Ten important skateboard spots in State College, Pennsylvania
1. Tussey Mountain Skate Park
Tussey Mountain Skate Park is a community favorite. It’s a concrete park featuring bowls, quarter pipes, rails, and ledges. The smooth transitions make it ideal for skaters of all levels. Its scenic location at the base of Tussey Mountain adds to the experience, with fresh air and beautiful views complementing your session. The park also hosts local skate competitions, making it a hub for the skateboarding community.
Features:
- Bowls of varying depths
- Flat rails and grind boxes
- Spacious layout for practicing tricks
2. Holuba Hall Parking Area
The expansive parking lot near Holuba Hall at Penn State provides an open space perfect for freestyle skateboarding. The smooth pavement and light vehicle traffic make it an excellent spot for flatground tricks. While it’s not a traditional skate spot, its accessibility and versatility make it a go-to for local skaters.
Features:
- Smooth, wide pavement
- Minimal obstructions
- Close to other campus amenities
3. Downtown State College Ledges
The ledges scattered around downtown State College are popular among street skaters. The corner of Allen Street and Beaver Avenue, in particular, offers ledges and low stairs ideal for grinds and slides. The urban vibe here is perfect for filming street skate videos.
Features:
- Concrete ledges of various heights
- Low-traffic during certain hours
- Proximity to restaurants and cafes
4. Nittany Mall Parking Lot
This large parking lot is an underrated gem for skaters who love a mix of flatground and manual pads. The smooth surface and occasional low curbs provide plenty of opportunities for creativity. The area tends to be quiet, especially in the evenings, making it ideal for long sessions.
Features:
- Wide-open space
- Curbs for grinding and manual tricks
- Quiet atmosphere
5. Innovation Park
Located near the Penn State campus, Innovation Park is known for its modern architecture and well-maintained grounds. Skaters are drawn to its smooth concrete paths, unique ledges, and gaps. The area’s aesthetic makes it a favorite for filming creative lines.
Features:
- Unique architectural features
- Open areas with smooth pavement
- Nearby parking
6. Medlar Field at Lubrano Park
The area surrounding Medlar Field, Penn State’s baseball stadium, offers a mix of stairs, handrails, and open pavement. The stadium steps are particularly popular for practicing ollies and stair sets. This spot is more suited for experienced skaters due to the technical nature of its features.
Features:
- Stair sets of varying heights
- Handrails for grinding
- Urban aesthetic
7. Sidney Friedman Parklet
This small park in downtown State College offers a tranquil environment for skaters who enjoy mellow sessions. The park’s low concrete walls double as ledges, and the surrounding paths are ideal for flatground tricks. It’s a favorite among skaters looking for a relaxed setting.
Features:
- Low ledges
- Quiet and scenic
- Shaded areas
8. The Arboretum at Penn State
While not a conventional skate spot, The Arboretum offers unique opportunities for creative skating. The smooth pathways, stone features, and open courtyards are perfect for imaginative lines. Skaters are advised to be mindful of pedestrians, as it’s a popular spot for students and visitors.
Features:
- Unique stone structures
- Open pathways
- Serene surroundings
9. Fairmount Skatepark
Located just outside State College, Fairmount Skatepark is worth the short drive. This concrete park includes bowls, ramps, and grind rails designed for skaters of all levels. It’s a community-built park that reflects the local skate culture, making it a must-visit spot.
Features:
- Multiple bowls and ramps
- Variety of rails and ledges
- Family-friendly atmosphere
10. Fraser Street Plaza
Fraser Street Plaza is a downtown public space that occasionally serves as a low-key skate spot. The area features smooth tiles, benches, and a slight slope, making it suitable for casual skating. Its central location makes it a convenient spot for quick sessions while exploring downtown.
Features:
- Smooth surfaces
- Benches for tricks
- Central location
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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