Chances are locals won’t share their coveted skate spots with visitors, but that’s OK because Nevada County has epic public skateparks worth your next sesh. From the Grass Valley Skatepark at Condon Park to Truckee’s very own, you’ll find some smooth transitions to float a frontside air over.
It’s All About Community
Not only are these legendary locales a great public resource, they are a place where you’ll find a community of supportive, like-minded thrashers who aren’t afraid to shred some gnarly drops and verts with you. Treat the locals with kindness and respect and they’ll do the same.
Tap Into Local Knowledge And Bring The kids!
You can also seek out local skate knowledge at a number of well-stocked downtown skate shops where friendly, helpful staff – who also happen to be skate experts – can provide pro tips and help outfit your next adventure with mad steez. These shops are also super kid-friendly, so bring the fam!
Legends Were Made Here
The foothill and mountain towns of Nevada County are rich in skateboarding culture. Pro skaters like Chris Senn and John ‘Card’ Cardiel grew up in these forested hills and helped create an OG skate scene you won’t soon forget!
Grass Valley
Condon Park Skatepark
Website
660 Minnie St, Grass Valley
9am – dusk
Fun Fact! The Condon Park Skatepark was designed by Zack Wormhoudt in 2001 and is ranked among the top 10 in California by Skateboard Magazine.
Smooth Transitions And Great Flow
Built in 2001, Condon Park Skatepark is a large 23,000 square-foot concrete in-ground public skatepark with both vert and street style features. Smooth transitions and banked turns give this skatepark great flow and angled ramps, cement and metal ledges, coping and smooth cement roll-ins provide lots of variety. The layout of this skatepark is good for riders of all ages and skill levels and a wide variety of obstacles in the street and vert sections of the park provide challenges for everyone.
What’s Required
Helmets, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards are required at all times and bicycles and scooters are prohibited. This is a non-supervised facility so use at your own risk. Amenities include one restroom and a drinking fountain. It’s best to bring little ones in the morning before noon prior to the big kids waking up. Afternoons are busy.
Please check the city’s website for park rules and other notices before heading out.
Skate Shops
Goodtimes
Goodtimes Website
Instagram profile: @goodtimesgv
146 Mill Street, Grass Valley
Monday – Saturday 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday 11 am to 5 pm
For skaters by skaters, since 1997, Goodtimes Skate Shop is a skateboard, apparel and accessories store. The store prides itself on being “purveyors of brands that support skateboarding because we believe in staying true to our roots through conscious retailing”. Find over 50 brands of shoes, accessories and skateboard decks, trucks, wheels, bearings and hardware. Their knowledgeable staff also offer free skateboard assembly and maintenance.
Crush
Crush Website
405 Commercial St, Nevada City
Friday – Saturday Noon – 5 pm
If roller skating is more your jam, head to Crush in Nevada City. Here you’ll find a fine collection of brand and custom made roller skates, classes and accessories. Cool art studio, too!
Truckee
Similar to Hawaii’s need to ‘surf’ something when there were no waves, Truckee’s deprivation of snow in the summer has led many to pick up the sport of skateboarding. It now goes hand in hand with its winter cousin – snowboarding. For a deep dive into the skateboard scene up in Truckee, be sure to read Visit Truckee’s Standing Sideways – Truckee Skatepark, Skate Shops & More.
Woodward Tahoe
Woodward Tahoe Website
Instagram profile: @woodwardTahoe
19749 Boreal Ridge Rd, Soda Springs
Boreal Mountain is a winter wonderland for snowboarders and skiers but did you know it’s also a great place to skate? With a bunker featuring an indoor skate park and outdoor parks complete with summer camps and weekly classes for skate and scooter – Woodward is a skating mecca year round. Enjoy concrete bowls, ledges, wall rides, mini ramps and more!
With Wifi access and a Cafe for mom and dad, the whole family will be happy. Plan accordingly – Online and advance registration is required through the park’s reservation hub and this is a cashless park.
Truckee Skatepark
Truckee Skatepark Website
10500 Brockway Road, Truckee
Kick the daily grind at this park, free for residents and visitors and one of the busiest facilities managed by Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District. You’ll enjoy the smooth, steep transitions and the obstacles for street skaters – a rail, ledges and a couple cement boxes. Find it in the Regional Park next to Brockway Road, near the large ballfield. The skatepark can be rented out for private parties or competitions. No Bikes, please.
Something BIG in the works
A larger, world class park, the Rocker Memorial Park, named in honor of community friend Steve “Rocker” Anderson is in the works, with city and environmental review locked in and fundraising well underway. The 25,000 square foot modern facility will feature large bowls and street skating opportunities. Zach Wormhoudt of Wormhoudt Inc. will design the park, known for designing dozens of parks around the country, including parks in Santa Cruz and Grass Valley.
Follow and support this important organization: rockermemorialskatepark.org/
Truckee Skate Shops
Looking for gear? Check out these skate shops in Truckee!
Arbor Tahoe
Arbor Website
10130 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee
Monday – Friday 11 am to 7 pm
Saturday – Sunday 9 am to 9 pm
One of only THREE flagship stores in the world, the Arbor Collective is committed to sustainability, craftsmanship and the never-ending pursuit of snowboarding, skateboarding and good times. Look for a full collection of Cruisers, Longboards, Surf Skates, Street Shapes and Dropcruisers at this epic shop.
Totally Board
Totally Board Website
10060 Bridge St, Truckee
Monday – Thursday 11 am to 5 pm
Friday 11 am to 6 pm
Saturday 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday 10 am to 5 pm
Located within the historical district of downtown Truckee, this shop has been outfitting locals with all their boarding needs since 1994. Trucks, bindings, helmets, apparel and more!
Truckee Boardhouse
@truckee.boardhouse
11486 Donner Pass Rd
Monday – Sunday 10 am to 6 pm
Locally owned and operated, since day one this core board shop is open year round providing service and gear for the entire family. Stocked with all the top industry brands, stop here to get ready for your next skating adventure.
