Ten important skateboard spots in Erie, Pennsylvania
1. Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier (LEAF Skatepark)
Located within the picturesque Lake Erie Arboretum, LEAF Skatepark is one of the premier skate destinations in Erie. This concrete park is designed with input from local skaters and features an array of elements, including quarter pipes, ledges, manual pads, and a small bowl. The smooth surface and layout make it a favorite spot for beginners and advanced skaters alike. The surrounding greenery also creates a serene atmosphere for skaters to enjoy between sessions.
2. Downtown Erie Plaza Spots
The urban streets of Downtown Erie offer a plethora of skateboarding opportunities. The plaza near Perry Square is particularly popular due to its smooth granite ledges, stairs, and rails. These natural street features challenge technical skaters while providing an iconic urban backdrop. Since it's a public area, skaters should be mindful of pedestrians and avoid peak business hours for the best experience.
3. Rodger Young Park
Rodger Young Park is home to a modest but well-loved skatepark. Known for its open layout, the park features ramps, a pyramid, grind rails, and quarter pipes. It's a go-to spot for local skaters looking to refine their skills or film clips. The community here is welcoming, and it’s common to see skaters of all ages sharing tips and cheering each other on.
4. Bayfront Promenade
Skating along the Bayfront Promenade provides stunning views of Lake Erie while offering a variety of spots for street skating. The smooth pathways and ledges make it an attractive location for cruising and practicing tricks. This area sees a mix of skaters, bikers, and joggers, so it's best to visit during quieter times to fully enjoy the space.
5. Gannon University Campus
Gannon University's campus offers several notable skate spots, including stair sets, handrails, and low ledges. The architecture of the campus provides a blend of challenges, from basic to advanced. Skaters should exercise caution and respect university policies, as skating may be restricted in certain areas during school hours.
6. Holland Street Skate Spot
This DIY skate spot, located under a highway overpass on Holland Street, has become a hidden gem for Erie skaters. Built by local enthusiasts, the spot includes homemade ramps, ledges, and a few quarter pipes. While not as polished as a professional skatepark, its raw aesthetic and grassroots origins make it a cherished location within the community.
7. Presque Isle State Park
While primarily known for its natural beauty, Presque Isle State Park features wide paved pathways perfect for longboarding or cruising. The smooth trails wind through scenic landscapes, offering a peaceful environment for skaters. Though not a traditional skate spot, the park’s unique ambiance and open spaces make it a great option for a change of pace.
8. Erie Skate Plaza
Erie Skate Plaza is a must-visit spot for anyone serious about skateboarding. Designed with advanced skaters in mind, the plaza features technical elements such as hubbas, euro gaps, stair sets, and rails. Its spacious layout allows for creative lines, and the park often hosts local competitions and meetups. The supportive vibe of the skating community here is one of its standout features.
9. West Erie Plaza
West Erie Plaza is a blend of modern architecture and open public space, making it a unique street skating spot. The area includes stair sets, ledges, and gaps, offering various challenges for skaters. Since this is a commercial area, skaters should remain aware of businesses and visitors to avoid disruptions.
10. Eastside Urban Spots
The eastside of Erie is home to several lesser-known but highly regarded urban skate spots. From abandoned industrial areas to low-traffic side streets, these spots provide an array of obstacles, including concrete banks, curbs, and makeshift ramps. These areas appeal to skaters who enjoy exploring and adapting to unconventional terrains.
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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