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This is the most current information we have on Saratoga Springs Skatepark, saratoga springs Alabama. If you have
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And now a little background on skateparks. The first skateparks were primarily private, for-profit endeavors, although several public parks were built globally. Parks then included pools, bowls, snake runs, freestyle areas, banked slalom areas, half-pipes, and full pipes. Most were concrete and were outdoors. In more extreme climates parks were built indoors, often of wood.
The modern public skatepark is relatively new, made possible by legislation such as California's 1998 law stating that skateboarding is an inherently "Hazardous Recreational Activity" (HRA), and therefore municipalities and their employees may not be held liable for claims of negligence resulting in skateboarders' injuries. Parks are usually for persons 14 or over.
The Tony Hawk Foundation is at the forefront of helping cities to get skateparks built. The Tony Hawk Foundation seeks to foster lasting improvements in society, with an emphasis on supporting and empowering youth. Through special events, grants, and technical assistance, the Foundation supports recreational programs with a focus on the creation of public skateboard parks in low-income communities. The Foundation favors programs that clearly demonstrate that funds received will produce tangible, ongoing, positive results.
* Outdoor: Metal / Wood / Asphalt
* $10 per day [non-local rate]
* Vert / Trannie / Street
* Rating: I'll show you some "sparkling water!"
If you ever want to torture yourself, cruise around northeastern New York and TRY to find a decent skatepark - as of the summer of 2001 THERE WEREN'T ANY!!! It sucked. Saratoga Springs was our best find, and it's... well, not great.
UPDATE: "They tore down the vert ramp and replaced it with a real backyard pool. Most people will tell you its pretty burly - I like the word overwhelming. Its not to often that we get too skate real backyard pools in the great Northeast. Deep end is about 9 ft, maybe 10, with at least a foot o' vert, but real tight, no flat. Shallow end is about 4 ft, with about a foot of vert as well. Therefore, dropping in the shallow end can be the hardest part of the run!"
- Paul Puccio: Aug '03
We give this place a little bit of props for being built in 1989 and surviving thru to today, but that's about it. This is one of those public parks that's run/ruined by the city - working hard to make their park as shitty as possible.
Yeah, they have some ramps - but they're worked over. The bowl is a lumpy death trap. The riding surface is rough. Full pads are mandatory, as is the f**kin' waiver you have to have your mommy sign before you can ride. All that bullshit and they want $10 for the "privilege" [that's a quote from their lame rule sheet] to ride there. Whatever.
I wish I had someplace else to recommend in the area, but I don't. Rome NY has a beat up park... probably not even as good as this place. Saugerties NY has one of the most pitiful parks I've ever witnessed. Albany didn't have jack. Until we hear otherwise, our recommendation is to get the hell outta there and head toward New England. Nashua NH [for instance] is one of many great parks poppin' up in those states...
Directions: Coming from Albany, take route 87 north. When you get close to Saratoga, look for the route 29 turn off, heading west. Route 29 is the same thing as Lake St. The skatepark is in an athletic field near the intersection of Lake and Granger. Granger is just east of Ritchie Pl. As you're heading west, if you hit Nelson you've gone too far. For more info, call the park at 518.587.3555 x456.