Ten important skateboard spots in Salem, Oregon
1. Salem Skate Park
Located near the heart of downtown, the Salem Skate Park is a centerpiece of the city's skating scene. Established in the late 1990s, it has long been a go-to spot for local skaters. The park is characterized by its wide variety of features, including bowls, ramps, and street elements, making it a great place for skaters of all skill levels. Beginners can practice on the smooth concrete surfaces, while experienced skaters can push their limits on the larger ramps and deep bowls. The park’s street section includes ledges, rails, and stairs, offering a realistic environment for skaters who prefer technical street tricks.
Salem Skate Park is always bustling with activity, especially during the summer months when skaters take advantage of the long daylight hours. The park is free and open to the public, which contributes to its accessibility and popularity among the city's youth. Whether you’re looking to refine your kickflip or dive into a deep bowl, this park is a perfect starting point in Salem’s skating scene.
2. Woodmansee Park
Nestled in the south of Salem, Woodmansee Park is a lesser-known gem for skateboarders who prefer a quieter environment. Woodmansee Skate Park is smaller than the main Salem Skate Park, but it offers a relaxed vibe with a strong sense of community. The park includes several quarter pipes, a small pyramid, and a few banks, making it ideal for those looking to practice lines or transitions in a more intimate setting.
One of the standout features of Woodmansee Skate Park is the park’s well-maintained greenery and scenic surroundings. Skaters can take a break and enjoy the nearby walking paths or simply relax in the shade of the trees after a session. It’s a great spot for skaters who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy skating in a more tranquil setting.
3. Riverfront Park
Though not a designated skate park, Riverfront Park offers plenty of smooth surfaces, banks, and ledges for those who enjoy skating in an open, natural setting. Located along the Willamette River, the park features wide paved paths that are ideal for cruising or practicing flat-ground tricks. Skaters are often seen weaving through the park’s open spaces, making use of its gentle slopes and benches as impromptu obstacles.
One of the key draws of Riverfront Park is the surrounding scenery. The river views, well-kept gardens, and iconic pedestrian bridge make this spot more than just a skate destination—it’s also a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Skating at Riverfront Park combines the best of both worlds for those who love the feel of skating in an urban environment while surrounded by natural beauty.
4. Bush’s Pasture Park
Bush’s Pasture Park is another scenic location where skaters can take advantage of paved paths and wide-open spaces. While not a formal skate park, the park's smooth walkways and open concrete areas are perfect for cruising or practicing manual tricks. Additionally, the natural inclines throughout the park provide an opportunity for downhill carving and longboarding.
The park’s serene environment makes it a favorite among skaters who enjoy more relaxed sessions. Skaters often appreciate the opportunity to take a break under the large oak trees or to explore the park’s historical attractions, such as the Bush House Museum. With its unique combination of history, nature, and skate-friendly areas, Bush’s Pasture Park is a fantastic place for skaters seeking a change of pace from traditional skateparks.
5. Willamette University
Though skating on university campuses is technically prohibited, Willamette University’s grounds are often a popular skate spot for local skaters. The campus features a variety of ledges, stair sets, and rails, making it a tempting destination for street skaters. Some skaters find the secluded spots on campus—such as courtyards or quieter areas near academic buildings—perfect for practicing without attracting too much attention.
Willamette University’s blend of modern architecture and historic buildings provides an aesthetically interesting backdrop for skateboarding. However, it’s important for skaters to be mindful of university policies and respect the space, as campus security may occasionally ask skaters to leave.
6. Pringle Park Plaza
Located near downtown Salem, Pringle Park Plaza is a street skater’s paradise. The plaza offers a variety of urban features, such as ledges, manual pads, and stairs, that are perfect for technical tricks. The smooth surfaces and natural flow of the space make it easy to link tricks together, creating an ideal spot for filming lines or just practicing your best tricks.
Pringle Park Plaza is a popular spot for skaters who enjoy filming their sessions, thanks to its central location and aesthetically pleasing design. The nearby Pringle Creek also adds to the ambiance, giving skaters a unique experience as they skate along the urban waterfront.
7. Wallace Marine Park
Wallace Marine Park is primarily known for its sports fields and beautiful walking trails, but it’s also a great location for skaters who enjoy cruising along scenic pathways. The park’s extensive network of paved paths offers a smooth surface for skaters to explore the park’s natural beauty while enjoying a leisurely skate session. Although there aren’t many traditional skate features like ramps or rails, the park’s gentle slopes and open spaces allow for a relaxed cruising experience.
Skating at Wallace Marine Park also provides easy access to the adjacent pedestrian bridge, which offers stunning views of the Willamette River and the Salem skyline. For skaters who enjoy a scenic, low-key ride, Wallace Marine Park is a fantastic option.
8. West Salem Skate Park
Located across the river in the West Salem neighborhood, West Salem Skate Park is a small but well-maintained park with a mix of street and transition features. The park includes quarter pipes, banks, rails, and a small bowl, making it versatile enough for skaters of different styles. Despite its smaller size, West Salem Skate Park has a strong local community and is often less crowded than the main Salem Skate Park, allowing for more uninterrupted skating.
The park’s clean layout and the community-focused atmosphere make it a great spot for younger skaters or those new to the sport. The West Salem Skate Park is also located near local amenities, including coffee shops and restaurants, making it a convenient stop for an afternoon skate session.
9. Englewood Park
Englewood Park is another off-the-beaten-path location that offers a quiet escape for skaters looking to practice in a peaceful environment. The park features wide, smooth paths that are perfect for cruising, and it’s a popular spot for longboarders who want to take advantage of the gentle inclines. While the park doesn’t have the traditional skate features like ramps or bowls, its relaxed vibe and well-maintained grounds make it a great place for a casual skate.
Skaters can also enjoy the park’s lush greenery and open spaces, making it a perfect spot for a low-stress session. Englewood Park’s proximity to residential areas means it’s more of a neighborhood secret than a crowded destination, offering skaters a quiet, laid-back experience.
10. McKay High School
Like many high schools across the country, McKay High School in Salem has become a popular spot for street skaters when school is out of session. The school features a variety of skateable elements, including stair sets, ledges, and rails, making it an ideal location for technical street skating. Skaters often take advantage of the school’s expansive layout to film lines or practice more advanced tricks.
However, as with any school campus, skaters should be respectful of the property and mindful of security. Skating during non-school hours and avoiding damage to the property are key to ensuring that spots like McKay High School remain available for future 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.
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