Ten important skateboard spots in Akron, Ohio
1. Akron Skate Park
Akron Skate Park is the most well-known and frequented skate spot in the city. Located at 350 E. Cuyahoga Falls Avenue, it is a 19,000-square-foot concrete park with a variety of ramps, rails, ledges, and bowls. The skate park was designed by professional skate park builders and includes features like quarter pipes, grind rails, and a large bowl area for advanced skaters. The versatility of the park makes it ideal for both beginners and seasoned skaters. It has become a social hub for local skateboarders, with its well-maintained features and regular skate competitions.
What sets Akron Skate Park apart is its family-friendly atmosphere and the fact that it welcomes all forms of wheeled sports, including BMX biking and scooters. The skate park's central location near residential areas and its proximity to other urban attractions also make it convenient for skaters from all over Akron.
2. Highland Square
Highland Square is a trendy neighborhood in Akron that is well known for its artsy vibe and vibrant community. Although it’s not an official skate park, the wide sidewalks, low ledges, and smooth surfaces throughout the area provide an ideal skateboarding terrain. Skaters are often seen practicing flips, ollies, and grinding on benches.
One of the major attractions for skateboarders is the series of banks and steps in front of local businesses and in public spaces. The bustling atmosphere in Highland Square allows skaters to engage with spectators and fellow boarders, making it one of the most social skateboarding spots in Akron.
3. Lock 3 Park
Lock 3 is one of the city's most iconic parks, known for hosting festivals, concerts, and winter ice skating. However, during the off-season, it becomes a prime spot for skateboarders. The large, open concrete area at Lock 3 provides ample space for flat-ground tricks, while the steps and rails offer plenty of opportunities for grinds and jumps.
Skating at Lock 3 is a unique experience, with the scenic backdrop of the Ohio & Erie Canal and downtown Akron’s skyline. The park is also conveniently located near restaurants and shops, making it a good spot for an afternoon or evening skate session.
4. Wright Square
Summit Lake Skate Park is another dedicated skate park that has become a popular destination for local skaters. Located on the shores of Summit Lake, it offers a stunning view while you skate. The park is equipped with ramps, quarter pipes, and a few rails, which cater primarily to beginner and intermediate skaters.
The park has a friendly, community-oriented vibe, with regular events and meetups for skaters of all ages. The nearby playground and basketball courts make it a family-friendly destination where skaters can spend an entire day enjoying both the park and the lake.
5. Kenmore Boulevard
Kenmore Boulevard is a historic street in Akron, known for its array of shops and old-school charm. For skateboarders, Kenmore Boulevard provides a street skating haven with a series of curbs, steps, and handrails. Many skaters enjoy the challenge of maneuvering through the busier parts of the boulevard, mixing skating with urban exploration.
The best part about Kenmore is that it’s a bit off the beaten path, so while it’s not officially a skateboarding destination, it offers an unstructured and spontaneous experience for street skaters looking for something beyond a traditional skate park.
6. Hardesty Park
Hardesty Park is one of Akron’s largest public parks, and it’s also a low-key favorite among local skateboarders. The park’s smooth pathways, wide-open concrete areas, and low ledges offer an excellent place for flat-ground skating and practicing basic tricks. Skaters are particularly drawn to the series of benches and low rails located around the park.
While Hardesty Park is mainly known for its family-friendly activities and community events, its skateboarding appeal lies in the flexibility of the terrain, allowing skaters to find their own spaces without the rigid layout of a typical skate park.
7. Downtown Akron Steps (Near the Civic Theatre)
For skaters seeking an urban challenge, the series of steps in downtown Akron near the Akron Civic Theatre offers the perfect environment. These steps, paired with handrails and ledges, are ideal for more experienced skateboarders looking to perform grinds, slides, and stair sets.
The historic Civic Theatre serves as an iconic backdrop, and skating in the heart of the city allows skaters to take advantage of Akron’s urban architecture. However, this spot can be a bit more challenging due to its location in a busy part of downtown, where skaters have to be mindful of pedestrians and traffic.
8. Cuyahoga Falls Skatepark
Though technically located just outside Akron in neighboring Cuyahoga Falls, this skate park is a must-visit for any skater in the Akron area. Cuyahoga Falls Skatepark is a well-designed facility with quarter pipes, fun boxes, and grind rails that cater to skaters of all skill levels. The park also features a bowl for those looking to practice more advanced vertical tricks.
Cuyahoga Falls Skatepark is known for its spacious layout and smooth concrete, making it ideal for skaters who enjoy flow lines and more complex maneuvers. It’s a bit quieter than some of Akron’s more central skate spots, providing a more relaxed atmosphere for practicing.
9. Firestone Metro Park
Firestone Metro Park is a scenic park that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and skateboarding opportunities. While the park isn’t officially designated for skateboarding, its paved trails and smooth pathways are ideal for longboarders or skateboarders who enjoy cruising. The park’s hilly terrain provides opportunities for downhill skating, and its wide-open spaces allow for freestyle tricks.
Firestone Metro Park is a great spot for skaters who want to combine their love of skateboarding with the outdoors, as the park’s serene atmosphere and lush surroundings provide a peaceful escape from the city.
10. University of Akron
The University of Akron's campus, with its mix of modern and historic architecture, offers several prime skating spots. Skaters can find a variety of ledges, steps, and handrails scattered across campus. The flat, smooth surfaces throughout the campus make it an ideal place for practicing flat-ground tricks, while some areas offer rails and benches for grinding.
Though skating on college campuses can sometimes be frowned upon by campus security, many skateboarders take advantage of the campus’s spacious and smooth terrain, especially during the evening or on weekends when foot traffic is minimal.
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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