Grinding, Kickflips and Ollies: Outdoor Skate Parks in Metro D

By: Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers | May 22, 2014
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It took until the end of May, but it sure does seem as if the warmer weather is finally here to stay. I am not a meteorologist, and the weather is always unpredictable here in The Mitten, but it is time for more outdoor activities! Perhaps, you are ready to hop back on that crazy contraption you kids call a “skateboard.” Whether you are a seasoned-pro or a newbie, Metro Detroit offers several outdoor (as well as indoor, but not our focus today) skate parks.

What could be better than soaking up some sun while skating back and forth on a half-pipe? Okay, well a few things come to mind, but you get the point. Seriously though, although I am not an avid skateboarder I prefer outdoor activities and sunshine. With that being said, let’s browse our options.

Riley Skate Park, located at 35500 Eight Mile inside of Founder’s Sports Park in Farmington Hills, often tops the list of best skate parks in Michigan. Admission is free to this 29,000 square foot concrete skateboarding palace. So, you really have no reason not to check it out if skateboarding is one of your favorite pastimes. The park features everything a skateboarder or inline-skater needs: benches, rails, stairs, ramps and bowls. Don’t forget about the snake runs, capsules or overhangs. Riley Skate Park is open from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. during the summer months.

Drake Sports Park, 6801 Drake Rd., West Bloomfield, is also an outdoor park with free admission to skating patrons. The “big” attraction at this park is actually miniature—the mini-ramp is a fan favorite for some quality grind time. The park features a double half-pipe (with spine), three quarter pipes and multiple rails and grind boxes. There are also hips and a pole jam. The park is open from 8 a.m. until dusk.

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Birmingham Skate Park, 2300 E. Lincoln, Birmingham is up on the mini-ramp game as well. Not to be outdone by the others on the list, admission is free here. Several street obstacles, ramps, pyramids and quarter pipes make this place a frequent stop for skaters in the area. This park features lights, so the park stays open until 10 p.m.!

Kennedy Park, located in Eastpointe on Schroeder Rd., between Nine Mile and Ten Mile Rd., is a newer outdoor park. It is offered to skaters for the hefty price of free (I was getting bored writing free so many times). Marble ledges, metal ramps and cement barriers make this place quite an adventure. There is also a nice “pre-fab” half bowl. You’ll want to check this place out!

As an honorable mention, Ann Arbor SkatePark has a grand opening on June 21, starting at 10 a.m. It is supposed to be one of, if not the, largest skateparks in Michigan. Skateboarding legend, Tony Hawk will attend the grand opening!

The truth is that there are several skate parks located all over the metropolitan area. So, whichever you prefer, have fun. As always, I wish you safe skating!

 

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