When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
Ballard Commons Skatepark
Why Ballard Commons Skatepark is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Ballard Commons Skatepark, nestled within Ballard Commons Park in Seattle, is a lively urban hub perfect for meeting up with friends who love skateboarding or simply enjoying a casual outdoor gathering. This skatepark offers a unique combination of amenities that enhance the social and recreational experience, making it an ideal community spot. The park features a well-designed concrete skate bowl that appeals especially to bowl riders. Although the skatepark is relatively small and includes limited street elements, its smooth bowl and transitions provide a fun challenge for beginner to intermediate skaters. Beyond skateboarding, the surrounding Ballard Commons Park enriches the experience with beautiful public art installations, a refreshing water feature, and plenty of seating areas complemented by green lawns. These elements create a welcoming atmosphere not only for skaters but also for families and friends looking to relax together. The park has ADA-accessible walkways, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors. Open daily from early morning until late evening (4 AM to 11:30 PM), it offers great flexibility for meetups at any time. The skatepark’s location within a civic center area, alongside the Seattle Public Library branch and a Neighborhood Service Center, also means visitors can enjoy nearby community resources, making it a well-rounded destination for social and recreational activities.
Here's what people think of Ballard Commons Skatepark
As of recent, Ballard Commons Skatepark holds a 3.9-star rating based on 26 reviews.
User reviews of Ballard Commons Skatepark present a mixed but insightful picture. Many visitors appreciate the convenience and accessibility of the skatepark’s location within Ballard Commons Park, highlighting the park’s integration with public amenities like seating spaces, water features, and art that enhance the overall atmosphere. Positive reviews often mention the welcoming community vibe and the skate bowl’s suitability for those who enjoy bowl skating, noting that it provides a nice urban skating spot without an entrance fee. The park's long opening hours are also praised, accommodating different schedules and promoting extended use by skaters and their friends. However, some negative feedback points to the limited size of the park and its scarcity of street-style elements, which can be a drawback for skaters seeking a more diverse skateboarding terrain. A few users feel that the park’s features are somewhat basic compared to other skateparks in the Seattle area. Despite a modest overall rating (around 3.9 out of 5), reviewers tend to agree that Ballard Commons Skatepark is a solid and accessible local option for casual skating and social meetups. In conclusion, while the skatepark may not offer extensive features for advanced street skating enthusiasts, it remains a valued community space appreciated for its inclusivity, public art, and convenient city-center setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tizz Tarkington
A skatepark that is just a bowl only. No street section. And it’s a bowl with a legendary history for Seattle (and Ballard). This is the second Ballard bowl after the first was demolished some time ago. This doesn’t mean that the replacement bowl is necessarily “new”, however (created a decade or two, in the early Grindline days) but it’s been kept up, and all pool coping was replaced a couple years ago (so no gaps, cracks, missing sections). A fun place to skate if you are into transition/bowl skating. Parking is not great (street parking with pay meters via an app) but it’s only a mere 10 feet away from the park, so there’s that.
Toft
People should not let their dogs off-leash in public parks. This behavior is not only disregardful but also showcases a sense of entitlement that is frankly unacceptable. It’s hard to believe that some think they can ignore the rules and disrupt the space for others. I can no longer bring my cat here, who is on a harness, because individuals allow their dogs to roam freely. It's frustrating that instead of taking your dog to an actual off-leash park, you choose to intrude on areas meant for everyone. Not everyone has access to designated spaces, and we all deserve to enjoy these parks without fear of being bothered.
Matt Longobardi
The bowl is open again as of March 2023. The shallow end has new pool coping and the entire bowl has been pressure cleaned to make the surface smoother. The repairs have greatly improved the bowl.
J A
Great bowl, well designed and friendly locals. It's in the middle of a "commons" so kids are sometimes playing in the bowl or are simply curious and want to run around inside which doesn't bother me because it's a rad bowl and it's cool to see people enjoy it even if they're just silly kids who don't skate and don't know any better.
Mark
I have never actually used this skatepark but there are a lot of locals who do use it regularly. They seem to like it a lot and it looks well maintained. I gave it 4 stars because it's fairly small with just one bowl.
How to reach Ballard Commons Skatepark
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Why Ballard Commons Skatepark may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Ballard Commons Skatepark with your friends? This vibrant urban park in Ballard, Seattle, provides a perfect backdrop for gathering with friends or family, especially those who share a love for skating culture or simply enjoy social outdoor activities. The park combines the thrill of a well-designed skatepark with the tranquility of green lawns, shaded seating areas, and engaging public art, making it an inviting and dynamic place for people of all ages and interests. Whether you and your friends are avid skateboarders, BMX riders, or just looking for a lively spot to unwind together, Ballard Commons offers the versatility and atmosphere that make meetups memorable. Beyond skating, the park’s inclusive design with ADA-accessible walkways and diverse amenities ensures everyone can join in the fun. Plus, its location as part of a broader civic center, including a library and community services, means you have multiple options for entertainment and relaxation, all within walking distance. The park’s hours—from early morning to late night—allow for flexible scheduling, perfect for any group planning a day out or evening hangout.
What activities can you enjoy at Ballard Commons Skatepark? The skatepark itself, though compact, features a concrete skate bowl, quarterpipes, ledges, and various street-style elements that cater to skateboarders, scooter riders, and BMX bikers. This setup provides a well-rounded skating experience for both beginners and more advanced riders, encouraging skill development and friendly competition. Outside the skate area, the park boasts an artistic water feature inspired by the local maritime heritage, adding a peaceful element that complements the energetic skating vibe. The water feature doubles as a playful element, perfect for families with children or groups looking for a scenic spot to relax. Adjacent lawns invite informal games, picnics, or simply lounging, offering a peaceful contrast to the action-packed skate zone. Public art installations enrich the environment, fostering a sense of place and local culture. Comfortable seating areas throughout the park facilitate socializing and resting, making it easy to stay connected with your group while enjoying different activities.
Why is Ballard Commons the perfect meetup spot for groups? Its design thoughtfully balances active recreation with relaxation and accessibility, ensuring that no one in your group feels left out. Skaters and riders can hone their skills while others can watch, chat, or explore the park’s more serene spaces. The inclusion of ADA-accessible walkways means that people with mobility challenges can join the group comfortably. The proximity of the Seattle Public Library branch and Neighborhood Service Center adds convenience and opportunities for spontaneous cultural or informational engagements before, after, or during meetups. The varied landscape—from smooth skating surfaces to grassy areas and shaded benches—supports groups that enjoy mixing high-energy activities with calm downtime. Hosting a meetup here promises an experience that is both engaging and accommodating, situated in an inviting urban community hub with a distinct local flavor. The park's dynamic yet welcoming atmosphere makes it a natural choice for groups seeking a fun, inclusive, and well-equipped public space.
What makes the skatepark design unique and enjoyable for groups? Designed with input from expert skate consultants, Ballard Commons Skatepark focuses on simplicity, quality, and flow. Its bowl is ideal for skaters who like to practice carving and transitions, while the street elements such as ledges and rails invite creative tricks and social interaction through shared challenges. The skate area is compact but thoughtfully laid out to maximize use without overwhelming beginners, allowing for an inclusive experience where riders of different skill levels can share the space comfortably. The smooth concrete and durable construction promise a safe, reliable environment, though safety gear is required for all users. The park’s integration with the surrounding civic space, featuring industrial and maritime design cues like the salmon-inspired fountain, provides a familiar and culturally rich ambiance, making skating or just hanging out all the more enjoyable.
How does the setting and amenities enhance the meetup experience? Ballard Commons Park isn’t just about skating; it’s a community space that encourages connecting beyond the ramps and rails. The lush lawns and comfortable picnic seating areas are perfect for group meals, casual conversations, or simply taking a break between skate sessions. The public art scattered around the park adds visual interest and cultural depth, sparking conversation and shared appreciation for local creative expression. The water feature contributes ambient sounds that soften city noise, creating a pleasant sensory environment for socializing. Accessibility is a priority, with flat, smooth paths making movement easy for everyone. Beyond the physical features, the park's location within Ballard’s friendly neighborhood atmosphere and its extended open hours support spontaneous meetups whether at dawn, dusk, or in between. This flexibility and variety ensure that Ballard Commons is not only a skatepark but a versatile public destination ideal for bringing friends or family together.
Why is Ballard Commons Skatepark a community hub beyond skating? The park’s role within a new municipal center featuring the Seattle Public Library and Neighborhood Service Center makes it a focal point for civic life in Ballard. This broader setting facilitates community gatherings, educational opportunities, and social services in addition to recreation. People can combine a visit to the skatepark with stops at the library to explore books or events, or tap into neighborhood resources nearby, making meetups more enriching and multifunctional. The park’s design celebrates Ballard’s Scandinavian and maritime roots through subtle artistic and architectural references, fostering local pride and a sense of belonging. This holistic approach to public space means that any group gathering here is participating in a living community environment that supports wellness, art, activity, and connection across diverse interests and needs.
What practical tips can help your group have the best experience at Ballard Commons? Plan your meetup around the park’s generous hours—opening at 4 a.m. and closing at 11:30 p.m.—to find the time that best fits everyone’s schedule, whether early morning energy or a relaxing evening session. Bring your own skateboards, scooters, or BMX bikes to take full advantage of the skate obstacles; ensure everyone has safety gear as it’s required. Consider organizing a picnic to enjoy the lawns and seating areas, making the meetup a full-day experience. Take some time to explore the public art and water features between skating or activities—these elements enhance the overall atmosphere and offer great spots for group photos. Finally, leverage the nearby library branch or community center for additional activities or shelter in case of bad weather, maximizing the versatility of your outing and ensuring a fun and comfortable time for all participants.
In summary, Ballard Commons Skatepark’s blend of skateboarding excitement, artistic and natural beauty, community resources, and thoughtful design make it a standout destination for meetups. It balances active fun and relaxed social spaces in a welcoming neighborhood hub, ideal for groups looking to spend quality time together in Seattle. Whether you come for the skating, the scenery, or the social atmosphere, Ballard Commons invites friends and family to rally, connect, and create lasting memories.