Carve. Grind. Ollie. Pop. Where to Skate

by Jennifer Wilson

Kids love the thrills and freedom of riding on a board and the self-confidence that comes with mastering a new skill. Skateboarding has many physical benefits, including coordination, concentration, balance and exercise. And it helps children develop an understanding of the importance of practice, patience and dealing with consequences.

Skating on a sidewalk, parking lot or street is not the safest option. Instead, try one of these skate parks in metro Atlanta and Athens. Most skate parks do not have supervision, so parents will want to stay close by. Check websites for park rules, parental supervision and waiver requirements.

Best for Beginners

Arthur Langford, Jr. Skate Park: This mid-size park caters to beginner skaters, the park also features a playground and basketball court. 6,500 square feet. Atlanta. Free. 404-546-6813. beltline.org/parks/arthur-langford-jr-park

Biggest Park

Kennesaw Skatepark: This park, the largest in Atlanta, is the first ever permanent skate park to feature elements modeled on a competitive street skate park plaza design. 40,000 square feet. Kennesaw. Free. 770-4229714. kennesaw-ga.gov/kennesaw-skatepark

A Bit of Celebrity Cachet

Historic Fourth Ward Park: The park offers world-class skateboard amenities as well as a playground and multi-use athletic field. The skate park is sectioned off by skill level. Skateboarder Tony Hawk contributed to building the park. 17,000 square feet. Atlanta. Free. 404-546-6813. beltline.org/places-to-go/ historic-fourth-ward-skatepark

Great for Younger Kids

Fowler Park: This suburban park has specific hours for ages 12 and younger only; see website for dates and time. 30,000 square feet. Cumming. Free. 770-886-4088. parks.forsythco.com/parks-facilities/ parks/fowler-park

Go with the ‘Flow’

Brook Run Skate Park: This park has concrete bowls and half-pipes in a “flow” style, which combines elements of bowl parks and street plazas. 27,000 square feet. Dunwoody. Free. 678-382-6850. dunwoodyga.gov

Skate a Big Bowl

Skate Park of Athens: An outdoor skate park with a 13-foot bowl as the central feature. Children 11 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 12,000 square feet. Athens. Free. 706-613-3991. accgov.com/524/skate-park

More Parks To Skate

n Glenloch Recreation Complex Skatepark: A park accommodating skaters of all ages and skill levels, which was designed with input from local skaters. 4,050 square feet. Peachtree City. Free. 770-631-2525. peachtree-city. org/322/glenloch-recreation-complex n McKoy Skate Park: This park offers pipes, rails and ramps. Decatur. Free. 404-377-7231. decaturga.com/ activeliving/page/mckoy-park

Eight In Gwinnett County

gwinnettcounty.com (click on Guide to Your Parks) n Bay Creek Skate Park: Skate park with skateboard and BMX ramps. Good for all skill levels, with a bowl and a plaza. 20,000 square feet. Loganville. Free. 770-978-5271. n DeShong Skate Park: Features a twisting and winding streetscape to explore, complete with stairs and grinding rails. 10,000 square feet. Stone Mountain. Free. 770-978-5271. n Duncan Creek Park: This skate complex is the largest skate park in Gwinnett County, offering users a safe environment to practice their sport and multiple bowls to choose from. 20,000 square feet. Dacula. Free. 678-277-0850. n J.B. Williams Park: A 9,600-squarefoot skate park with ramps and elevated platforms. Lilburn. Free. 678-277-0179. n Mountain Park Park: Skate the volcano, a flow bowl, handrails and more at this 8,000-square-foot park. Lilburn. Free. 678-277-0179. n Pinckneyville Park: This park has a free skate area, as well as a roller hockey rink. Peachtree Corners. Free. 678-277-0920. n Ronald Reagan Skatepark: The 10,000-square-foot street plaza skatepark is within Gwinnett County’s Ronald Reagan Park. Lawrenceville. Free. 678-277-0179. n Settles Bridge Park: This skate park has a smooth bowl with shallow and medium depth, along with a street section in its 10,000 square feet. Suwanee. Free. 678-277-0910.

How to Get Started

Purchase proper gear to ensure that your son or daughter has the safest skateboarding experiences possible. Your child will need: n Elbow pads ($14-$30) n Wrist guards ($13-$25) n Knee pads ($20-$40) n Skateboard ($150-$180) n Helmet ($25 or more)

When buying your skateboard, make sure to purchase at a store where employees have a good knowledge of skateboarding. The size of board should be matched to the size and weight of your child. Purchasing the wrong size skateboard could lead to injuries or cause damage to the board. Beginners should take lessons to learn safe skating techniques. Skateboard shops sometimes offer group lessons and can recommend instructors for individual lessons. Check out Dunwoody Skateboarding (dunwoodyskateboarding.com) SKATEATL (skateatl.com) or GOSKATE (goskate.com).