Located in Crystal Palace Park, London, Crystal Palace Skatepark offers a modern and diverse skateboarding experience that has gained recognition from esteemed professional skateboarders and visitors alike. Designed by skatepark firm Canvas and Kinnear Landscape Architects, this skatepark boasts a unique and innovative design that blends contemporary features with a nod to the historic context of Crystal Palace Park.
The main attraction of the skatepark is the extended 100-metre long and 11-metre wide curved concrete band, which offers a wide range of rideable terrains. At one end, there is a cloverleaf pool that features swimming pool-style stone coping and tiling, making it the first skateboarding pool built in London in the past four decades. With a depth of 8. 5 feet in the large round section and 6 feet in the shallower areas, the pool provides an exhilarating experience for skateboarders of all skill levels.
In the middle of the skatepark, you will find an L-shaped steel-coping bowl that presents various hips and curves. The bowl ranges in depth from 5. 5 feet in the shallowest areas to 7 feet in the deepest section, providing ample opportunities for tricks and manoeuvres. At the entrance, there is a large mellow section that stands 2–3 feet high and offers flat and transitioned banks, an angled hip, a banked ledge, a pump bump, and a 5-foot-high taco.
All these features have been carefully designed to cater to BMX, quad-skating, rollerblading, scootering, and skateboarding.
Surrounding the skatepark is a series of landscaped grass mounds, creating multiple viewing and relaxation points for visitors. This elevated tray-like platform offers a unique setting for skateboarding enthusiasts to enjoy their favourite sport while also taking in the beautiful surroundings of Crystal Palace Park. Furthermore, the park provides additional leisure, play, caf, and transport facilities, making it an ideal destination for a day of skateboarding adventure.
Crystal Palace Skatepark holds historical significance as it marks the return of skateboarding to one of its original homes. In 1977, the first major UK national skateboarding competition took place in this very location, and it has also hosted numerous slalom and downhill events. Moreover, the skatepark is situated next to the site of the world-famous skateboarding half-pipe of the 1980s, adding to its rich skateboarding heritage.
The construction of this exceptional skatepark was made possible through funding by the Mayor of London, cementing it as a testament to the city's commitment to providing world-class skateboarding facilities for its residents and visitors. Crystal Palace Skatepark welcomes riders of all ages and abilities, ensuring an inclusive and vibrant skateboarding community. Whether you are a seasoned skateboarder or just starting out, this skatepark offers an unparalleled experience in a stunning setting.
To stay updated with the latest news and events from Crystal Palace Skatepark, follow their social media accounts on Facebook (@friendscrystalpalaceskatepark) and Instagram (@friendscrystalpalaceskatepark). Additionally, the skatepark offers various programmes and activities, including skateboarding lessons and instruction, organised by the Crystal Palace Community Trust. For more details about these programmes, you can email halls@cpct. org.
uk or call 020 8676 5666. Personal skateboard lessons can also be arranged by emailing cpskatepark@gmail. Com.
Crystal Palace Skatepark is not just a skatepark; it is a thriving community that brings people together and promotes the joy and excitement of skateboarding. So, come and join the fun at Crystal Palace Skatepark and be part of the skateboarding legacy in London.