Ten important skateboard spots in Pullman, Washington
1. Pullman Skate Park
Located near the City Playfields at 820 SE South Street, Pullman Skate Park is the heart of the local skateboarding community. This concrete park is designed for skaters of all skill levels, boasting various bowls, ramps, rails, and ledges. The park’s open layout encourages flow between obstacles, making it an ideal place to master transitions and try out grinds and slides. A popular destination for locals, it often attracts a mix of skaters, from beginners honing their balance to experienced skaters perfecting technical tricks. The atmosphere is supportive, fostering a true community vibe that embodies the spirit of skateboarding.
2. Reaney Park
At 690 NE Reaney Way, Reaney Park provides a different experience. Primarily a recreational space, it has become a skate-friendly spot due to its open, flat areas with smooth pavement. Skaters who prefer flat-ground tricks, like kickflips and manuals, will enjoy this location. Although not explicitly designed for skateboarding, Reaney Park has a few benches and low ledges that allow for light grinding or slides. It’s a calm and quiet area where skaters can practice without distraction, making it a solid choice for those looking to improve their skills at their own pace.
3. Washington State University (WSU) Campus
Washington State University’s campus is a hotspot for street skating, offering a variety of features that skaters find irresistible. From the iconic library steps to various benches and ledges scattered throughout the campus, WSU has ample options for skaters wanting to explore an urban-style environment. The university’s architecture and design provide smooth pavement, multiple sets of stairs, and handrails ideal for practicing ollies, grinds, and flip tricks. Skating on campus, however, requires a bit of planning—early mornings or late evenings are best to avoid foot traffic and campus security. Despite these challenges, WSU remains a favorite, especially for skaters looking to film or expand their repertoire in an academic setting.
4. Terre View Drive Hills
For those interested in downhill skating, Terre View Drive is a scenic, thrilling option. This residential area is known for its smooth, long hills that give skaters the chance to pick up speed and test their control. With picturesque views of Pullman’s rolling hills, it’s an enjoyable area for anyone who enjoys the sensation of cruising. Downhill skating here is perfect for skaters with experience handling higher speeds, and the calm nature of the area keeps vehicle traffic relatively low. Nevertheless, safety is crucial, as intersections and side streets can still have passing cars.
5. Neill Public Library Plaza
The plaza outside Neill Public Library at 210 N Grand Avenue is a notable street spot with plenty of skate-friendly elements. Benches, steps, and ledges around the plaza are great for practicing manuals, slides, and technical tricks. The urban backdrop gives it a classic street skating vibe, which appeals to skaters who enjoy a cityscape feel. As this is a popular public space, skaters should be considerate of library patrons and avoid peak hours. The balance between a challenging setup and a vibrant setting makes it a go-to for local skaters looking to showcase their skills.
6. Lawson Gardens
Lawson Gardens, located at 705 SE Derby Street, is a scenic spot known more for its beauty than its skate features. However, it has pathways and open, flat spaces with smooth surfaces, making it a hidden gem for skaters who prefer a peaceful environment. The gardens don’t have designated skate obstacles, so it’s better suited for beginners or for skaters who want to focus on flat-ground practice. Given the nature of this spot, it’s essential to respect the surroundings, as it’s mainly a garden space frequented by locals for leisure.
7. Spring Street Skate Spot
Near the intersection of Spring Street and Dexter Avenue, this skate spot has a reputation as a lesser-known street skating area with raw, urban character. It has a collection of curbs, ledges, and a few handrails, giving skaters a mix of obstacles similar to those in downtown settings. Its low-profile nature makes it less crowded than other spots, offering more freedom for skaters to experiment without interruption. Spring Street Skate Spot is ideal for experienced street skaters who appreciate the flexibility of a DIY-style spot and the challenge of working with various surfaces.
8. Sunny Side Park
Located at 505 SW Greyhound Way, Sunny Side Park offers a family-friendly atmosphere with enough open space and a few low ledges suitable for skateboarding. The pathways in the park are smooth and provide a nice stretch for skaters looking to cruise or practice flat-ground tricks. While it lacks the diversity of obstacles seen in more structured skate parks, Sunny Side Park’s serene setting makes it a relaxing place to skate, especially for those who want a quieter environment away from the busier spots.
9. Pullman High School
Schools often double as popular skate spots, and Pullman High School is no exception. Located at 510 NW Greyhound Way, the campus has stair sets, rails, and ledges that make it a desirable location for street skaters. With smooth concrete and various skateable areas, it’s ideal for practicing technical tricks like slides, grinds, and flips. However, as with most school campuses, skaters need to be respectful of property and mindful of school hours to avoid potential issues. Despite these considerations, Pullman High’s array of obstacles makes it one of the most versatile skate spots in town.
10. Bishop Boulevard Business District
The Bishop Boulevard Business District offers a change of pace for skaters seeking an urban environment with a range of ledges, curbs, and benches located outside various businesses. Although the area is more crowded, the modern architecture and abundance of smooth surfaces make it an ideal spot for street-style skateboarding. Bishop Boulevard requires awareness of pedestrians and business owners, so skaters should practice good etiquette and avoid heavy foot-traffic times. For those looking to skate in a bustling setting, this business district provides a stimulating backdrop that captures the energy of Pullman’s urban life.
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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