Actually designed for urban spaces, skateboarding uses the city environment as the stage for its tricks, but finding a safe place to skate can be tough. Skate parks provide a safe and perfectly designed place to practice those skateboarding fakie flips and grab some air.
These eight spots in or nearby New York City are great for beginners and seasoned skateboarders alike. (Sometimes you'll also spy inline skaters or BMX bikers.) Plus, despite what kids want to hear, these skate parks put safety first. All athletes must wear helmets, kneepads and elbow pads, and kids under age 18 are also required to put on wrist guards. That said, most skateparks are unsupervised and have an enter-at-your-own-risk policy. Some even require parents to sign waivers for their children.
