Whether you’re practicing technical street tricks or just cruising, Alton Baker offers endless possibilities for skaters looking to skate in a more natural, urban setting.
7. Hendrix Park
Hendrix Park, located in Eugene’s South Hills, is another lesser-known but highly appreciated skate spot. This quiet neighborhood park doesn’t have dedicated skateboarding features, but it provides an excellent environment for flatground skaters. The smooth surfaces and wide-open areas make it an ideal spot for practicing manuals, flip tricks, and cruising.
Hendrix Park also offers a unique terrain with gentle hills and inclines, which skaters can use creatively to practice speed and downhill tricks. It’s not uncommon to see skaters enjoying the park’s natural terrain, incorporating the hills into their skate lines. The peaceful surroundings and lack of crowds make Hendrix Park a hidden gem for skaters looking for a more serene setting.
8. Eugene 5th Street Market
Although not a dedicated skate spot, the 5th Street Market area is a well-known location for street skaters in Eugene. With its urban landscape, smooth concrete, and a variety of ledges, curbs, and stairs, the 5th Street Market provides ample opportunities for skaters to practice street tricks. The area’s architectural features, including banks and rails, make it a perfect spot for technical skating.
The market area can get busy, so it’s important for skaters to be mindful of pedestrians. However, during quieter hours, the space transforms into a street skater’s paradise. Skaters are drawn to the challenge of finding new lines and tricks among the market’s many obstacles, making it a popular destination for more experienced skaters looking for a street-style challenge.
9. Skinner Butte Park
Skinner Butte Park, located on the north side of downtown Eugene, offers another street-style skateboarding option. The park is famous for its iconic skateable terrain, including the many ledges, curbs, and banks found throughout the park. Skaters flock to Skinner Butte to practice ledge tricks and enjoy the urban landscape while being surrounded by nature.
In addition to its street-style features, Skinner Butte Park offers beautiful views of the city and the Willamette River, making it a unique skate spot where skaters can enjoy their surroundings as much as the skateboarding itself. The park’s versatility and scenic beauty make it a go-to spot for skaters looking to combine skateboarding with a day outdoors.
10. University of Oregon Campus
Last but certainly not least is the University of Oregon campus, a popular skateboarding destination for street skaters. The campus is home to a wide array of skateable features, including stairs, handrails, ledges, and benches. Skaters, particularly those interested in technical street skating, are drawn to the campus for its diverse range of obstacles and smooth concrete surfaces.
The university setting offers skaters a chance to challenge themselves with new tricks on stairs or test their balance on long manual pads. While skaters should be mindful of students and campus security, the U of O campus remains a hotspot for street skaters looking for a creative, ever-changing environment to skate.
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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