Ten important skateboard spots in Newport News, Virginia
1. Huntington Park Skatepark
Located on Warwick Boulevard, Huntington Park is one of the most popular skateboarding spots in Newport News. This public park features a designated skatepark area with smooth concrete and an array of obstacles suitable for both beginners and experienced skaters. The park is equipped with quarter pipes, rails, ledges, and manual pads, making it an excellent spot for practicing street-style tricks. The scenic location near the James River adds to its appeal, offering a picturesque backdrop for those long skate sessions. Additionally, the park is well-maintained, and the local skateboarding community is welcoming.
2. Riverview Farm Park
Riverview Farm Park, though primarily a recreational park, has become a low-key favorite among skaters for its smooth pathways and various slopes. The park's wide-open spaces provide plenty of room for cruising, while its undulating hills make for a natural mini-skate course. There are also a few man-made obstacles, such as picnic tables and benches, that can be used for skating tricks. While not a traditional skatepark, Riverview Farm Park is a hidden gem for skaters looking to enjoy a relaxed and scenic session, especially during less crowded hours.
3. Woodside Skatepark
Woodside Skatepark, located near Woodside High School, is another local favorite. It features a combination of street and transition elements, including banks, pyramids, ledges, and rails. The bowl at Woodside Skatepark is especially popular among skaters who enjoy transition skating, offering smooth transitions and ample space for carving. The park is designed to accommodate skaters of different skill levels, and the variety of obstacles ensures that both beginners and more advanced skaters can enjoy their time here. Since it’s situated near a high school, the park often attracts younger skaters, making it a vibrant and energetic spot.
4. Skate Supply and Park
Skate Supply, a local skate shop in Newport News, has its own mini skatepark, providing a more intimate setting for skateboarders. This small, privately owned skatepark offers a series of well-maintained ramps, grind rails, and half-pipes. It’s a perfect place for skaters who want to practice without the hustle and bustle of larger public parks. The staff at Skate Supply are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about skating, often offering advice and lessons to newcomers. As a local business, it has become a hub for the Newport News skateboarding community, hosting events and competitions that bring the local scene together.
5. Christopher Newport University (CNU) Campus
Christopher Newport University (CNU) might not seem like an obvious skateboarding destination, but the college campus has become a popular spot for street skaters. With its smooth concrete plazas, stair sets, handrails, and ledges, CNU offers a variety of urban terrain perfect for street skating. The clean and well-maintained campus provides ideal surfaces for tricks, though skaters should be mindful of the fact that it is private property. Security guards may ask skaters to leave, so it's best to visit during quieter times when the campus isn’t bustling with students.
6. Patrick Henry Mall
Another unconventional but favored skateboarding location is the Patrick Henry Mall. The wide-open parking lots, stair sets, and occasional handrails around the mall have made it a go-to spot for local street skaters. Although the mall is a private property, many skaters take advantage of the vast, empty spaces after business hours. However, it’s important to note that skating in this area can sometimes lead to confrontations with security. For those willing to take the risk, Patrick Henry Mall offers a mix of street features that can be hard to find elsewhere in Newport News.
7. Newport News Park
As one of the largest municipal parks in the United States, Newport News Park offers ample space for skateboarding. Though it doesn’t have a dedicated skatepark, the park's smooth pathways, gentle slopes, and wide-open spaces provide excellent conditions for longboarding and casual street skating. The serene environment, with its lush greenery and scenic views, offers a unique skating experience far removed from the urban landscape. Skaters often enjoy riding along the miles of paved trails that weave through the park. It’s a perfect place for a laid-back skate session, especially for those who enjoy cruising and carving through natural surroundings.
8. Port Warwick
Port Warwick is a mixed-use development that has become a hotspot for skaters, particularly for those who enjoy street skating. The area features a variety of ledges, stairs, and manual pads, as well as smooth, open spaces that are perfect for flat-ground tricks. The modern architecture and clean layout of Port Warwick make it a visually appealing place to skate, while the absence of heavy traffic ensures a safe environment for skaters. While it’s important to respect the property and avoid damaging any surfaces, skaters will find plenty of opportunities for street-style skating here.
9. Tech Center at Oyster Point
Tech Center is another commercial development in Newport News that has drawn the attention of skaters. With its smooth, open courtyards, stair sets, and ledges, Tech Center provides a prime urban environment for skaters who enjoy practicing street tricks. Although it’s a retail space, skaters often take advantage of the quieter hours when foot traffic is minimal. Like other urban spots, it’s important to be respectful of the space, as skating on private property can lead to issues with security. However, when approached with caution, Tech Center offers some excellent street features that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
10. Deer Park
Deer Park, located in central Newport News, is known for its scenic beauty, but it also offers a great spot for skateboarders. The park’s paved walkways are smooth and well-maintained, making them ideal for cruising. Additionally, there are a few small hills that provide a gentle incline for skaters who want to practice downhill riding. The park’s open spaces and relaxed atmosphere make it a great spot for beginners or those looking to enjoy a casual skate session. While it doesn’t have any built-in skateboarding infrastructure, the natural terrain and smooth surfaces make it a popular spot for local skaters.
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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