Ten important skateboard spots in Stevens Point, Wisconsin
1. Skate Park at Bukolt Park
Bukolt Park is one of the best-known spots for skating in Stevens Point. This park features a well-maintained skateboard park with ramps, grind rails, and ledges. The design of the park allows skaters to flow smoothly from one element to the next, making it ideal for both beginner and advanced skaters. The layout includes a bowl section, which is great for vert skaters looking for air, and plenty of street-style obstacles such as railings, stair sets, and banked ramps.
Key Features:
- Smooth concrete surface
- Variety of obstacles: rails, ledges, bowls
- Family-friendly environment
Why it's Great:
For skaters who enjoy a mix of park and street features, Bukolt Park offers the perfect combination of both, and it’s a popular spot for locals.
2. Pfiffner Pioneer Park
Pfiffner Pioneer Park is located along the Wisconsin River and is a fantastic location for skaters who enjoy scenic views while they skate. While it doesn’t have a traditional skatepark setup, the park’s wide, smooth paths and benches provide plenty of opportunities for street skating. The natural surroundings also make it a great place to chill with friends after a session.
Key Features:
- Smooth, wide pathways ideal for cruising
- Plenty of street obstacles such as benches and curbs
- Beautiful riverfront location
Why it's Great:
The scenic environment combined with a variety of natural street obstacles makes it a great location for more laid-back street skating and longboarding.
3. Stevens Point Area High School (SPASH)
The parking lot and surrounding area at Stevens Point Area High School offer a number of smooth, open spaces perfect for skating. The lot features long ledges, curbs, and some small gaps, making it a good spot for technical street skating. It’s also a popular spot for skateboarders to meet up before heading out to other spots.
Key Features:
- Wide open parking lot
- Curbs and ledges
- Close to local amenities
Why it's Great:
The open layout makes it ideal for practicing tricks and lines, and it’s a convenient spot for skaters who want to be near downtown.
4. Goerke Park
Goerke Park is another solid choice for skaters in Stevens Point, offering a variety of obstacles and smooth pavement. The park features a set of stairs and rails, perfect for skaters looking to practice their tricks. There’s also a long, smooth path ideal for cruising. Goerke Park is less crowded than Bukolt, making it a great spot for skaters who prefer a quieter environment.
Key Features:
- Stair sets and rails
- Smooth, open spaces for cruising
- Quiet, less crowded park
Why it's Great:
It offers a blend of street and park skating elements without the hustle and bustle of more crowded areas.
5. Jordan Park
Jordan Park is an underrated spot in Stevens Point with a variety of features for skaters. While it doesn’t have a full skate park, it has several good ledges, curbs, and long, smooth pathways that are great for cruising. The park is usually quiet, which allows skaters to focus on their tricks without distractions.
Key Features:
- Smooth pathways and streets
- Ledges and curbs
- Quiet environment, ideal for practicing
Why it's Great:
Jordan Park offers an escape from busier parks, giving skaters more room to practice and progress in their skating.
6. Schmeeckle Reserve
Schmeeckle Reserve is an expansive nature reserve near the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. While it's better known for hiking, there are a few paved paths and open areas that skateboarders can enjoy. It's an unconventional spot for skating, but the peaceful surroundings and smooth paths make it a great place to cruise around, especially for longboarders or those looking for a more tranquil setting.
Key Features:
- Paved paths with scenic views
- Ideal for longboarding or cruising
- Peaceful, natural environment
Why it's Great:
If you’re looking for a more zen-like skating experience away from the noise of city life, Schmeeckle Reserve provides a serene escape.
7. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) Campus
The UWSP campus is home to a few well-maintained outdoor spaces that can be perfect for skating. With its wide, open pathways, smooth concrete surfaces, and scattered obstacles like benches and low ledges, it's a great spot for college skaters. Additionally, the campus area tends to be quieter, especially during non-peak hours, making it a more relaxed place for skating.
Key Features:
- Smooth sidewalks and pathways
- Benches and small ledges for street skating
- Quiet during off-peak hours
Why it's Great:
The campus provides an ideal environment for street skaters looking for smooth terrain and obstacles to hit, all within walking distance of downtown Stevens Point.
8. Heritage Park
Located near the downtown area, Heritage Park features a small but effective skate spot. It has a variety of street elements, including curbs, rails, and some stair sets. Though it’s not a massive space, the layout of the park and its obstacles allow skaters to practice different tricks. Plus, being close to the city center means it’s easy to grab some food or hang out after a session.
Key Features:
- Rails, ledges, and stairs
- Smaller, compact area
- Easy access to downtown Stevens Point
Why it's Great:
This spot is perfect for skaters who want a low-key place to practice their street tricks while being close to local amenities.
9. Kashmir Park
Kashmir Park is another excellent spot for skaters looking for smooth pavement and urban-style street obstacles. It’s a smaller park, but the smooth concrete and availability of benches and ledges make it worthwhile for skaters who want to practice their grinds and slides. The park is typically not overcrowded, giving skaters plenty of space to work on their tricks.
Key Features:
- Smooth, even surfaces for cruising
- Ledges, benches, and stairs for street skating
- Quiet, local park
Why it's Great:
Kashmir Park is a hidden gem in Stevens Point for those looking for a peaceful, less-trafficked spot to practice their street skating skills.
10. Wisconsin River Walk
The Wisconsin River Walk is an excellent option for skaters who want to explore the city while enjoying a smooth, long path along the river. While it doesn't have traditional skate park obstacles, the river walk's long, uninterrupted paths make it perfect for cruising or longboarding. It’s an excellent spot to relax and skate while taking in the beautiful views of the river and surrounding nature.
Key Features:
- Long, smooth pathways for cruising
- Scenic views of the river and parks
- Ideal for longboarding or casual skating
Why it's Great:
The Wisconsin River Walk is perfect for skaters who prefer to cruise through beautiful surroundings and enjoy the outdoor experience. It’s a peaceful, scenic spot that complements urban skating with nature.
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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