Ten important skateboard spots in Provo, Utah
1. Provo Skatepark
Located in the heart of Provo’s city center, the Provo Skatepark is the primary go-to for skateboarders. This spacious and well-maintained park has a great mix of bowls, ramps, and street elements, providing an inclusive atmosphere for skaters. The park includes various bowls for deep-carving tricks, a series of quarter pipes, grind rails, and funbox features. With a smooth concrete surface and a layout that promotes flow, Provo Skatepark is a top spot to practice or show off new tricks.
2. Rock Canyon Park
Rock Canyon Park isn’t an official skatepark but offers a variety of terrain and ledges that attract skateboarders. Situated on the north side of Provo, it offers sloped sidewalks, curbs, and a few smaller ledges. Skateboarders looking to enjoy a scenic backdrop while trying out tricks can find this park appealing. The sloped paths are perfect for beginners to work on control while more advanced skaters take advantage of the ledges for grinds and slides.
3. Seven Peaks Drive Stair Set
The Seven Peaks Drive Stair Set is another popular skate spot in Provo, particularly among advanced skaters looking for a challenge. With a large stair set and several handrails, this spot caters to those who want to push their skills. This location requires a fair level of confidence and ability to handle impact, making it ideal for skaters who enjoy street skating. Nearby ledges also offer options for grinds and slides.
4. BYU Campus Spots
Brigham Young University (BYU) has several areas popular with skaters, particularly those with a taste for street skating. The campus has long, smooth pathways, planters, low stair sets, and ledges, offering a variety of skating surfaces. Notable spots include the Harold B. Lee Library steps and the Marigold Quad. Skateboarding on campus may be regulated, so skaters should check for any restrictions before skating here.
5. University Mall Plaza
Located just outside Provo in nearby Orem, University Mall Plaza offers some interesting urban architecture that serves as ideal skateboarding terrain. The plaza has open spaces, low ledges, and flat areas that are well-suited for practicing flat-ground tricks. The spot's urban design creates opportunities for skaters to practice a mix of tricks in an open, city-like atmosphere, making it a popular spot for intermediate skaters.
6. Provo Towne Centre Mall Ledges
The Provo Towne Centre Mall area offers ledges and curbs that attract skateboarders looking to work on technical tricks. Located in the parking lot area, these ledges are a bit higher and have edges conducive to grinds and slides. Since the mall is a public space, skaters should remain mindful of mall regulations and pedestrians, particularly during peak hours. This spot offers a convenient and varied street-skating environment for local skaters.
7. Vivint Building Plaza
The Vivint Building Plaza is known among Provo skaters for its architecture and ledge-heavy layout. The plaza has several low to medium-height ledges, benches, and open spaces that invite creative trick combinations. This spot has gained popularity among street skaters for its mix of ledges and flat areas, and its proximity to downtown Provo makes it easily accessible. As with any corporate building, skaters should be aware of regulations and respectful of business hours.
8. Timpview High School
Timpview High School, located on the northern edge of Provo, has several features that make it a great skate spot. It includes long pathways, stair sets, rails, and ledges, giving skaters a range of options to explore. The school’s architecture is favorable for street skating, with various ledges and rails that allow for a range of tricks. Skaters should avoid peak school hours and events, as the spot is typically less crowded in the evenings and weekends.
9. North Park Ledges and Pathways
North Park, another park on the north side of Provo, has walkways, ledges, and benches ideal for practicing technical tricks. While not a skatepark, it attracts skaters due to its flat areas and low-impact ledges. The park has a community feel, with local skaters frequently using the area. The park also has shaded areas and benches, making it a relaxing and versatile spot for skaters of all levels.
10. East Bay Golf Course Parking Lot
A unique and unexpected location, the East Bay Golf Course Parking Lot offers a large open area with sloped sections that are perfect for practicing transitions. Although it’s not a skatepark, the parking lot’s layout and smooth asphalt surface are ideal for practicing flat-ground tricks, manuals, and small ollies. Skaters can use the sloped edges for an additional challenge while still enjoying a low-pressure environment. Evening hours and weekends offer a quiet time to skate here.
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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