Ten important skateboard spots in Kalamazoo, Michigan
1. Kalamazoo Skate Zoo
One of the oldest indoor skate parks in Michigan, the Skate Zoo has been a cornerstone of Kalamazoo’s skateboarding community since the early 1980s. This facility offers an array of ramps, bowls, and rails catering to all skill levels. The park is renowned for its wooden ramps, a large vert ramp, and a street section featuring ledges and handrails. Its indoor setup ensures year-round skating opportunities, making it a favorite spot regardless of weather conditions.
2. Upjohn Park Skatepark
Located in the heart of Kalamazoo, Upjohn Park Skatepark is a state-of-the-art outdoor facility built with skaters in mind. The park boasts concrete structures, including bowls, quarter pipes, and grind rails. The central plaza area is perfect for street skating, offering manual pads, ledges, and stair sets. With its spacious layout and smooth concrete, Upjohn Park is ideal for beginners and seasoned skaters alike. Its proximity to downtown Kalamazoo makes it a convenient and popular spot.
3. WMU Campus Spots
The campus of Western Michigan University offers several street-style skateboarding spots that attract local skaters. Smooth pavements, long stair sets, and ledges make the campus a haven for creative skating. Hotspots include the Miller Auditorium area and the curbs around Sangren Hall. While skating on university property requires discretion and respect for students and staff, WMU remains a favorite for its urban landscape and challenging terrain.
4. Downtown Kalamazoo Urban Spots
Downtown Kalamazoo is home to various urban skate spots cherished by street skaters. The brick plaza near the Kalamazoo Mall features benches, low walls, and stairs, providing ample opportunities for tricks. Skaters also frequent the Arcadia Creek Festival Place, known for its smooth surfaces and architectural features. However, skaters should always be mindful of local regulations and respectful of pedestrians.
5. Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC)
The KVCC campus offers a mix of open spaces and architectural features suitable for skateboarding. Smooth asphalt areas, low ledges, and stair sets make this a go-to spot for local skaters. The campus is often quiet during evenings and weekends, providing a serene environment for practice. While technically not a designated skate area, KVCC is popular for its accessibility and variety.
6. Mayors’ Riverfront Park
This park is more than just a skateboarding spot; it’s a hub for outdoor activities. While it doesn’t have a dedicated skatepark, its open concrete areas and pathways make it an enjoyable spot for cruising and flat-ground tricks. The scenic views of the Kalamazoo River add a unique backdrop to skating sessions. Its family-friendly atmosphere ensures a welcoming environment for skaters of all ages.
7. Bronson Park
Bronson Park, located in downtown Kalamazoo, is a popular spot for casual skateboarding. The park’s open spaces and low stone ledges are perfect for grinding and flat-ground tricks. While it’s more suited for a relaxed session than intense trick practice, the park's central location and lush surroundings make it a favorite hangout for local skaters.
8. Celery Flats Historical Area
While primarily known for its walking and biking trails, Celery Flats in nearby Portage offers smooth pathways and open spaces that skaters enjoy for cruising. This area is perfect for longboarders or those seeking a mellow session away from crowded skateparks. The historical ambiance of Celery Flats adds a unique charm to the skating experience.
9. Markin Glen County Park
Located just outside Kalamazoo, Markin Glen County Park is a versatile spot for outdoor enthusiasts. While the park doesn’t have a dedicated skateboarding area, its paved trails and open concrete spaces are excellent for casual cruising and practicing basic tricks. The park's serene environment and scenic views make it a great spot for relaxed sessions.
10. The Plaza at Maple Hill Pavilion
This commercial plaza features open concrete spaces, stair sets, and low ledges, making it a popular urban skate spot. Its location near retail stores ensures good lighting, which is great for evening sessions. While skaters should be cautious about skating in a commercial area, this spot remains a favorite for its accessibility and unique features.
Conclusion
Kalamazoo’s skateboarding scene is a testament to the city’s diverse recreational offerings. From the iconic Skate Zoo to urban street spots and scenic parks, skaters can find venues that cater to every style and skill level. Whether you're a beginner looking for smooth surfaces or an experienced skater seeking challenging obstacles, Kalamazoo has something to offer. These ten spots not only highlight the city’s skateboarding culture but also its vibrant community and welcoming spirit.
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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