Ten important skateboard spots in Jackson, Mississippi
1. Smith Park
Located in the heart of downtown Jackson, Smith Park has become a favorite spot for skateboarders looking to enjoy an urban, open environment. The park is compact but offers a variety of features that make it skate-friendly. It boasts smooth concrete walkways, stairs, and ledges, which are perfect for grinding and technical tricks. Its central location is also appealing to skaters who enjoy the bustling energy of downtown Jackson, with the nearby businesses and the historic atmosphere adding to the skateboarding experience. While Smith Park isn’t a designated skatepark, skaters have adapted to its terrain and used it to practice both street and park-style tricks.
2. Veterans Memorial Stadium
Veterans Memorial Stadium, primarily known for football games, has developed an unofficial reputation as a popular skate spot in Jackson. The stadium’s architecture, with its wide concrete steps, rails, and long smooth ramps, offers skateboarders a variety of opportunities to explore different styles and challenges. Skaters often use the stair sets for practicing ollies, flips, and grinds, while the handrails and ledges are great for more advanced maneuvers. Though skating here may occasionally attract the attention of security, many skaters find the layout of Veterans Memorial Stadium irresistible. Its proximity to Jackson State University also makes it a popular spot for college skaters.
3. Parham Bridges Park
Parham Bridges Park is one of Jackson’s official skateboarding parks, and it’s known for its welcoming atmosphere for skaters of all levels. The park features a variety of ramps, bowls, and ledges, offering something for both beginners and experienced skateboarders. The most popular section of the park is the concrete bowl, which has smooth transitions and varying depths, allowing skaters to practice their skills in a contained, safe environment. In addition to the bowl, there are also street-style features like rails and stairs, which make Parham Bridges Park a versatile skate spot. The park’s community vibe and well-maintained facilities make it a must-visit for any skater passing through Jackson.
4. Fondren District
The Fondren District, known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and art, has also become a haven for skateboarders. Fondren’s streets are often quiet and offer smooth surfaces, making it ideal for cruising and practicing street tricks. What sets the Fondren District apart from other skate spots in Jackson is the sense of creativity and individuality that permeates the area. Many of the walls and alleys are adorned with street art, creating a colorful and visually engaging backdrop for skateboarding. Skaters in Fondren tend to enjoy the relaxed vibe and the freedom to explore different areas within the district without the pressure of being in a designated skatepark.
5. Metrocenter Mall Parking Lot
While the Metrocenter Mall itself has seen better days, its expansive parking lot has become a favorite skate spot for local skaters. The empty, open space offers endless opportunities for flatground tricks, while the surrounding curbs, ledges, and occasional railings give skaters plenty of variety. The mall’s decline in business has left the parking lot relatively empty, meaning skaters can practice without much interference from pedestrians or cars. Though it's not a traditional skatepark, the wide open space and urban decay aesthetic have made the Metrocenter Mall parking lot a staple in Jackson’s skateboarding scene.
6. Tougaloo College Campus
Tougaloo College, a historically Black liberal arts college located just north of Jackson, offers a sprawling, beautifully landscaped campus that skateboarders have come to appreciate. The campus features a variety of terrains, from smooth sidewalks to stair sets and handrails, giving skaters plenty to work with. What makes Tougaloo College an appealing skate spot is the peaceful environment—it’s far enough removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Jackson, providing skaters with a more relaxed atmosphere in which to practice. While it's important for skaters to be respectful of the college's academic environment, the campus has become a go-to location for those looking for a change of scenery.
7. LeFleur’s Bluff State Park
LeFleur’s Bluff State Park may not be the first place one thinks of for skateboarding, but its smooth pathways and scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot for cruising and longboarding. The park is large and offers a variety of trails and roads, giving skaters the freedom to explore without the distractions of a typical urban environment. While it doesn’t have the ramps or rails of a traditional skatepark, skaters who enjoy the sensation of speed and flow will appreciate the gentle slopes and wide paths that wind through the park. LeFleur’s Bluff is perfect for those looking to skate in a natural, outdoor setting.
8. The Mississippi Museum of Art Plaza
The plaza outside the Mississippi Museum of Art is an urban gem for skateboarders in Jackson. The modern architecture, with its clean lines, smooth concrete, and ledges, creates a nearly perfect environment for street-style skating. The museum plaza is popular for practicing flatground tricks, grinds, and manuals, and its open layout makes it easy for skaters to gather and socialize. While skaters should be mindful of museum visitors and staff, the plaza has become a popular meet-up spot for skaters looking for an aesthetically pleasing and functional space to hone their skills.
9. Northpark Mall Parking Lot
Similar to the Metrocenter Mall, Northpark Mall’s parking lot has become a popular skate spot due to its wide-open spaces and variety of ledges and curbs. The Northpark Mall is still in operation, but its massive parking area often has empty sections where skateboarders can practice undisturbed. Skaters enjoy the long stretches of smooth pavement, ideal for practicing lines and combos. The lot’s layout offers a range of features that cater to skaters who want to focus on street-style tricks like grinds and flips, and the minimal foot traffic makes it an attractive option for those looking for a low-pressure environment.
10. Poindexter Park
Poindexter Park is a lesser-known but up-and-coming skate spot in Jackson. The park features a number of small but useful features for skateboarders, such as benches, curbs, and wide open spaces for flatground practice. It’s not a dedicated skatepark, but it has become popular with local skaters looking for a more secluded spot. The park’s quiet atmosphere and variety of surfaces make it a good option for those looking to practice technical tricks without the distractions of a busier location. Poindexter Park is also a place where skaters can experiment with creating DIY features, adding an element of creativity to the skating experience.
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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