Most skateboard enthusiasts are aware that June 21st is recognized as GoSkateboard Day.

However, June 21st, 2022, also became the day that Birmingham skateboarders could celebrate another milestone.

It was the opening of the Citywalk Skatepark. Birmingham and the surrounding areas have a new, stylish, and innovative area for skateboarding.

ALDOT Creation of The Skatepark

The park was designed beautifully by New Line Parks and completely funded by the Alabama Department of Transportation. The department picked up the tab for the 1.5-mile-long skateboarding arena.  

Skatepark is the official name for the ten blocks located between 15th and 25th street North. The park stretches underneath the elevated section of Interstate Highway 59/20. It is the 5th largest park in the United States. The skatepark is a small part of the city’s new 31-acre community park: City Walk Birmingham. The park will offer space for a variety of community activities and connect Birmingham to destinations like the BJCC and Uptown.

The skatepark opened to eager and varied generations of skateboarding citizens. With 57,111 square feet and multiple bowls for all levels of skating skills, the Birmingham design also provides 1 Olympic Rated bowl.  Numerous courses allow novice and experts to skate comfortably together. Skateboarders have responded with delight and approval for the new facility. Because New Line designed the park in a covered location, it also means skaters can enjoy their activities in rain or shine. Lights provide access as well for night activities to 10 pm at night.

Looking toward the Future

Action Park Alliance operates the new park. Attendance is free, although some special events might require a fee, all participants must sign a safety waiver.  In the future, it is possible that athletes, special guests, and some competitive skateboard tours will utilize the park. Currently, there are 15 skateparks close to the Atlanta area, but Birmingham’s new park is over 2Xs larger than any of those. It is a skatepark, but not limited to just skateboarders. Bicycles, roller blades, scooters, inline skaters, and even those who enjoy watching are all encouraged to visit the park.

This new skatepark can help push Birmingham into possibly becoming the next skateboarding mecca in the south, maybe even in America.

We at the NJP recommend grabbing your board and let’s meet at the park.