8 of the Best Skate Parks in the World

The very first skateboard was invented in the early 1950's. Of course, back then, they didn't look like the skateboards we have today. The first skateboards were shaped and built like a scooter. In 1959, the first Modern Derby skateboard was built and looks similiar to the models we have in 2010. The '60's came around and the skateboarding companies witnessed their very first sales slump. Years later, they got back on their feet and became more popular than ever. Now there are hundreds and hundreds of skateboarding brands, shops, and parks all around the world. But the parks are what seem to catch a lot of attention. A little boy would see a man thrashing the skatepark ramps and have the urge to discovrt that feeling and become a part of it. The parks are the main source of a skater.

Dyrdek's SkatePlaza-
A huge park located in Los Angeles, California. This park was founded in 2003 by pro skateboarder, Rob Dyrdek. Being the founder and the owner, Rob hopes to built more skateplaza's around the world. The mission and purpose of this park is to provide a community for legal street skating. The more skaters, the better.

Kona Skatepark-
Kona is one of the oldest operating skateparks in the world. It was built in 1977 and was meant for private purposes. This park is located in Jacksonville, Florida and is known to be a legendary skatepark, having a little over 15 ramps and rails.

Battleground Skatepark-
Located in Battleground, Washington, this park was built in 2006 and opened in 2007. "Dreamland" is a company that builds parks and this one just so happens to be the largest. It's reported that the park is filled with local skateboarders and bikers 24/7, riding up and down the 18 ramps and rails this park has.

Louisville Extreme Park-
One of the nation's best best skateparks is located in Louisville, Kentucky. This park is filled with 40,000 square feet of skating surface. In 2002, this park was released and became popular to the locals ever since. There are over 14 ramps and rails. Also, the city of Louisville has purposed a new addition to the park. Coming soon at any time, the state of Kentucky will have a 20,000 square foot indoor skate area built on the same land as the park. The indoor skating is free and includes consessions.

Marseille Skatepark-
This park is located in France and was built in 1991. Marseille Park is one of the best and well known skateparks in the area. Also, for the true hardcore skaters out there, you may notice that this skatepark was featured in the video game, "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2." With this park consisting of huge bowls, ramps and open areas, this is any skaters paradise.

Stoke Plaza-
With over 20 ramps and rails, this park is the largest and most popular skatepark in Europe. Located in England, this park was built and opened in 2005. The plaza costed the country 600,000 euros and is part of an environmental regeneration.

Black Pearl Skate and Surf-
The Black Pearl is located in the Cayman Islands. It is 62,000 square feet of pure skate land and a free standing wave. The park contains consession stands for skate and surf gear. Black Pearl is the largest outdoor concrete park in the world. For the skaters, the park is seperated into 3 main courses; beginner, intermediate, and expert. Lessons on skateboarding is one of the many oppertunities given at the Black Pearl.

Trinidad Skatepark-
Located in Colorado, this park is one of the top skateparks in the state. Being a lot smaller than an average skatepark, 15,000 square feet is still enough space to be one of the best in the world. There is an infinite number of rails and ramps and makes a lot of headway to the locals.

For the skate or die kids and adults out there, take a vacation. Skaters are always looking for new spots and new parks to skate at. These parks, among many others, are the best in the world and always welcome new members with open arms. Keep the skate scene alive.

Resources:

americasbestonline.net

weburbanist.com

robdyrdekfoundation.org

skatelog.com

extremesportsmap.com