Ten important skateboard spots in Pune, India
1. Symbiosis International University Campus
The Symbiosis International University Campus is not only famous for its academic prestige but also for its smooth pavements and open areas, which have turned it into a favorite spot for skateboarders in Pune. The clean architecture and spacious walkways provide a perfect setting for street skating. While the campus is primarily for students, it sees a regular influx of skateboarders practicing their flatground tricks, manuals, and lines in the expansive open spaces.
Skaters love this spot because it is generally free of cars and offers a peaceful environment away from the busy streets. The surfaces are perfect for beginners who want to practice basic tricks, while experienced skaters can take advantage of the stairs and ledges around the campus buildings.
2. Shivaji Park
Shivaji Park in Pune is a large public space that attracts a wide range of visitors, from families and joggers to skateboarders. The park’s vast expanse includes smooth pathways and open concrete areas, making it a prime location for skaters to cruise or practice flatground tricks. While it’s not a traditional skatepark, Shivaji Park offers skaters plenty of space to practice and experiment with their skills.
The atmosphere is relaxed, and because the park attracts a diverse crowd, skateboarders can enjoy skating without feeling out of place. Early mornings or late evenings are the best times to visit, as the park can get quite crowded during the day.
3. Sanskriti Lifestyle Mall
Like many modern malls in India, the Sanskriti Lifestyle Mall has become a hub for skateboarders thanks to its expansive underground parking areas and smooth walkways. The wide, well-maintained surfaces are perfect for street-style skating, offering plenty of room for flatground tricks, manuals, and even some improvised lines using curbs and rails.
The best part of this spot is that it offers shelter during the monsoon season, making it an ideal indoor location for skating when the weather is uncooperative. While not officially a skatepark, the security here is generally lenient, and skateboarders are often left to enjoy the space as long as they don’t interfere with shoppers.
4. Pashan Lake Walkway
Pashan Lake, a picturesque lake in Pune, provides a beautiful setting for skateboarders who enjoy cruising through natural landscapes. The walkway surrounding the lake is smooth and wide, making it perfect for longboarding or just casual cruising. The scenic environment adds a relaxing vibe to the skating experience, making it ideal for skaters who want to combine their passion for skateboarding with a peaceful atmosphere.
Although this spot doesn't have typical skateboarding obstacles like rails or ledges, it’s a great location for those who want to practice pushing, cruising, or carving along the long stretches of pavement. The natural beauty of the lake also makes it an enjoyable spot for a laid-back session.
5. Public Grounds at Viman Nagar
Viman Nagar is a bustling area in Pune known for its proximity to the airport and its modern infrastructure. The public grounds in Viman Nagar offer a variety of flat and smooth surfaces that are perfect for skateboarders. The open area sees a steady flow of skaters, especially in the evenings, who come to practice their lines and perfect their tricks.
This spot is especially popular among beginners because of its simple layout and relatively calm environment. It’s a great place to meet other skaters, join impromptu skating sessions, and experiment with new tricks in a non-intimidating setting.
6. Serene Meadows Park
Located in one of Pune’s quieter residential areas, Serene Meadows Park lives up to its name. This peaceful park has become a popular spot for skateboarders due to its smooth concrete paths, open spaces, and gentle slopes. While it’s primarily a place for walking and jogging, skaters have embraced the park as a go-to location for casual skating.
The flat, wide paths are ideal for cruising and practicing flatground tricks, and the gentle slopes offer a low-risk environment for skaters to practice going downhill. Because it’s located in a residential area, the park has minimal traffic and interference, making it a pleasant and safe spot for skaters of all ages.
7. Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park Skate Plaza
Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjewadi is not only a tech hub but also a hidden gem for skateboarders in Pune. The clean, modern architecture and wide-open spaces make it an ideal spot for street skating. The park’s polished concrete surfaces and ledges provide skaters with excellent opportunities to practice grinds, manuals, and flip tricks.
Though primarily a business district, the area is fairly quiet in the evenings and on weekends, allowing skaters to make the most of the smooth surfaces and obstacles without worrying about large crowds. The futuristic design of the area adds an aesthetic appeal to the skating experience, making it one of Pune’s more unique spots.
8. Baner Balewadi Sports Complex
For those looking for a more structured environment, the Baner Balewadi Sports Complex is a prime location. Though it is mainly known for hosting athletic events, the complex also features some flat open areas and concrete surfaces that skaters have adapted for their use. While it’s not a dedicated skatepark, it provides plenty of space for practicing tricks in a quiet and controlled environment.
The sports complex is especially popular with younger skaters who are still honing their skills and want a space where they can practice in peace. Because the area is well-maintained, it offers a safe and reliable surface for skating.
9. Bund Garden Skate Spot
Bund Garden is a well-known recreational area in Pune, and over the years, it has developed a reputation as a spot for skateboarders. The garden’s wide, smooth walkways and open spaces have made it an attractive location for skaters. While there are no official skateboarding structures, skaters often bring their own portable ramps and rails to set up temporary obstacles.
Skating in Bund Garden can be a serene experience, with the garden’s greenery providing a relaxing backdrop to the session. However, skaters need to be mindful of pedestrians, as the park is a popular spot for walkers and joggers. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to hit this spot.
10. Blue Ridge Township Skate Park
Pune’s first dedicated skatepark, located within the Blue Ridge Township in Hinjewadi, is a dream come true for skateboarders. Built with the help of local skaters and international skateboarding organizations, the park features ramps, bowls, grind rails, and quarter pipes, making it the ideal spot for all kinds of skateboarding, from street to transition skating.
This skatepark has become the heart of Pune’s skateboarding community, where skaters of all levels come together to share their love for the sport. It hosts regular events, competitions, and meetups, helping to foster a strong and growing skateboarding scene in the city. The park is well-maintained, and it attracts not only local skaters but also visitors from other parts of India. For serious skateboarders, the Blue Ridge Skate Park is the ultimate spot in Pune.
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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