Ten important skateboard spots in Aimes, Iowa

Ten important skateboard spots in Aimes, Iowa

1. Ames Skatepark

Ames Skatepark stands as the city’s dedicated skateboarding haven. Located near Brookside Park, it attracts skaters of all levels thanks to its thoughtfully designed layout. The park offers a mix of street and transition elements, such as a bowl, ramps, rails, and ledges, catering to both beginners and experienced skaters. The park’s concrete structure ensures durability and a smooth ride for every session.

Skaters appreciate the variety of obstacles, including grind rails and pyramid sections, which encourage creative runs. However, the park can become quite crowded during peak hours, limiting access to some features. Despite the lack of shaded areas for resting, its convenient location and regular maintenance make it a prime spot for Ames’ skating community.

  • Features: Concrete ramps, bowl, grind rails, pyramid sections, and ledges.
  • Pros: Diverse obstacles for all skill levels, well-maintained, spacious.
  • Cons: Crowded during busy times, limited seating and shade.

2. Iowa State University Campus

The Iowa State University campus offers an urban skating experience with its blend of modern architecture and smooth surfaces. Skaters will find manual pads, ledges, stair sets, and open flat ground, all within a scenic and vibrant environment. The wide sidewalks and unique angles provide endless opportunities for creative tricks and street-style runs.

While the campus is an inspiring spot for street skaters, its accessibility is limited by security measures and high pedestrian traffic during the academic year. Timing your session during quieter hours can help avoid interruptions. Despite these challenges, the variety of terrain makes it a favorite for those seeking a dynamic urban skateboarding experience.

  • Features: Manual pads, ledges, stair sets, and wide sidewalks.
  • Pros: Scenic atmosphere, diverse terrain, and creative options.
  • Cons: Security enforcement, busy foot traffic during school hours.

    3. Brookside Park Trails

    Brookside Park offers a tranquil environment for skateboarders, with smooth pathways that wind through scenic greenery. The park’s gentle slopes and flat ground make it an excellent choice for beginners or skaters looking to cruise and practice basic tricks. It’s also a popular warm-up spot before heading to more challenging locations.

    Although not designed specifically for skateboarding, the park's open space and minimal traffic create a relaxed atmosphere. The lack of technical features like ledges or rails may not appeal to advanced skaters. Seasonal weather conditions, such as snow or rain, can also limit its usability.

    • Features: Paved pathways and gentle slopes.
    • Pros: Beginner-friendly, peaceful setting, low traffic.
    • Cons: No technical features, weather-dependent.

    4. Main Street, Downtown Ames

    Downtown Ames combines a bustling urban vibe with unique architectural features that appeal to street skaters. Benches, curbs, stair sets, and ledges scattered across the area provide numerous opportunities for tricks. Its central location makes it an exciting choice for skaters who enjoy city energy.

    However, heavy pedestrian traffic during business hours and occasional skating restrictions can pose challenges. For skaters willing to explore and adapt, the downtown district is full of hidden gems that offer rewarding sessions.

    • Features: Stair sets, benches, ledges, and curbs.
    • Pros: Urban atmosphere, variety of features, central location.
    • Cons: Skating restrictions, high pedestrian traffic.

    5. North Grand Mall Exterior

    The exterior of North Grand Mall is a hotspot for skaters seeking rails, ledges, and open concrete areas. The smooth surfaces and diverse obstacles make this location ideal for technical tricks and street-style runs. Nighttime sessions are particularly enjoyable, thanks to the mall's exterior lighting.

    Mall security, however, occasionally limits skateboarding in this area, and the presence of shoppers and vehicles can disrupt sessions. Despite these challenges, the spot remains a favorite for those looking for urban skateboarding elements in a semi-controlled environment.

    • Features: Handrails, ledges, and wide concrete areas.
    • Pros: Good lighting, diverse features, accessible location.
    • Cons: Security enforcement, interruptions from shoppers and cars.

     

    6. Ada Hayden Heritage Park

    For those who enjoy longboarding or casual cruising, Ada Hayden Heritage Park offers a scenic loop of smooth, paved trails around a serene lake. The park’s open layout and minimal elevation changes make it a relaxing spot for leisurely skating.

    While its pathways are ideal for cruising, the park lacks features like rails or ledges for technical tricks. It’s best visited during weekdays when pedestrian traffic is minimal, as weekends can get crowded.

    • Features: Smooth, paved pathways and gentle slopes.
    • Pros: Beautiful scenery, perfect for cruising and longboarding.
    • Cons: No technical features, busy during peak times.

    7. Duff Avenue Parking Lots

    The parking lots along Duff Avenue offer open, flat spaces and curbs that are perfect for practicing manual tricks and grinds. These lots provide a quiet environment during non-business hours, allowing skaters to focus on honing their skills.

    However, rough patches on the asphalt and occasional vehicle traffic can limit the quality of sessions. Skaters looking for a dedicated location may prefer other options, but this spot remains valuable for its accessibility and simplicity.

    • Features: Curbs, flat-ground areas, and manual pads.
    • Pros: Quiet during off-hours, accessible, beginner-friendly.
    • Cons: Rough surfaces, potential interruptions from vehicles.

    8. Somerset Neighborhood Plaza

    This residential area offers a calm, low-traffic environment for casual skateboarding. Small ledges, manual pads, and open flat ground make it an excellent spot for beginners or those looking for a relaxed session.

    While the plaza doesn’t provide advanced features, its quiet surroundings make it a great spot for practicing basics or experimenting with flat-ground tricks. The lack of skater-specific elements may deter those seeking more challenging obstacles.

    • Features: Flat ground, small ledges, and manual pads.
    • Pros: Quiet, low-traffic, beginner-friendly.
    • Cons: Limited advanced features, not designed for skating.

    9. Inis Grove Park

    Inis Grove Park offers a mix of paved trails and shaded areas that provide a comfortable environment for casual skating. Its spacious layout and flat paths make it ideal for warm-ups or longboarding.

    While the park lacks specific skateboarding features, its relaxed atmosphere and ample parking make it a popular choice for family outings and mellow sessions. Be mindful of pedestrians who frequent the trails.

    • Features: Paved trails, shaded resting areas, and grassy surroundings.
    • Pros: Relaxing environment, family-friendly, spacious.
    • Cons: No technical elements, pedestrian traffic.

    10. Campus Town District

    Adjacent to ISU, the Campus Town District buzzes with activity and features numerous street-skating opportunities. Rails, stairs, and ledges provide ample challenges for skaters who enjoy urban settings. The area’s vibrant energy and proximity to dining options make it a popular hangout spot.

    Skaters should be cautious of pedestrian and vehicle traffic, especially during busy hours. Late-night sessions might draw noise complaints from residents. Despite these limitations, Campus Town remains a go-to spot for its dynamic skating environment.

    • Features: Rails, stair sets, ledges, and urban street elements.
    • Pros: Diverse street features, vibrant atmosphere, convenient amenities.
    • Cons: High traffic, noise concerns during late hours.

      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.

      BellyRash

      Leave a comment

      Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

      Back to Faceplant

      Tags