Ten important skateboard spots in Auburn, Alabama
1. Town Creek Park
Town Creek Park is arguably the best-known spot for skaters in Auburn. Located just off the main strip of the city, it offers a great mix of obstacles and features for a variety of skill levels. The park has a combination of smooth pavement, ledges, stairs, and rails, making it perfect for street skaters. It’s a popular spot for both beginners and seasoned skaters because of its accessibility and variety of features. The park also boasts ample space for cruising, making it a great location for longboarding or just hanging out with friends.
The layout of Town Creek Park includes wide paths, a big staircase with flat rails, and ledges that cater to technical street skaters. The local skate community frequently visits this park, especially when the weather is nice. It’s also a central hub for youth skateboarding events in Auburn.
2. Auburn Skatepark
Located at 600 N Dean Road, Auburn Skatepark is a purpose-built facility that attracts skateboarders of all skill levels. With its well-maintained features, this skatepark is a fantastic destination for those who prefer a structured environment over street skating. The skatepark offers a variety of terrain, from bowls to street obstacles, and is designed with both skaters and BMX riders in mind.
The park features a large, deep bowl for transition skaters and a smaller bowl for beginners. Additionally, there are several ledges, rails, and stair sets that cater to street skating. The park is well-lit at night, making it an ideal location for evening sessions. Since it's centrally located near Auburn University, it’s a favorite among college students who want to skate before or after classes.
3. Chewacla State Park
Chewacla State Park, located just outside of Auburn, offers a natural and peaceful setting for skateboarding, although it’s more popular for hiking, biking, and outdoor activities. That said, there are a few areas within the park that offer an interesting mix of urban and natural terrain that skaters can take advantage of. The main area where skaters go is along the park’s paved trails, which can be used for longboarding and cruising. Additionally, the terrain around the park's rock features can be utilized for more technical street skating. Skaters who enjoy the outdoors and scenic views will find Chewacla to be a refreshing spot to ride.
4. Saugahatchee Creek Greenway
The Saugahatchee Creek Greenway is a beautiful, multi-use path that spans several miles through Auburn, offering great opportunities for longboarding and cruising. This greenway runs alongside Saugahatchee Creek and provides smooth, wide trails that are perfect for skaters looking to get a good ride in while enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings. The greenway is also a great spot for beginners to practice their skills, as it’s generally less crowded and allows for a relaxed pace.
While it's not a traditional skatepark, many skaters enjoy the serenity and smooth surfaces of the greenway. The combination of natural beauty, quiet paths, and accessibility makes it a top spot for skaters who enjoy cruising and downhill rides.
5. Auburn University Campus
Auburn University’s campus is another hotspot for skaters, with its many accessible ledges, stairs, and rails. Campus spots are perfect for street skaters looking to perform technical tricks in an urban environment. The university’s various courtyards, plazas, and open spaces provide plenty of areas for skating, and the well-maintained walkways offer a smooth surface for riding.
Some of the most popular spots on campus include the Auburn University Student Center, which features ledges and rail setups, and the area around Samford Hall, where you’ll find some stairs and wide open spaces perfect for cruising. The campus is lively with students and pedestrians, so skaters should be mindful of foot traffic, especially during peak hours.
6. The Epic Skatepark (Indoor Location)
For skaters looking for a year-round indoor location, The Epic Skatepark in nearby Opelika (about 15 minutes from Auburn) is an ideal spot. This indoor facility is perfect for those who want to escape the heat or cold and still get their skate session in. The Epic Skatepark features a range of obstacles, including ramps, rails, and bowls, which make it an excellent destination for skateboarders of all styles.
While the park is small compared to other indoor skateparks, it still offers a variety of features and has a dedicated community of local skaters. The park’s friendly and supportive atmosphere is great for beginners, and more advanced skaters can challenge themselves with its well-designed bowls and street sections. It’s also an affordable place for locals to skate during the winter months.
7. Auburn Industrial Park (Street Spot)
The Auburn Industrial Park is an off-the-beaten-path street spot located near the outskirts of Auburn. This location features a variety of elements, including ledges, small rails, and transition-style obstacles. While it’s not a designated skatepark, it’s a favorite among skaters who prefer the street-skating scene. The quiet, industrial area allows for uninterrupted sessions and is a great place to practice grinds and slides without interference.
The wide open spaces and smooth concrete are perfect for those who like to skate at their own pace. Some skaters might even take advantage of the gaps or banks around the park, making it an excellent spot for more technical street skating. However, the location is not as well-lit as some of the other spots, so it’s best to skate during daylight hours.
8. The Corner of East Glenn Avenue and North College Street
This intersection in Auburn is an urban skater's dream. The area features smooth pavement and various obstacles such as curbs, ledges, and stairs that are perfect for street tricks. The surrounding businesses and buildings provide a backdrop of urban grit, and the wide streets offer plenty of room for skaters to experiment with their tricks.
While the spot is more street-oriented, it’s popular with local skaters because it’s easy to access and offers a range of features for skaters looking for something quick and fun. The mix of street features, plus the fact that the area is often busy, adds to its appeal for those who like to skate in a dynamic environment. Skaters should be cautious of traffic and pedestrians.
9. Opelika Skatepark (Nearby)
Just a short drive from Auburn, the Opelika Skatepark is another excellent facility for skaters in the area. It’s an outdoor park with a solid mix of street and transition elements. The park has a good selection of ledges, rails, bowls, and a flow section, giving skaters the freedom to work on technical tricks or more fluid runs. The layout is ideal for skaters of all levels, making it a good spot for practicing different styles.
Skaters who live in Auburn may find themselves driving to Opelika on a regular basis due to the quality of the park and its less crowded environment. The Opelika Skatepark is well-maintained and regularly hosts skateboarding events, making it a hub for the regional skate scene.
10. Legacy Skatepark (Indoor Facility in Opelika)
For a more dedicated indoor option, Legacy Skatepark in Opelika is a great location to check out. This indoor facility has a reputation for being one of the best in the area. With its ramps, rails, bowls, and street features, Legacy Skatepark offers a versatile environment for skaters of all types. It’s a safe and welcoming space for anyone looking to skate, especially when the weather outside isn’t ideal.
Legacy Skatepark is well-lit and has a loyal community of skaters who visit regularly. Its spacious design allows for high-speed runs and technical tricks, making it a solid destination for those seeking an indoor challenge. Though it’s a bit further than Auburn’s local parks, it’s worth the drive for those looking for an indoor park with a variety of features.
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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