Ten important skateboard spots in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (2024)
1. The Wheel Mill Skatepark
Located in the city's Homewood neighborhood, The Wheel Mill Skatepark is a paradise for skateboarders. With over 80,000 square feet of indoor ramps, bowls, and street sections, this state-of-the-art facility provides a year-round skateboarding haven. The park caters to all skill levels, making it an ideal spot for beginners and professionals alike. It also offers a friendly and inclusive atmosphere that fosters growth and camaraderie among the skateboarding community.2. Arsenal Park
Nestled in the Lawrenceville neighborhood, Arsenal Park is a hidden gem for skateboarders. Its diverse terrain features a mix of ledges, banks, and stairs, providing endless possibilities for creative lines and tricks. The park's design seamlessly blends into the surrounding landscape, creating a visually appealing and functional space. Whether you're perfecting your flip tricks or honing your manual skills, Arsenal Park offers a challenging yet rewarding skateboarding experience.
3. McKinley Park
McKinley Park, located in the Beltzhoover neighborhood, offers a unique skateboarding experience amidst scenic surroundings. The park's concrete skate plaza boasts an array of ledges, rails, and transitions that cater to various skateboarding styles. The mellow flow of the park allows for smooth lines and technical maneuvers, making it a favorite spot among locals. Moreover, the park's peaceful ambiance and greenery provide a refreshing escape from the urban hustle.
4. Polish Hill DIY
Polish Hill DIY is a community-built skate spot tucked away in the Polish Hill neighborhood. Constructed by dedicated skateboarders, this do-it-yourself park showcases the raw essence of skateboarding. The spot features a mix of DIY quarter pipes, banks, and ledges, with constantly evolving obstacles. Polish Hill DIY represents the spirit of creativity and grassroots skateboarding, serving as a testament to the passion and dedication of the local skate scene.
5. Schenley Plaza
Located in the heart of Oakland, Schenley Plaza offers a skateboarding experience with a touch of elegance. Its smooth marble ledges and flatground provide an ideal setting for technical tricks and ledge-based maneuvers. The plaza's central location makes it a popular destination for skateboarders of all ages. Additionally, the vibrant atmosphere and nearby amenities, such as cafes and shops, create a dynamic environment for skateboarders to showcase their skills.
6. Riverview Skatepark:
Situated along the banks of the Ohio River, Riverview Skatepark offers breathtaking views and challenging skate features. The park boasts an expansive concrete course with various bowls, transitions, and street sections. Designed to cater to different skill levels, Riverview provides opportunities for beginners to learn and progress while challenging more advanced skateboarders. The park's picturesque location and well-designed layout make it a must-visit spot in Pittsburgh.
7. Bloomfield Ledges
Bloomfield Ledges, nestled in the Bloomfield neighborhood, is a street skater's paradise. Known for its iconic red brick ledges, this spot attracts skateboarders seeking technical challenges and creative lines. The ledges offer endless possibilities for grinds, slides, and flip tricks. Bloomfield Ledges has become an iconic landmark within the Pittsburgh skateboarding community, attracting locals and visitors alike to test their skills and enjoy the vibrant street culture.
8. Allegheny Commons Skate Plaza
Situated in the North Side neighborhood, Allegheny Commons Skate Plaza is a multifaceted skateboarding destination. The plaza features a mix of ledges, banks, stairs, and transitions, accommodating various styles and skill levels. The layout encourages flow and creativity, allowing skateboarders to develop their own lines and showcase their unique approaches. The vibrant urban setting and proximity to other attractions make it an ideal spot to immerse yourself in the local skate scene.
9. Boyce Park
For skateboarders seeking a more natural setting, Boyce Park provides a refreshing change of pace. Located in Plum, just outside of Pittsburgh, this expansive park offers miles of scenic trails and a concrete skate park. The skate park offers a range of features, including ramps, rails, and bowls, ensuring a well-rounded skateboarding experience. After a session at the skate park, skateboarders can explore the park's lush greenery and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
10. Oakland DIY:
Oakland DIY is another community-built skate spot located near the University of Pittsburgh. This evolving skate park showcases the dedication and creativity of local skateboarders. Built with recycled materials and a DIY ethos, the park features unique obstacles and transitions that provide a distinct skateboarding experience. Oakland DIY embodies the true spirit of skateboarding, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and the power of collective creativity.
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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