Ten important skateboard spots in Champaign, Illinois
1. Spalding Skatepark
Spalding Skatepark is a staple in the Champaign skateboarding community. Situated near downtown, this skatepark offers a safe, designated space for skaters of all skill levels. It boasts an array of ramps, rails, ledges, and bowls, allowing beginners to practice while also providing challenges for advanced skaters. The park’s layout includes spacious areas for smooth transitions, ideal for street and vert skating alike. Spalding Skatepark also serves as a community hub, frequently hosting local meetups, competitions, and events. This sense of community has fostered a supportive environment where skaters come to learn, improve, and share their passion for the sport.
2. Illini Union Plaza (University of Illinois)
Located in the heart of the University of Illinois campus, the Illini Union Plaza is one of the most frequented skate spots for students and local skaters. This plaza is known for its smooth ledges, stairs, and open spaces that make it perfect for skateboarding. With well-lit areas that allow for evening skating, it’s accessible for those with busy daytime schedules. The Union Plaza provides a vibrant mix of collegiate culture and skateboarding, with students and skaters from diverse backgrounds sharing the space. This spot captures the energy of campus life while providing an ideal environment for street skating, making it a favorite among Champaign’s young skaters.
3. Jack Carter Park
3. Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
The Krannert Center, known for its unique and striking architecture, is a hidden gem for skateboarders. Located on the U of I campus, it features long concrete ledges, stairs, and smooth, open areas ideal for practicing technical tricks. This spot has attracted skaters for years due to its aesthetic appeal and spacious design, offering both challenge and inspiration. The Krannert Center’s design allows skaters to get creative with their lines, as the layout includes ledges of varying heights and lengths. Skating at Krannert has become a rite of passage for many local skaters, contributing to its iconic status within Champaign’s skateboarding scene.
4. Lincoln Square Mall
Lincoln Square Mall may not be the first place that comes to mind for skating, but its low-key setup provides some hidden opportunities. The outdoor area around the mall has smooth concrete benches and ledges that offer a quieter alternative to the more popular spots. With little traffic, skaters can practice flatground tricks without interruptions. Lincoln Square Mall allows for low-impact, relaxed skating, appealing to those who prefer a more laid-back session. This spot has a certain charm, making it a great location for those looking to practice without the pressure of an audience.
5. Downtown Champaign - Neil Street
Neil Street in downtown Champaign offers an urban landscape that street skaters love. Known for its variety, Neil Street has everything from manual pads to stairs and ledges, providing endless possibilities for skaters to experiment with their skills. The benches, steps, and open space give skaters flexibility in creating unique lines. The hustle and bustle of downtown add an exciting backdrop to skating here, giving skaters a taste of urban life in Champaign. The street’s combination of structures, along with the energetic atmosphere, makes Neil Street a popular choice for those looking to film or explore new tricks.
6. Champaign Public Library Plaza
The Champaign Public Library Plaza is a well-kept, smooth, and open area ideal for skaters who appreciate clean, uninterrupted surfaces. Small ledges, a few stairs, and smooth concrete make it suitable for casual skating sessions. While not a conventional skate spot, it’s a peaceful environment for those who want to work on flatground tricks or simple routines. Being at the library, this area requires skaters to be respectful of the surroundings and patrons, but the well-maintained surfaces and tranquil atmosphere make it a unique option for solo or small-group skating sessions.
7. Boneyard Creek Pathway
The Boneyard Creek Pathway provides a scenic yet skate-friendly environment with smooth pathways and some small ledges. This spot runs alongside a creek and features some manual pads and low ledges perfect for technical skating. Its picturesque surroundings make it a refreshing change from the city’s concrete-heavy spots, offering a unique setting that combines nature with urban elements. Skating along the Boneyard Creek Pathway is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while honing one’s skills, and its peaceful setting appeals to skaters looking for a quieter spot.
8. Washington Park
Washington Park, a popular neighborhood park, provides open concrete paths and grassy surroundings for a relaxing skate session. This park doesn’t have large structures but offers smooth, paved walkways that make it ideal for practicing flips, ollies, and other flatground tricks. Families frequent the park, so skaters need to be mindful of pedestrians, but it’s a friendly community space where locals come to enjoy the outdoors. Washington Park’s simple layout and welcoming atmosphere make it a nice spot for beginners or those looking for a low-key session.
9. West Side Park
West Side Park is a versatile spot in Champaign that attracts skaters with its mix of manual pads, benches, and ledges. Located in a bustling part of town, the park’s open layout provides skaters with plenty of options for lines. While not a traditional skate park, it offers benches and a few low rails, giving it a street-style vibe. West Side Park is also a popular location for families and picnickers, so skaters should be considerate of others using the space. With its combination of features, West Side Park has become a favored spot for casual skaters who enjoy an outdoor setting.
10. Illinois Terminal
Near the Illinois Terminal bus station, this spot combines an urban feel with accessibility, making it an interesting choice for skaters. The terminal area includes a few benches and ledges, with a smooth concrete layout that provides ample room for flatground tricks and manual practice. Its proximity to public transit and the downtown area makes it convenient for skaters who enjoy exploring the city. Because it’s a transit hub, skaters should be cautious of foot traffic and respect security guidelines. Illinois Terminal’s clean design and central location make it a practical, go-to spot for quick sessions or meeting up with other skaters before hitting other nearby spots.
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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