Ten important skateboard spots in Chico, California
1. Humboldt Neighborhood Park
Humboldt Neighborhood Park, located on the east side of Chico, is a favorite among local skaters for its mix of flat surfaces and urban skate-friendly architecture. It features benches, low ledges, and smooth pathways, perfect for practicing flip tricks, grinds, and slides. This park also has a nearby basketball court and playground area, giving it a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Though it’s a public area without dedicated skate features, the ledges and open space are great for creativity.
Best for: Beginners to intermediate skaters looking for a casual place to practice their skills.
2. Depot Park
Depot Park in downtown Chico offers a unique skateboarding experience with its urban plaza setup, where skaters can enjoy rails, stairs, and manual pads. Although this isn’t an official skatepark, the design of the park’s benches and concrete ledges allows skaters to get creative. Depot Park is popular among street skaters for its classic city park vibe and easy access to nearby food spots, making it an ideal place to spend the day.
Best for: Street-style skaters who enjoy an urban, open setup with plenty of people-watching opportunities.
3. Chico Skatepark (Humboldt Avenue)
Located off Humboldt Avenue, Chico Skatepark is a go-to spot for local skaters. This park includes ramps, quarter pipes, a pyramid box, and an extensive bowl area, catering to various skill levels. The open layout makes it easy for skaters to flow through the park without crowding each other. Chico Skatepark also has rails and ledges scattered throughout, creating a versatile environment for practicing both street and transition skateboarding.
Best for: Skaters of all levels who want a full skatepark experience, especially those who enjoy transition skating and bowls.
4. Bidwell Park (One Mile Recreation Area)
While primarily a recreational park, Bidwell Park’s One Mile Recreation Area has become a notable spot for skateboarders who enjoy scenic cruising. The park’s wide, paved paths allow for longboarding and casual skating, winding through lush, tree-lined routes alongside Big Chico Creek. Although it doesn’t have traditional skatepark elements, the smooth paths and natural surroundings create a tranquil skateboarding experience unique to Chico.
Best for: Longboarders and cruisers who want to skate through beautiful surroundings or relax after a park session.
5. City Plaza
Chico’s City Plaza, located in the heart of downtown, is another popular skate spot. While skaters need to be mindful of pedestrian traffic, the open plaza area features smooth concrete, benches, stairs, and curbs suitable for tricks. The downtown setting also provides easy access to cafes and shops, which makes it a vibrant and convenient spot for skaters looking to combine skating with a day in the city.
Best for: Street skaters who appreciate an urban environment with nearby amenities.
6. California State University, Chico (CSU Chico)
The CSU Chico campus offers a plethora of skateboarding options with its spacious walkways, ledges, and stair sets. Though skaters should be mindful of security, the campus has become an unofficial skate spot with its unique architecture and smooth surfaces. Many skaters are drawn to the diversity of obstacles, which include railings, gaps, and manual pads. CSU Chico is ideal for those looking for variety and a challenge in a picturesque academic setting.
Best for: Intermediate to advanced skaters who want diverse terrain and are willing to skate responsibly around campus.
7. Chico Mall
Chico Mall might not be an obvious skate spot, but the back parking lot and surrounding areas feature curbs, ledges, and open space, perfect for practicing technical tricks and flatground skating. Since it’s not a designated skateboarding area, it’s essential for skaters to stay respectful of the property and mindful of the occasional traffic. The mall’s surroundings are especially enjoyable for skaters during quieter hours when there’s more room to practice tricks without interruption.
Best for: Flatground skaters and beginners who want to practice technical tricks in a spacious area.
8. Wildwood Park
Known for its family-friendly vibe, Wildwood Park offers paved trails and open areas that make it a good spot for skateboarders looking to cruise or practice basics. Though it doesn’t have the same urban obstacles as other locations, Wildwood’s smooth pathways and open setting provide a safe and relaxed environment. With its scenic views and welcoming atmosphere, this spot is a local favorite for leisurely skating.
Best for: Beginners and cruisers who want a peaceful and open environment.
9. The Hands Sculpture at Chico State
The Hands Sculpture, located near the Chico State campus, is a unique feature that has become a popular skate spot due to the surrounding concrete ledges and smooth surface. This area is a favorite for skaters who appreciate unusual urban features and want to work on technical tricks. With the intriguing sculpture in the backdrop, skaters can enjoy an artsy, picturesque environment for practicing their skills.
Best for: Street skaters who enjoy skating around artistic and iconic features in a scenic campus setting.
10. Lower Bidwell Park
Lower Bidwell Park is an extension of the larger Bidwell Park area, offering a similar vibe but with different terrain and features. The smooth, winding paths in this section are perfect for longboarding and cruising, especially for skaters who enjoy exploring different routes. The shaded paths and spacious layout make Lower Bidwell a great choice for those who want to escape the city noise and glide through nature.
Best for: Longboarders and casual skaters who want a scenic and nature-filled experience.
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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