Easily visible off the side of Route 250 is the Charlottesville Skate Park. Usually bustling with activity and kids (of all ages), you can expect to find us there some days, too.
We love this spot.
The Charlottesville Skate Park is a great place to sit on a picnic bench and watch your kids experiment on wheels. With one large area full of smaller ramps, rails and easier obstacles, it’s a perfect spot to try something new. It’s a different kind of park experience!
Behind this front area, alongside some very clean bathrooms, are a few large bowls, where some serious magic happens.
Unfortunately, the rest of Charlottesville seems to love the Charlottesville Skate Park as much as we do! It can get very crowded. In fact, during the height of the pandemic and subsequent surges, the city threatened to close the Skate Park due to crowds, crowding and lack of social distancing precautions. They didn’t close it, but have put up signs reminding citizens of their obligations to be safe and responsible during COVID. They also posted signs with a limit on the number of people in the skate park (which, as far as I can tell, is mostly disregarded).
The key, we’ve found, is to go first thing in the morning, when the air is still and folks aren’t out and about yet. An overcast day or a day threatening rain is also usually quieter.
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The Skate Park does have a few rules posted (although I am not entirely sure people know them) and skateboards, scooter, in-line roller skates and small bikes are all permitted. I and the park strongly encourage the use of helmets and other safety gear!
While the Skate Park is well-used and well-loved, we’ve found that in general people who are enjoying the park are thoughtful, aware of others, and courteous of the little kids on scooters. We’ve never had or seen collision accidents, and people seem accommodating of different ability levels.
There are also some really talented people who inspire my youngest son especially every time we go.
The Skate Park is currently open dawn to dusk but they are in the midst of a campaign to raise funds for lights. I am all for it! Expanding the hours for people to get outside and enjoy this unique area is a great idea, and perhaps may help alleviate the crowds by allowing folks to go later into the evening.
We usually park near the softball fields, then walk over the ADA- and stroller-accessible bridge to find our roller-wheeling groove at the Charlottesville Skate Park.
Visit the Charlottesville Skate Park:
McIntire Park
425 Route 250 Bypass
Charlottesville
Park near the softballs fields at
1360 Rugby Ave
Charlottesville
then walk over the bridge (stroller and ADA-accessible)
- Official website
- Rules – in case anyone is paying attention:
- Know your ability and use accordingly.
- The wearing of helmets is highly recommended.
- Kneepads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are highly recommended.
- Adult supervision is required of users younger than 10 years old.
- Inspect the surfaces before you begin; remove any trash, debris or objects that may prevent a smooth, safe ride.
- No use permitted when wet, raining, in icy conditions or during routine maintenance periods. Users may not salt, wax or sand any portion of the park.
- The Charlottesville Skate Park has been designed for all skill levels. Please take turns on the bowls and be courteous to other people using the facility.
- No horseplay or roughhousing.
- Metal bike pegs are prohibited.
- Graffiti/vandalism of Charlottesville Skate Park will result in a minimum 24 hour facility closure.
- Glass containers are prohibited.
- Beverages, drinking or eating while on skate surfaces is prohibited.
- Animals must be leashed or otherwise are prohibited.
- Organized events require the prior approval of Charlottesville Parks & Recreation.
- The City of Charlottesville is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- Drugs and alcohol are prohibited at Charlottesville Skate Park.
- Anyone who does not adhere to these rules may be banned from Charlottesville Skate Park by the Director of Charlottesville Parks & Recreation.
- Additional ramps, jumps or obstacles are not permitted in the skate park. No modifications to the skating surface or features are permitted. No skating on park structures not specifically designed for that purpose.
- No motorized vehicles are permitted, including battery wheeled devices.
- Closed toe shoes must be worn at all times.
- Graffiti, tagging, littering, stickers or other items are prohibited.
- Report any damage/hazardous conditions to Charlottesville Parks & Recreation at (434) 970-3260. Report illegal activity to Charlottesville Police Department at (434) 970-3280. For an emergency, call 911.
Raising Charlottesville is a website dedicated to highlighting fun & local activities for families living in the Charlottesville, VA area.