Spring break is here for many Detroiters. Feel a little lighter and free by riding in the wind at these skate parks in Detroit and other places nearby. Summer is on the horizon! Take advantage of the increased daylight this spring. These skate parks in & around Detroit aren’t all your run-of-the-mill parks. They have Detroit creativity written all over them…some have actual writing in graffiti. While it’s common to go on vacation for spring break, others find ways to pass the time locally. Spring break in Detroit could be as simple as trying out some new tricks on new ground.
Detroitisit rounded up a cool list of skate parks for you and your skate crew to check out, most of which are outdoors.
ALL THAT REMAINS OF THE WIG COMMUNITY SKATEPARK, PHOTO JOHN BOZICK
THE RISE & FALL OF WIG DIY SKATEPARK AND DETROIT’S SKATE SCENE
Kid-friendly, 901 Selden Street, Detroit, is where Wigle Recreational Center was located before the city ordered it to tear it down. While it’s not uncommon to hear stories of abandoned projects, this “DIY” project took a clever twist despite it being short-lived. The DIY skatepark was founded and funded by Community Push member Derrick Dykas, who took his passion to a new level by turning this basketball/tennis court into a legal DIY skatepark in 2014. Supporting other development projects in Detroit should have the same spirit and support!
WHAT HAPPENED?
Unfortunately, the park came to a close with its location uncertainty. However, the dream and efforts pushed forth! Click HERE to read one of our other articles, detailing the aftermath, along with the alternative Detroit skate community plans, especially regarding Detroit youth.
CHANDLER PARK SKATEPARK GRAND OPENING WITH TONY HAWK, PHOTO @CHANDLERSKATEPARK ON INSTAGRAM
CHANDLER PARK SKATEPARK
Last June 2022, Tony Hawk got on board with helping open a 15,000-square-foot skate park in Detroit’s Chandler Park on the east side. The Skatepark Project, formerly known as the Tony Hawk Foundation, developed the park with financial support from Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. Now, Detroit youth along with other underserved communities in southeast Michigan can have more action sports that strengthen mental and physical well-being. It’s free and open to the public. Click HERE to learn more about The Skatepark Project
Location: Chandler Park in Detroit
BISHOP DIY SKATEPARK FROM @THEARTZOFZAIRE PHOTO @PLANETDETROITNEWS ON INSTAGRAM
BISHOP DIY SKATEPARK
Check out another “DIY” skateboard park in Detroit that’s great for several outdoor sports activities. This urban skatepark is a fun spot for skateboards, bicycles/BMX riders, and rollerblades. The skate park is right behind Northwestern High School and its look is true to the amazing Detroit art scene. Skate among good people, cool graffiti, psychedelic murals, and other wild designs. The park was a community effort during the pandemic but was originally started by Jamison Shaffer in April 2021. Support the preservation and passion of skate parks in Detroit
Location: 6017 Grand River Ave, Detroit 42808
VIEW OF RIVERSIDE SKATEPARK, DESIGNED BY COMMUNITY PUSH, PHOTO JOHN BOZICK
RIVERSIDE SKATEPARK
In 2020, a 29-acre park on Detroit’s southwest riverfront, making it the largest in the city. Sitting with the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit River, Riverside Park was remodeled with the support of a 2015 Land Exchange Agreement. The Detroit International Bridge Company demolished the former Detroit News Warehouse and transferred the five-acre parcel to the city to widen the waterfront green space. The skatepark received $800,000 in funding from the city as well as the Ralph C. Wilson and Tony Hawk foundations. The skatepark was added to the new basketball courts, soccer fields, and dog park.
Location: 3511 West Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, MI
TONY HAWK AT RIDE IT SCULPTURE PARK, PHOTO @CAMERA_JESUS / EVERGREEN SKATEPARKS
RIDE IT SCULPTURE PARK
Ride It Sculpture Park recreation center still exists, but definitely had a good run at the beginning of its conception. After all, Tony Hawk shredded over the graffiti ramps in 2019. This neighborhood sculpture park was built to ride and was built by artists. The community, Power House Productions, Tony Hawk, and a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation all made the dream possible. Click HERE for more information.
Location: 3414 E Davison St, Detroit, MI
MODERN TEAM RIDER, @CHYNNA_WEIERSTALL, PHOTO @CREATEORIGINALS /@MODERNSKATE ON INSTAGRAM
MODERN SKATE & SURF-ROYAL OAK
Most of these superb skate parks in Detroit have been outdoors, but there are also plenty of indoor Metro Detroit skateparks. Detroit has its long, cold winters like every Midwest city. The skateboarders could use more skating options as it is, so we’re Modern Skatepark in Royal Oak, a suburb of Detroit. Skaters are most likely familiar with Modern Skatepark and its vastness. Find your groove, whether it’s on the large bowl or the street plaza, it’s a popular place all seasons. Anyone under 18 must have a parent come and sign a waiver. This park is also available to rent for private events after 9 pm Sunday through Thursday.
Location: 1500 N Stephenson HwyRoyal Oak, MI
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[…] Eastside. Fila and The Tamia & Grant Hill Foundation in partnership with the City of Detroit Parks, Recreation Division, and the Chandler Park Conservancy unveiled the new basketball courts which […]
[…] some fresh air and a little exercise is always a good idea. You can still enjoy your favorite outdoor parks and green areas while getting involved in mental health events in […]
[…] some fresh air and a little exercise is always a good idea. You can still enjoy your favorite outdoor parks and green areas while getting involved in mental health events in […]