Ten important skateboard spots at Villanova University
1. The Main Quad
The Main Quad, a central area with wide, open spaces and a few benches, is ideal for beginners and intermediate skaters looking for a spot with minimal obstacles. The concrete pathways around the quad are smooth, offering skaters an uninterrupted ride. However, since it's a high-traffic area, timing your skate sessions early in the morning or late in the evening can help avoid crowds.
- Best for: Cruising, flatground tricks.
- Challenges: Crowds during peak hours.
2. Bartley Hall Steps
Located near Villanova’s School of Business, Bartley Hall features a set of stairs that is popular among skateboarders looking to improve their ollies, kickflips, and stair sets. These stairs are ideal for advanced skaters who are comfortable with higher-impact tricks. The area also includes a few ledges for grinding.
- Best for: Ollies, stair sets, and grinds.
- Challenges: High-impact area with potential for security enforcement.
3. St. Thomas of Villanova Church Plaza
This scenic spot features wide, open steps and a few ledges surrounding the church. Its proximity to the church building and the beautiful campus views make it a popular spot for cruising and grinding. The ledges are smooth, ideal for practicing slides and grinds. Since this is a religious site, be respectful of people visiting for services.
- Best for: Grinding, manuals.
- Challenges: Potential foot traffic, especially on weekends.
4. Connelly Center Patio
The Connelly Center offers a diverse skating landscape, from low ledges and benches to stairs and flat areas. This spot is shaded and has plenty of benches, which makes it a comfortable area for longboarding, flatground tricks, and practicing slides.
- Best for: Benches for sliding, flat tricks, manuals.
- Challenges: Often populated by students hanging out.
5. Falvey Memorial Library Stairs
The stairs at the library are some of the most iconic at Villanova, popular with both students and skaters alike. This spot has a multi-stair setup, ideal for advanced skaters who are interested in mastering stair gaps. There are also some low ledges nearby, offering a balance of features for different skill levels.
- Best for: Stair gaps, ollies, advanced tricks.
- Challenges: Moderately busy with students and visitors.
6. The Pavilion (Finneran Pavilion) Plaza
Outside the Pavilion, where Villanova’s basketball games are held, is a spacious area with smooth surfaces, benches, and planters. This plaza provides ample room for skaters to cruise around, making it an ideal spot for those interested in riding transitions. The benches and planters are also good for grinding.
- Best for: Cruising, benches for slides, open space.
- Challenges: Event days might make this area inaccessible.
7. Villanova Stadium Pathways
The paths leading to and around Villanova Stadium provide a smooth, open area perfect for cruising. The asphalt is well-maintained, allowing skaters to build up speed and practice manual tricks. This area offers a good flow for longboarders and those interested in improving their balance and control.
- Best for: Longboarding, speed cruising, manual tricks.
- Challenges: Foot traffic around sports events.
8. Driscoll Hall (Nursing School) Steps and Ledges
Driscoll Hall, home to Villanova’s nursing program, has a unique layout with ledges, handrails, and a set of stairs at its entrance. The ledges are slightly lower, making them accessible for beginner and intermediate skaters. The steps and handrails add complexity, ideal for skaters looking to progress their skills.
- Best for: Ledges, slides, rail tricks.
- Challenges: May have limited accessibility due to student activities.
9. Law School (Garey Hall) Courtyard
Garey Hall’s courtyard offers a mix of stair sets, rails, and benches, making it a favorite among skaters who enjoy a variety of obstacles. The area is generally quiet, which allows skaters to focus without interruptions. Benches in the courtyard are excellent for grinding, and the handrails add options for trick practice.
- Best for: Grinding benches, handrail tricks, stair sets.
- Challenges: Isolated area, which could be less visible.
10. Lancaster Avenue Sidewalks and Ledges
Just outside the Villanova campus on Lancaster Avenue, there are sidewalks and ledges that skaters can use without disrupting pedestrian flow. This area offers a bit more freedom than spots directly on campus and has a mix of ledges and rails. It’s also a great spot for those who prefer street-style skating, as it connects to different parts of the town.
- Best for: Street skating, ledges, urban vibes.
- Challenges: Potential traffic and pedestrian flow.
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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