Ten important skateboard spots in Glendale, California
1. Verdugo Skatepark
Verdugo Skatepark is undoubtedly one of the most popular skateboarding destinations in Glendale. Located at 1621 Cañada Boulevard, this 15,000-square-foot park offers an array of features for skateboarders of all skill levels. The park is designed with concrete bowls, ramps, rails, and ledges, making it a haven for trick lovers and those who enjoy practicing transitions. The centerpiece of the park is its massive bowl, which allows skaters to experience the thrill of high-speed carving. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, Verdugo Skatepark is a must-visit due to its variety and quality of design.
The park is well-maintained, with a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a prime location for both locals and visitors. Because it’s a dedicated skatepark, it offers a safer environment for skating compared to general public spaces. Plus, it’s free to enter, which is a bonus for young skaters who want a place to practice without paying hefty fees.
2. Glendale Central Park
Though it’s not a dedicated skateboarding spot, Glendale Central Park is an excellent location for street skaters who enjoy smooth pavement and a mix of ledges and manual pads. Located near the Glendale Galleria and the Americana at Brand shopping center, this park is surrounded by flat, smooth surfaces, making it ideal for cruising and practicing technical tricks like manuals, ollies, and flip tricks. Skaters can weave in and out of the foot traffic, adding a bit of urban flair to their skating experience.
The park is surrounded by well-manicured greenery and offers a relaxing atmosphere for skateboarders who want to skate at their own pace. However, because this is a public space shared with pedestrians, it’s essential to be mindful of others while skating.
3. Brand Park
Brand Park, located at 1601 W Mountain Street, is another excellent spot for skateboarders who prefer a more tranquil environment. While it doesn't have dedicated skateboarding facilities, the park's expansive paths and walkways make it a suitable place for cruisers and those who prefer a relaxed skate session. The park is nestled in the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains, providing beautiful scenic views, especially during sunset.
For skaters looking to mix a peaceful ride with the occasional trick, the park offers ledges, stairs, and curbs, providing ample opportunities for street skating. Brand Park’s quieter atmosphere makes it an appealing destination for skateboarders who want to avoid the busier parts of Glendale.
4. Glendale High School
Skating in schoolyards has long been a part of skateboarding culture, and Glendale High School is no exception. Located at 1440 E Broadway, this spot has become a local favorite for street skaters who enjoy the schoolyard's stairs, rails, and benches. While skating on school grounds is technically illegal during school hours, it’s not uncommon for skaters to visit after hours or on weekends when the area is more accessible.
Glendale High School offers a variety of urban obstacles that skaters can use creatively, including handrails, ledges, and stair sets that are perfect for practicing tricks like grinds and kickflips. It’s important to note that security patrols the area, so skaters should be mindful of the rules and avoid damaging property.
5. Montrose Community Park
Located a short distance from downtown Glendale, Montrose Community Park offers skateboarders a mix of smooth, open spaces and urban features like stairs, benches, and ledges. Though not a formal skatepark, Montrose Community Park has become a go-to spot for locals who enjoy skating in a more relaxed suburban setting. The park’s relatively uncrowded paths make it perfect for skaters who want to practice cruising, manuals, or flat-ground tricks.
Montrose is also family-friendly, so it’s an ideal place for skaters who want to bring younger skaters or friends who are just learning. The calm atmosphere and lack of heavy foot traffic make it easier to focus on improving skills without feeling rushed.
6. Wilson Mini Park
Wilson Mini Park is a small but fun skateboarding spot located at 1101 E Broadway. This park is a bit more understated compared to some of the larger parks in Glendale, but it’s perfect for skaters who are looking for an intimate place to practice without too many distractions. The park features some open paved areas that are suitable for practicing basic tricks, and its location in the heart of Glendale makes it a convenient option for those living nearby.
Wilson Mini Park is also close to local businesses, so skaters can easily grab a drink or a snack after a session. While the park doesn’t offer as many features as Verdugo Skatepark or Glendale High School, its simplicity is part of its charm.
7. Cerritos Park
Cerritos Park, located at 3690 San Fernando Road, offers another option for skateboarders in Glendale. This park features smooth paths and flat surfaces that are ideal for beginners who are working on basic skateboarding techniques. Though the park is primarily known for its playground and picnic areas, it has become a low-key skateboarding spot due to its wide, open spaces.
Cerritos Park is ideal for skaters who want a low-pressure environment to work on cruising or perfecting flat-ground tricks. While it doesn’t have the extreme features of a traditional skatepark, it offers a peaceful, low-key skating experience that’s perfect for unwinding.
8. Glendale Community College
Another schoolyard skateboarding spot, Glendale Community College (GCC), located at 1500 N Verdugo Road, offers a wide range of skateboarding obstacles for street skaters. The campus features long stair sets, handrails, ledges, and gaps, which are perfect for those who want to push their street skating skills. Like Glendale High School, GCC’s best times for skating are typically after hours or on weekends when classes aren’t in session.
Glendale Community College is especially popular among local skaters who appreciate the wide variety of architectural features. From handrails to banks and manual pads, GCC offers a range of challenges for skaters of all abilities.
9. Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale)
While it might seem unconventional, Forest Lawn Memorial Park is often mentioned among local skaters for its smooth roads and hilly terrain, which offer ideal conditions for longboarding or downhill skating. The expansive cemetery, located at 1712 S Glendale Avenue, features winding roads with smooth asphalt, making it an excellent location for skaters who prefer cruising over performing tricks. The park's serene environment and low traffic contribute to its appeal.
However, given that this is a memorial park, it’s crucial to be respectful of the space and its visitors. Skaters should avoid disrupting the tranquility of the area and be mindful of those who are visiting loved ones.
10. La Crescenta Skatepark
Though slightly outside of Glendale, La Crescenta Skatepark is worth the short drive for those who are seeking more skateboarding options. Located in Crescenta Valley Park at 3901 Dunsmore Avenue, this 7,000-square-foot skatepark offers ramps, bowls, and rails that cater to a range of skill levels. The park’s smooth concrete surface is ideal for practicing transitions, and its well-designed layout makes it an enjoyable spot for both beginner and advanced skaters.
La Crescenta Skatepark is often less crowded than larger parks like Verdugo, making it a great option for those who want a less competitive atmosphere. The park is surrounded by greenery, which adds to the overall experience, giving skaters a scenic backdrop for their sessions.
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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