Ten important skateboard spots in Lakeland, Florida
1. Lakeland Skatepark (AKA Bonnet Springs Skatepark)
Situated near Bonnet Springs Park, this modern facility is a go-to destination for skaters in Lakeland. Known for its smooth concrete surface, the park features a mix of street-style elements and transition zones, including rails, ledges, quarter pipes, and a bowl. The skatepark’s layout caters to both beginners and experienced skaters, making it an inclusive spot for progression. Its central location ensures easy access, and the vibrant skate community keeps the energy high.
2. Common Ground Playground Skate Area
Adjacent to the Common Ground Playground, this spot isn’t an official skatepark but is popular among skaters for its open spaces and curbs. The area’s flat terrain and scattered obstacles make it ideal for practicing flip tricks or learning to balance. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers a peaceful environment for those who prefer a more relaxed skating session.
3. Holloway Park
While Holloway Park is better known for its trails and natural beauty, skaters have carved out spaces in its parking lots and open areas. The smooth asphalt and gentle slopes here are perfect for cruising. Additionally, the park’s low foot traffic makes it a hidden gem for skaters seeking solitude and uninterrupted practice.
4. Munn Park
Located in the heart of downtown Lakeland, Munn Park serves as a central hub for street skaters. The park features benches, stairs, and ledges, all of which double as skating obstacles. Its urban aesthetic provides a quintessential street-skating vibe, and its proximity to coffee shops and eateries makes it a convenient meeting spot for skaters to gather and socialize.
5. Lake Mirror Promenade
The picturesque Lake Mirror Promenade is a popular destination for locals and visitors, but it also offers skaters a scenic place to practice. Its smooth pathways and occasional steps make it suitable for beginners and intermediate skaters. While not a dedicated skate spot, the serene atmosphere and stunning views of Lake Mirror add to its appeal.
6. Kelly Recreation Complex
This multi-purpose recreational facility includes an area frequented by skaters. The expansive parking lots, curbs, and occasional ramps make it a versatile space for practicing various tricks. The complex is family-friendly and often bustling with activity, creating a lively environment for skaters of all ages.
7. Southgate Shopping Center
For street skaters, the Southgate Shopping Center is an iconic Lakeland location. Its retro architecture, combined with the long stretches of pavement and occasional ledges, makes it a favorite among skaters. While skating here requires consideration for local businesses and pedestrians, the spot has a nostalgic charm that draws in enthusiasts.
8. Lake Hollingsworth
The loop around Lake Hollingsworth is primarily a jogging and biking path, but skaters have discovered its potential for longboarding and cruising. The smooth, continuous pathway provides an excellent circuit for endurance skating, with the lake’s shimmering waters offering a scenic backdrop. The loop is especially popular during evenings when the weather cools down.
9. Florida Southern College
Florida Southern College, known for its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings, offers skaters a mix of architecture and terrain to explore. The campus features smooth surfaces, stairs, and ledges, making it a hotspot for street skating. Skaters should remain mindful of the college’s regulations and avoid busy hours to minimize disruption.
10. Lemon Street Promenade
This artistic and pedestrian-friendly area in downtown Lakeland combines creative sculptures and open spaces, offering a unique skating environment. The promenade’s design includes smooth pavements and slight inclines, providing opportunities for creative runs. Its vibrant atmosphere, often enhanced by local events, makes it a dynamic spot for skaters looking to engage with the city’s culture.
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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