Ten important skateboard spots in Savannah, Georgia
1. Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is one of Savannah’s most iconic locations, known for its expansive green space, picturesque fountain, and walking paths. While it’s not officially a skatepark, it has become a favorite spot for skaters due to its smooth pathways, ledges, and open areas that allow for cruising and flat-ground tricks.
- Why it’s a top spot: The large, open space provides ample room for flat-ground tricks, while the concrete ledges and planters around the park’s perimeter offer challenges for grinding and manuals. The central location also makes it a hub for skaters to gather and hang out.
2. Savannah Riverwalk
The Savannah Riverwalk is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic views of the Savannah River and historic charm. For skaters, the Riverwalk offers a long stretch of smooth pavement that is perfect for cruising, as well as stair sets, rails, and ledges.
- Why it’s a top spot: The Riverwalk’s smooth pavement and interesting urban features make it a versatile spot for both casual skaters and those looking to hit rails and stair sets. The scenic backdrop of the river adds to the appeal.
Pro tips: Watch out for tourists, especially on weekends, as the Riverwalk can get crowded. Skating here is often better early in the morning or late in the evening when foot traffic is lighter.
3. Skidaway Island State Park
While primarily known as a nature destination, Skidaway Island State Park has become a favorite among skateboarders for its peaceful atmosphere and long, smooth paths that wind through the park. It’s an ideal spot for cruising and practicing flat-ground tricks.
- Why it’s a top spot: The park’s smooth, paved paths are perfect for long-distance cruising, while the natural beauty of the surroundings provides a relaxing environment. Skaters often use the long, open stretches to practice tricks in a peaceful setting.
Pro tips: This spot is best for skaters who enjoy cruising rather than technical tricks. It’s also important to respect the park’s rules and maintain the natural environment.
4. Wright Square
Wright Square is one of Savannah’s historic public squares, and it has gained popularity among skaters for its low ledges, smooth ground, and easy accessibility. It’s a great spot for beginners to practice tricks like ollies, manuals, and grinds.
- Why it’s a top spot: Wright Square offers a combination of smooth pavement and low, manageable ledges, making it a perfect place for beginner to intermediate skaters. Its central location in downtown Savannah makes it a convenient stop on any skater’s route.
Pro tips: As with all public spaces, be mindful of pedestrians and local ordinances. Wright Square is a great place to skate during off-peak hours when fewer people are around.
5. Daffin Park
Daffin Park is another expansive green space in Savannah that has become a favorite spot for skaters. The park features smooth sidewalks, open areas for flat-ground skating, and a variety of curbs and ledges to grind.
- Why it’s a top spot: The open layout of Daffin Park provides plenty of space for skaters to practice without feeling crowded. The smooth pavement is ideal for flat-ground tricks, while the curbs and ledges offer challenges for more advanced skaters.
Pro tips: Daffin Park is a great spot for casual skaters who want to practice without the pressures of a formal skatepark environment. Mornings are the best time to skate here, as the park tends to get busier in the afternoons.
6. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Campus
The SCAD campus in downtown Savannah is known for its unique architecture, and for skaters, it provides a variety of interesting features to skate. Ledges, stairs, handrails, and open areas are scattered throughout the campus, making it a popular spot for street skating.
- Why it’s a top spot: SCAD’s urban design and layout make it an ideal place for street skating, with ledges, rails, and stair sets that provide challenges for skaters of all levels. The artistic environment adds to the creative vibe of the spot.
Pro tips: Be cautious about skating on campus during school hours, as there may be restrictions. Evenings and weekends tend to be the best times to skate here, but always be aware of security and local regulations.
7. Lake Mayer Community Park
Lake Mayer Community Park is a dedicated recreation area in Savannah that features a variety of amenities, including a skatepark. The park’s skate section includes ramps, rails, and a bowl, making it one of the few official skateparks in the city.
- Why it’s a top spot: As one of Savannah’s only skateparks, Lake Mayer is a must-visit for anyone looking for a more structured place to skate. The variety of features makes it suitable for skaters of all skill levels, and the surrounding park offers additional areas to skate and explore.
Pro tips: The skatepark can get crowded, especially on weekends, so plan to visit during off-peak times if you want to avoid waiting for your turn to hit the ramps and rails.
8. Ellis Square
Ellis Square is another popular downtown square that has become a go-to spot for skaters. The square’s smooth ground and open layout make it ideal for flat-ground tricks, while the low walls and steps provide opportunities for more technical skating.
- Why it’s a top spot: Ellis Square’s central location and open design make it a great spot for both casual and advanced skaters. The smooth surface is perfect for practicing flip tricks and manuals, while the low walls are great for grinds and slides.
Pro tips: As with other public squares in Savannah, it’s important to be respectful of pedestrians and local laws. Skating here is best done in the early morning or evening to avoid the crowds.
9. Historic Savannah Squares
Savannah is home to 22 historic public squares, each with its own unique layout and architecture. Many of these squares, such as Chippewa Square and Franklin Square, have become popular with skaters due to their smooth pavement, ledges, and open space.
- Why it’s a top spot: Each square offers something different, whether it’s a smooth pathway for cruising or low walls for grinds. The historic ambiance adds to the charm of skating in these public spaces, and skaters often move from square to square to explore new challenges.
Pro tips: Skating in Savannah’s historic squares is a unique experience, but it’s essential to be respectful of the historical significance of these locations. Always skate with care and avoid damaging any of the historic features.
10. Franklin Square
Franklin Square, located on the western side of downtown Savannah, is known for its open space and smooth pavement. It’s a less crowded square compared to others in the city, making it a great spot for skaters who want a more laid-back environment.
- Why it’s a top spot: Franklin Square’s open layout and smooth surface make it a great spot for flat-ground tricks and cruising. It’s also a quieter spot compared to other downtown squares, providing a more relaxed environment for skating.
Pro tips: Franklin Square is ideal for skaters who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the more tourist-heavy areas. It’s a great place to skate in the evenings or early mornings when the square is mostly empty.
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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