Ten important skateboard spots in Irvine, California
1. Harvard Skatepark
Located in the Harvard Community Park, Harvard Skatepark is one of the most popular skateboarding destinations in Irvine. This 10,000-square-foot skatepark offers a variety of obstacles, from ledges and rails to manual pads and quarter pipes, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced skaters. With its diverse layout, skaters can work on fundamental tricks or try advanced maneuvers.
Features:
- Ledges, rails, and manual pads
- Quarter pipes and mini ramps
- Smooth concrete surface
- Free and open to the public
2. Northwood Community Park
Also known as "Castle Park" for its unique playground structures, Northwood Community Park is a popular spot for skateboarders looking to work on their flatground tricks. Although it’s not a skatepark, it provides plenty of open, smooth concrete spaces, ledges, and some small drops. Local skaters often frequent this spot to practice technical tricks and enjoy its scenic, peaceful setting.
Features:
- Smooth concrete for flatground practice
- Small ledges and drops
- Nearby benches and rest areas
3. Orange County Great Park
While the Great Park is known for its sports facilities and open green spaces, skaters have found areas within it to be ideal for cruising and street-style skateboarding. With plenty of paved trails, ledges, and stair sets, it has a variety of spots where skaters can practice tricks, and it’s popular among skaters looking to film or take photos due to the park’s unique landscaping.
Features:
- Smooth paved trails
- Ledges and stair sets
- Unique backgrounds for photos and videos
4. University of California, Irvine (UCI) Campus
UCI has long been a favorite among skateboarders for its classic street skateboarding elements, with ledges, handrails, gaps, and stair sets scattered across the campus. Many professional skateboarders have filmed here due to its iconic architecture and street spots. However, skaters should be cautious, as skateboarding is technically prohibited, and security may ask them to leave.
Features:
- Numerous ledges, rails, and stair sets
- Iconic architecture
- Popular filming location for skate videos
5. Woodbridge Community Park
Known for its wide-open spaces and smooth pathways, Woodbridge Community Park is another popular spot among skaters in Irvine. It doesn’t offer dedicated skateboarding facilities, but the open concrete areas are perfect for flatground tricks, and it’s a common gathering place for local skateboarders. The park's serene ambiance also makes it a favorite for skaters looking for a laid-back atmosphere.
Features:
- Open flat concrete areas
- Smooth pathways for cruising
- Relaxing and scenic environment
6. Quail Hill Community Park
This park is popular for its variety of features and secluded setting. Although it’s not a designated skatepark, it has various paved sections that work well for skateboarding. Skaters often use the park’s ledges, small drops, and manual pads. With ample space, it’s a great spot for skaters who want to practice tricks away from busier areas.
Features:
- Secluded location with open space
- Ledges, manual pads, and small drops
- Relaxed atmosphere
7. Brywood Elementary School
Like many elementary schools, Brywood offers plenty of open concrete areas, as well as ledges, stairs, and rails that make it ideal for street-style skating. Many skaters visit this school during weekends or after hours when it’s empty. While it’s technically prohibited to skate on school property, it’s still a common spot for skaters to practice due to its ideal layout.
Features:
- Open concrete spaces for flatground tricks
- Small ledges, stair sets, and handrails
- Accessible location for street skating
8. Mike Ward Community Park
Mike Ward Community Park provides a combination of smooth, open concrete areas and scenic landscapes, attracting skateboarders who enjoy both technical practice and cruising. The park’s architecture and benches also offer creative opportunities for street skating. While it isn’t a designated skatepark, its features are popular among local skaters.
Features:
- Smooth open concrete for flatground
- Benches and steps for street-style skating
- Spacious layout with natural scenery
9. Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park
With its wide pathways and concrete surfaces, Colonel Bill Barber Park is another skateboarding-friendly park in Irvine. Although it’s primarily known for sports facilities, skaters can be found in the quieter areas practicing on the smooth concrete. The park is welcoming to all ages, making it a popular family spot for skaters and BMX riders alike.
Features:
- Smooth concrete pathways
- Friendly environment for all ages
- Relaxed, accessible location
10. Heritage Park
A lesser-known gem for skateboarders, Heritage Park has plenty of open space and smooth surfaces that are great for cruising and flatground practice. Although it lacks dedicated skateboarding obstacles, it’s a peaceful spot that offers skaters a place to work on their skills. It’s especially popular with skaters who prefer a low-key environment.
Features:
- Open, flat concrete areas for flatground
- Quiet and scenic surroundings
- Suitable for skaters seeking a laid-back spot
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.
BellyRash