Ten important skateboard spots in Rochester, New York
1. Rochester Skatepark (Genesee Valley Park)
Genesee Valley Park, located on the west side of the Genesee River, is home to the most well-known public skatepark in Rochester. Rochester Skatepark has been a major focal point for skateboarders in the area for many years. Built in the early 2000s, the park has evolved over the years, offering a wide range of features to accommodate skaters of all levels.
The skatepark is spacious, offering both street-style elements such as ledges, stairs, and rails, as well as transition elements like bowls and half-pipes. Its flowy design is perfect for skaters who prefer to navigate a variety of features. The park is often bustling with locals, and it’s a great place to meet other skaters and watch some impressive tricks. The flat ground areas make it a prime spot for those who enjoy technical tricks, while the large bowl attracts those with a preference for vert skating.
2. Corn Hill Landing
Corn Hill Landing is a riverside destination located along the Genesee River in downtown Rochester. It's not a traditional skatepark, but the area has become a popular location for street skaters due to its smooth, wide-open spaces and interesting architecture. The area is surrounded by large concrete staircases, handrails, and ledges, all of which make it a favorite for experienced skaters looking to perform technical tricks.
While there are no designated skateboarding areas at Corn Hill Landing, the open-air setting provides a fantastic urban environment for street skating. Skaters can enjoy skating along the waterfront and take in the view of the river while practicing their skills. The nearby cobblestone streets and the variety of different surfaces also offer a variety of challenges for skateboarders looking to push their limits.
3. Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is located in the heart of downtown Rochester, and it has long been a popular skateboarding spot due to its convenient location and diverse skating features. This public park features wide plazas, stairs, and ledges that attract skateboarders from around the city. The architecture of the park, including fountains and surrounding structures, offers numerous opportunities for skaters to perform tricks and explore different styles of skateboarding.
Washington Square Park is a perfect place for those who love urban street skating, as it offers challenges like ledges, rails, and stairs in a low-traffic area. The park is often less crowded compared to other spots in the city, allowing for smoother sessions and longer skating hours. While it can get busy on weekends, it remains one of the top spots in Rochester for its combination of location and features.
4. The Strong National Museum of Play
While the Strong Museum of Play is primarily a family-friendly attraction, its location and outdoor spaces make it a hidden gem for skaters looking for a place to practice. The museum, located in the heart of Rochester, boasts smooth concrete walkways and surrounding public spaces, including stair sets and rails that skaters can use. The area around the museum is bustling with activity, but it also has quieter spots in the evening and on weekdays, offering great conditions for a skating session.
The Strong Museum of Play is also close to many other downtown locations, providing an opportunity to combine several skate spots in one session. If you're looking for a place to warm up or casually cruise, the surrounding areas of the museum are perfect for skaters of all skill levels.
5. Rochester’s Public Library (Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County)
For skaters looking to explore a more unique and architectural environment, the Central Library of Rochester is a must-visit spot. Located in downtown Rochester, this area has long been a hotspot for street skaters. The library’s exterior features a variety of ledges, stairs, and rails that make for great spots to practice tricks. While not an official skatepark, the public library offers a great mix of street-style obstacles that make it an iconic skating location in the city.
Skaters frequent the steps of the library and the surrounding plaza, as it provides easy access for those who want to get in a quick session. The architecture surrounding the library, including the nearby monuments and sculptures, adds an artistic flair to the skateboarding experience. Keep in mind that skating here can attract attention, so it’s best to skate at quieter times, such as early mornings or late afternoons.
6. Upper Falls Skatepark
For skaters looking to explore a smaller but highly specialized park, Upper Falls Skatepark offers an exciting option. Located on the east side of the Genesee River, this skatepark features street-style obstacles, including ledges, rails, and small stair sets, ideal for those who want to hone their technical skills. The park is often less crowded than other skateparks in the area, making it an excellent location for those who want to practice without the distraction of large crowds.
The park also includes some transition features, like small bowls and ramps, which offer a different feel from street skating. Upper Falls Skatepark is perfect for skaters who want to work on both technical tricks and small transitions. It is a well-maintained, quieter alternative to larger parks and offers a relaxed atmosphere for a skate session.
7. Highland Park
Highland Park is one of Rochester’s most famous parks, thanks to its beautiful landscapes and historical significance. While it's mainly known for its floral gardens and outdoor activities, it’s also an underrated skateboarding spot. The park's wide walkways, long stair sets, and smooth surfaces provide plenty of space for skaters to enjoy their sessions. Highland Park has a variety of areas that cater to different types of skateboarding, from street skaters to downhill riders.
In addition to its skatable surfaces, Highland Park offers beautiful views of the city, which makes it a scenic location for skateboarding. Skaters can explore the park’s layout, including its ramps and various street-style features, while enjoying the natural beauty surrounding them. The peaceful setting and diverse obstacles make it a great option for those looking for a more relaxed skateboarding experience.
8. The Frontier Field Area
Home to the Rochester Red Wings baseball team, Frontier Field is a major landmark in the city. The surrounding area, however, has become a popular spot for skateboarders looking for urban terrain. The open plazas, long stair sets, and wide spaces outside the stadium provide great opportunities for street skating. The area near the stadium is filled with concrete obstacles, including handrails and ledges, that attract local skaters looking for new challenges.
The setting around Frontier Field is often busy during game days, but on non-game days, the area is perfect for a quick skate session. Skaters can enjoy smooth, long stretches of ground as well as intricate features that cater to different skill levels. It's an urban paradise for skaters looking for diverse and creative environments.
9. The Rochester Public Market
The Rochester Public Market, a historic landmark in the city, is not just a great place to buy fresh produce, but it’s also an urban skating spot that skaters flock to for its unique street-style features. The market area is filled with stairs, rails, and ledges perfect for skateboarding. Skaters can navigate around the busy market on weekdays, where the hustle and bustle make for an interesting and challenging environment.
Although this spot is best suited for street skaters, it’s ideal for those who enjoy skating through real-world obstacles and urban settings. The market is a bit more unpredictable due to foot traffic, but that only adds to its appeal for those who enjoy an energetic and slightly chaotic skate experience.
10. Shoreline Trail (Rochester’s Lake Ontario Waterfront)
For skaters who prefer cruising and longboard sessions, the Shoreline Trail along the Rochester waterfront is a scenic spot to explore. The trail runs along the shores of Lake Ontario, offering smooth asphalt paths that are perfect for cruising. Skaters can enjoy long, uninterrupted stretches of pavement while taking in the beautiful views of the lake.
Though it doesn't feature technical skate features, the Shoreline Trail is an excellent location for longboarders or anyone who enjoys cruising at their own pace. The gentle slopes and wide paths make it perfect for an enjoyable and scenic skating experience. The trail also offers a refreshing atmosphere and provides access to several nearby parks and attractions, making it a great destination for skaters seeking a relaxing session by the lake.
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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