When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Glenhaven Skatepark
Why Glenhaven Skatepark is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Glenhaven Skatepark, located within Glenhaven Park in Portland, Oregon, offers an expansive 11,000-square-foot facility that caters to skateboarders of various skill levels. The park is thoughtfully divided into a 5,500-square-foot street course and an equally large 5,500-square-foot transition area, which features a unique 9-foot-deep 'peanut bowl' with a shallower 4-foot end, along with a separate rectangular bowl. The street course provides diverse elements including hubba ledges, stamped brick banks, stairs with handrails, manual pads, quarter pipes, pyramid hips, and "dude chutes," making it a versatile playground for street skaters. The skatepark has gone through significant updates, particularly in 2019, improving accessibility through ADA-compliant pathways and adding modern amenities alongside the skate facilities. The park's location adjacent to Madison High School ensures easy access for local youth, and the facility encourages community engagement and safety, reflecting input from neighborhood associations and the skateboarding community. Glenhaven Skatepark is not only a destination to practice and enjoy skating but also serves as a vibrant gathering spot for friends and enthusiasts to meet, socialize, and share their passion for skateboarding.
Here's what people think of Glenhaven Skatepark
As of recent, Glenhaven Skatepark holds a 4.5-star rating based on 67 reviews.
The reviews for Glenhaven Skatepark largely reflect a positive reception among users, earning an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 67 reviewers. Many users appreciate the park's generous size and variety of features catering to both street and transition skating, which accommodate different skill levels and styles. Positive reviews often highlight the well-maintained bowls and street obstacles, the creative design elements like the peanut bowl, and the park's friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Some skaters praise the accessibility of the location and the thoughtful updates made during renovations that occurred as recently as 2019, including improved pathways and new features that enhance safety and usability. On the other hand, a smaller portion of negative feedback tends to focus on occasional crowding during peak times, which can limit skating space and access to certain features. A few users have mentioned that parking may sometimes be challenging, especially when the designated lot is full, requiring street parking. Additionally, some skaters note that while the park is excellent overall, minor maintenance issues or wear-and-tear can occasionally arise due to heavy use. In conclusion, the majority of reviews affirm Glenhaven Skatepark as a highly valued community asset for skateboarding, praised especially for its design, accessibility, and community involvement, with only minor drawbacks noted by some visitors.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Heather
Heavily used. All ages and all genders, all the time! Inline and roller skaters, bikes, scooters, and skateboards.... nuts frankly. The park needs to be 2-3x larger and l truly wish they would STOP building new baby skate parks and make more BIG enough with free parking that you don't show up and have zero space and be standing around most of the time. I have gone multiple times and had to leave because there is no space to play. Also the tiny bowls sprinkled around have territorial neighbor kids controlling them and hazing anyone near them because only one person can use them at a time. Culturally tiny skate spots are toxic. There are few similar public investments that really gather a cross section of cool people like this park does..expand it! The location is ideal, but school needs to remove the chains so families can use the traffic light and park. HS and park are both public spaces...I watch everyone parking on school side now...ridiculous.
Phil3636
A good size, nicely spaced out. Big ol' bowl for the transition skaters, couple of curb sized ledges for the old farts and beginners, and some double kinked handrails for the mentally unhinged. #1000skateparkchallenge #cementurians
Logan Isaac
Not a great pour but the layout is unique and large.
Alec Rutherford
You can kinda get lost in the bowl with the design they went with but it does Flow really well and quarters feel perfect. Street section was also pretty fun as well. Little damaged but great park
Katelyn Goslin
Clean, good parking, lots of options.
How to reach Glenhaven Skatepark
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Why rally at Glenhaven Skatepark with your friends?
Glenhaven Skatepark is the ideal spot to gather your friends for an energetic, fun-filled day outdoors. With a spacious 11,000-square-foot layout, the park offers a perfect balance of challenges and open space that encourages creativity and camaraderie, whether you are seasoned on a skateboard or just starting out. It’s more than just a skatepark; it’s a vibrant community hub where friends can bond watching each other push their limits or teaching newcomers some tricks. The park’s location, right next to Madison High School, lends it a youthful and lively atmosphere which translates into a welcoming space full of positive energy. The well-designed mix of features caters to different skill levels and riding styles, making it easy for groups with varied experience to enjoy themselves together. Beyond skating, the park’s accessibility, safety features, and inviting environment increase its appeal for social meetups, whether to celebrate a special occasion or just to spend quality weekend time. Its artistic details, such as original sign art by local artist Josh Meer, give the park a unique character that makes every visit memorable and a great photo opportunity to capture moments with friends.
What activities can you enjoy at Glenhaven Skatepark?
Glenhaven Skatepark offers a rich array of skating activities for everyone from beginners to advanced riders. Half of the park is dedicated to a 5,500-square-foot street course featuring classic street skating elements such as hubba ledges, stamped brick banks, manual pads, stairs, handrails, and pyramid hips. These elements replicate urban street obstacles, allowing riders to practice tricks usually attempted in city environments. The other half of the park is a 5,500-square-foot transition area with bowls and ramps, including a distinctive 9-foot-deep "peanut bowl" with a shallower 4-foot end, plus a separate rectangular bowl and quarter pipe, providing smooth flow for riders looking to master their transitions or execute vertical moves. This variety enables groups to split and practice different skating styles, from street to transition, simultaneously. Additionally, the park welcomes not only skateboarders but also scooter riders, BMX bikers, and inline skaters, increasing its appeal for diverse groups who enjoy different wheeled sports. Besides skating, the site encourages social activities like spectating, photography, and informal coaching sessions, making it a dynamic recreational venue.
Why is Glenhaven Skatepark perfect for group meetups?
Glenhaven Skatepark is perfectly suited for group meetups because of its large, open design that accommodates multiple riders without overcrowding, fostering a safe, comfortable environment for socializing and skating. The park’s blend of street and transition features means small groups can cater to different skill levels and preferences, preventing skill disparities from limiting anyone’s fun. Its adjacency to Madison High School means many local youths frequent the park, making it an active and vibrant scene that adds energy to group meetups. Accessibility features such as paved pathways, ample parking including spots for vans, and ADA-compliant play areas make it easy and convenient for diverse groups to visit, whether arriving by car or transit. The presence of accessible restrooms and a playground nearby further enhances the experience, especially for mixed groups including family members of all ages. Finally, the park’s artistic character and well-kept grounds create an attractive and inspiring backdrop for group photos and celebrations.
How accessible and safe is Glenhaven Skatepark for everyone?
Accessibility and safety are key priorities at Glenhaven Skatepark, making it a welcoming environment for all visitors. The park offers a parking lot with eight designated spaces, including van-accessible spots, as well as street parking, ensuring ease of arrival. Paved pathways lead directly to the skating areas, enhancing accessibility for those with mobility devices or young children using bikes or scooters. The play area adjacent to the skatepark features rubberized surfacing and adaptive swings, underscoring the park’s inclusive design ethos. Safety is addressed through the park’s well-maintained, smooth concrete surfaces and the thoughtful layout that separates different features to minimize collision risk. The presence of accessible restrooms close by adds comfort for longer visits. These thoughtful accommodations make Glenhaven Skatepark an outstanding choice for groups with members who have varying abilities or young children, supporting an inclusive and enjoyable skate experience.
What makes the design and facilities at Glenhaven Skatepark unique?
The design and facilities at Glenhaven Skatepark stand out due to the park’s careful balance between creativity, flow, and functionality. Designed by Dreamland Skateparks, the same world-class creators behind several renowned skateparks, Glenhaven integrates both transition ramps and street-style obstacles in equal measure, each occupying roughly 5,500 square feet of the overall 11,000 square-foot park. The transition section’s signature “peanut bowl” uniquely combines deep and shallow sections, offering multiple challenge levels within one feature. The street course’s combination of hubba ledges, manual pads, various banks, handrails, stairs, pyramid hips, and “dude chutes” replicates authentic urban skate spots, challenging riders to hone an array of technical tricks. These well-planned features help skaters build skills progressively without feeling limited by the park’s layout. Beyond the skating surfaces, the inclusion of artistic signage created by local artist Josh Meer adds cultural value and pride to the space, making it more than just a recreational site, but a landmark within the community. Lighting, nearby playgrounds, and convenient amenities also support longer, more comfortable visits.
What local community benefits and culture does Glenhaven Skatepark support?
Glenhaven Skatepark plays a significant role in Portland’s skateboarding community and local neighborhood culture. Its location next to Madison High School fosters natural engagement from students, encouraging healthy, active lifestyles and providing a safe space for young people to gather and express creativity. The park’s creation was the result of community input and support from neighborhood associations, illustrating a strong local commitment to youth recreation and open spaces. This community foundation promotes a positive environment and social cohesion, making the skatepark a hub not only for exercise but also for connection and cultural exchange. It also offers a venue for local events, skate clinics, and friendly competitions, further enriching the local skateboarding scene. The park’s accessibility and inclusive design reflect Portland’s broader values of equity, outdoor activity, and ecological awareness, enhancing quality of life while celebrating urban youth culture. Whether you are a local resident or visiting, the Glenhaven Skatepark experience is deeply infused with community spirit.
How can hosting a meetup at Glenhaven Skatepark enhance your social gatherings?
Choosing Glenhaven Skatepark as your meetup venue adds a dynamic and active element to any social gathering. It transforms a typical hangout into an opportunity for group members to challenge each other, learn new skills, and share moments of achievement in a supportive atmosphere. The park’s expansive layout enables large groups to spread out and engage in various activities simultaneously, catering both to riders wanting to skate and friends or family members who prefer to watch, take pictures, or relax nearby. Its proximity to other park amenities like a playground and open green spaces invites multi-generational meetups where everyone, from kids to adults, can join the fun. The unique skatepark art and design create a visually stimulating environment perfect for group photos, marking your meetup as a memorable occasion. Moreover, the safe, accessible facilities minimize logistical hassles, so organizers can focus on socializing and making lasting memories with friends or family at this unique urban oasis.