Ten important skateboard spots in Fort Collins, Colorado
1. Edora Skatepark
Located in Edora Park, this skatepark is a premier destination for skateboarders in Fort Collins. The park is sprawling, with 28,000 square feet of skateable terrain designed to cater to both beginners and experienced skaters. The park features a mix of bowls, ramps, ledges, rails, and stair sets. One of its defining features is the large bowl, which is perfect for those seeking to practice their transitions and flow. The street section has a balanced array of obstacles, including a flat rail, hubbas, and stair sets. Local skaters and visitors alike appreciate the park's flow, cleanliness, and variety of features. Edora Skatepark also plays host to local events and competitions, making it a central hub for Fort Collins’ skate scene.
Why it’s a top spot:
- Large variety of features for all skill levels
- Frequent local competitions and events
- Centrally located with excellent amenities
2. Old Town Square
While primarily a commercial and pedestrian-friendly area, Old Town Square offers some great street spots for skateboarders when not crowded. It’s a popular spot for those who love urban skateboarding, featuring smooth ground and a variety of ledges, stairs, and benches. Skating through the square’s artistic and historical vibe adds an extra layer of enjoyment for street skaters. However, skating here requires discretion, as the area is frequented by shoppers and tourists. The nearby Lory State Park and Horsetooth Reservoir add to the charm of Old Town, making it a quintessential Fort Collins experience for skateboarders who want to blend skating with the city’s culture.
Why it’s a top spot:
- Urban street skating environment
- Smooth ground, ledges, and stairs
- Central to Fort Collins' cultural and social hub
3. Spring Canyon Skatepark
One of the newest skateparks in Fort Collins, Spring Canyon Skatepark, is a concrete park designed for both street and transition skaters. The layout is diverse, with flowy lines, banks, hips, and quarter pipes that provide ample opportunities for creativity. The park also has an excellent street section, which includes a variety of rails, ledges, and stairs, perfect for grinding and technical tricks. The bowls here are a standout, with smooth transitions and plenty of space to practice carving and flowing lines. Located in the southwest corner of Fort Collins, the park offers scenic views of the nearby foothills, making it a serene backdrop for skaters looking to enjoy nature while honing their skills.
Why it’s a top spot:
- Smooth concrete transitions and bowls
- Diverse street section for technical tricks
- Scenic location with mountain views
4. Civic Center Park
Civic Center Park isn’t a skatepark, but it's a well-known street spot in Fort Collins. This area features a variety of ledges, stair sets, and handrails, making it a hotspot for street skaters. The concrete surface is generally smooth, although the area can get busy during weekdays due to its location near government buildings and offices. Civic Center Park has a mix of natural features and man-made structures that lend themselves well to creative street skating. The park’s open spaces and shaded areas also make it a good place for skaters to gather, practice, and hang out, especially in the evenings when the area is quieter.
Why it’s a top spot:
- Excellent street skating environment with ledges and stairs
- Central location in the heart of Fort Collins
- Great for evening or weekend sessions
5. Rossborough Skatepark
Rossborough Skatepark is a compact but well-loved skatepark located in a residential neighborhood of Fort Collins. It’s a perfect spot for beginners and intermediate skaters who are still mastering their skills. The park has several small-to-medium-sized quarter pipes, a funbox, a few grind rails, and a mini half-pipe. Although not as large or diverse as other parks in the city, Rossborough provides a laid-back environment that is less intimidating for newer skaters. It’s also a common place for neighborhood kids to hang out and learn the basics of skateboarding in a welcoming setting.
Why it’s a top spot:
- Great for beginners and intermediate skaters
- Small, neighborhood-friendly atmosphere
- Safe, family-oriented setting
6. Lee Martinez Park
While not officially a skatepark, Lee Martinez Park has become a popular spot for skateboarders because of its smooth paths and diverse landscape. The park’s paved trails provide an excellent area for cruising, making it a favorite for longboarders. Additionally, there are a few low ledges and benches scattered throughout, which skateboarders use for grinding and manuals. The park’s location near the Cache la Poudre River adds to the overall ambiance, providing a peaceful backdrop while skating. The trails wind through wooded areas, making it a scenic spot for skaters who prefer a more relaxed, cruising-style skateboarding experience.
Why it’s a top spot:
- Great for longboarding and cruising
- Smooth trails with natural surroundings
- Relaxed, scenic environment
7. Library Park
Library Park, adjacent to the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, is another unofficial but beloved skate spot. The park has a mix of stairs, ledges, and flat ground, ideal for flatground tricks and practicing lines. Its location in the middle of the city makes it convenient for skaters looking for a quick session during the day. Library Park’s proximity to cultural and educational institutions also gives skaters a chance to mix their interests, whether in skating, history, or art. The open layout of the park allows for creativity and flow, making it a versatile spot for various styles of skating.
Why it’s a top spot:
- Convenient location in the city
- Great for flatground tricks and lines
- A unique mix of cultural surroundings
8. Rolland Moore Park
Rolland Moore Park is more known for its sports fields and community events, but it has become a low-key favorite among local skateboarders. The park features smooth sidewalks, low ledges, and some sloped surfaces that skaters use for manuals and flatground tricks. It’s not a formal skate spot, but its wide-open spaces and smooth surfaces make it ideal for casual skating or for those looking to practice without the pressure of a formal skatepark environment. The park is a favorite for longboarders and skateboarders who enjoy cruising, as well as those looking to skate in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Why it’s a top spot:
- Spacious open areas and smooth surfaces
- Perfect for cruising and flatground tricks
- Laid-back, low-pressure environment
9. Mountain Avenue
Mountain Avenue, a historic part of Fort Collins, is a hidden gem for skaters looking for a unique spot. The street is lined with old buildings and has a long stretch of smooth pavement perfect for cruising. There are also a few low stair sets and handrails scattered along the sidewalks, providing opportunities for street skating. Though not a designated skate area, Mountain Avenue offers a mix of historic charm and modern skating features. Its quiet residential feel, combined with the smooth surfaces, makes it an excellent spot for those who enjoy a more relaxed and aesthetic skating environment.
Why it’s a top spot:
- Smooth pavement ideal for cruising
- Historic and charming surroundings
- Great for street skaters looking for a unique spot
10. City Park
City Park is a large, multi-use park that offers skateboarders a spacious area to ride. While the park doesn’t have a designated skatepark, it features smooth sidewalks, small ledges, and open spaces that skaters have creatively used for years. The park’s lake and large trees provide a relaxing atmosphere, making it an enjoyable place to skate. Longboarders, in particular, frequent the area for its expansive paths and gentle slopes. City Park’s central location and welcoming environment also make it a gathering place for skateboarders of all kinds to meet and enjoy skating in a casual setting.
Why it’s a top spot:
- Expansive paths for cruising and longboarding
- Relaxing, scenic environment with a lake
- A popular gathering place for local skaters
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.
BellyRash