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Skate Shops & Parks

Skate Shops & Parks

We’re migrating our skate parks and skate shop pages and profiles here. It’s gonna be better than ever. (Pardon our progress!)

Illinois:

Chicago:

La Villita Skate Park (LV2 or Prison Park)

LV2 Skate Park Looking North

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Skatepark Name: La Villita Skate Park (LV2 or Prison Park))
Usually called Prison Park since it’s next to the Cook County Department of Corrections or LV2 standing for Little Village 2 as there are two skateparks in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. The other one is Piotrowski Park or LV1.

It’s nick names come from the fact that there’s two skate parks in Little Village (LV2) and it’s proximity to the Cook County Jail at 26th and California. I hope the closest you ever get to there is the skate park! The skate park is one smaller component to the overall La Villita Park, complete with playground, basketball courts, soccer fields.

The skate park has a ton of obstacles crammed into a smallish space. I hear a lot of people pick this park apart for how it could be better. Sure they can always be better but the one gripe that is completely warranted is the slope of this park. The entire thing is on an angle. I’m assuming its for drainage. That being said the northern part of the skate park is the low side and goes right into a grassy / muddy ditch. Consider yourself warned if you are skating after it rains. One other bit of issue is the grinding ledge on the manual pad. The metal is really soft and seems to want to buck you off. Beware the amount of wax on this curb. You’ll come off faster than you started!

Now the fun stuff. Like I said there’s a ton of stuff to skate here. Ledges, rails, ramps, stairs…all of the stuff a skatepark should have, right? Some of the unique features and favorites at LV2 are: The steps make some interesting right angles and have metal edges. Fun to grind from one step and ollie from one to the next or around the 90 corner. There’s a bank style launch ramp that is a ton of fun to jump and there’s a hand rail next to it. Once you spend some time here you’ll start to see where you can transfer from one obstacle to the next and get creative.

Pro Tips:
Parking: There’s free parking on 27th street. I usually enter here even thought it’s a trek up the sidewalk. It’s fun coming back down but don’t toe drag to slow down. Your next stop will be the skate shop to get a new pair of shoes. Trust me on this one. That concrete will eat right through the sole of your shoe.
This park can get crowded. If there’s a soccer game or it’s a nice Saturday afternoon it will be packed. If you can’t park on 27th you can park on Whipple South of 27th.

The other plus of parking on 27th is the fact that you are steps away from the Discount Mall.
The Discount Mall is a great place to get some tacos after skating. There’s a bathroom here too. That’s a plus since the one by the skate park is often closed. This place is also a treasure trove of discount goodies. Stereo equipment to clothing to birds. This place has it all. 3 for $10 shirts are a steal!

There are lights for night skating!

Piotrowski Skate Park (LV1)

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Skatepark Name: Piotrowaki Park (LV1)
Usually called LV1 standing for Little Village 1 as there are two skateparks in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago. The other one is Called La Villita, Prison Park or LV2.

Inside / Outside:
Outside

Open / Closed:
6am – 11pm

Free or Pay:
Free

Are Pads Required?
No

Riding Surface?
Concrete

Lights:
You can see around the manual pad area. Everything else is too dark.

Washrooms:
Park District building to the East. Enter on North side of building. Bathrooms are on the right.
If that’s closed and you gotta go. Go towards Cicero and hit up one of the gas stations there.

Review:
Of all the Chicagoland Parks this one feels the most like a street spot. It feels like you are skating in a urban plaza. Lots of street obstacles. Benches and manny pads are perfect.

Insider Tips:
Parking: You can park on 31st. No meters. The lot is good too but be careful. On busy days people will park in the middle of the lot making it difficult to get out. Watch for weirdos, especially at night. Thirsty? Do hit up the machete guy over by the old pickup truck. Get a coconut!

Other:
On the Southside of 31st St.

Is there a pro shop on site?
No
Nearest shop is Prosper

Food / Drinks nearby:
Machete guy or any of the carts on 31st.

My 2 Cents:
I really like this park. I feel comfortable here. But again, watch out for weirdos.
Eat while you are in the neighborhood. So many good spots.

Management of Skate Park:
Chicago Park District

Emergency Phone Number:
911

Map:

Prosper Skate Shop

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Prosper is located in the heart in Chicago’s famous Little Village neighborhood. Prosper was founded in 2011 to take care of the southside of Chicago’s skateboard community and help grow the scene to its fullest potential.

Uprise Skate Shop

Pictures:

Videos: Coming Soon

Frankfort, Illinois:

Frankfort Pump Track

Videos:

Dekalb, Illinois:

Fargo Skateboarding

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Skatepark Name: Fargo Skateboarding:
The skatepark is located in the historic Fargo Theater!

Inside / Outside:
Inside.

Size:
10,000 SQ FT.

Are Pads Required?
No.

Waiver Required?
Yes. Can be done electronically on site.

Hours / Rates:
Check their website for the most updated information.
https://fargoskateboarding.com/

Riding Surface?
Wooden ramps and concrete floor.

Is there a pro shop on site?
Yes, fully stocked with decks, trucks, wheels, shoes, clothing.
The shop has all of the major brands plus local Chicago brands (Like Pardon My Thrashing).

Food / Drinks nearby:
Plenty of options up and down Lincoln Highway. CHICKEN across the street and Tom & Jerry’s are local favorites. 

Restrooms:
Yes, in the skatepark to the left of the “stage”. “Nicest skate park bathroom I have ever been in.” – Greg Roberts.

Other Info:
On the Northside of Lincoln Highway right in downtown Dekalb.
They are in the former Fargo Theater. You can find free parking right in front on Lincoln Highway.

Review:
Fargo is located approximately 65 miles West of Grant Park Skate Park. Lincoln Highway is also Route 38 and for us city folks; Roosevelt Rd.
If you want to take the scenic route out to Dekalb you can just head West on Roosevelt Rd!
I have done it before! Just take the Eisenhower (290) merge on to the Regan (88) and sing along to your favorite driving tunes until you exit 88 at Peace Rd.

Once you park you walk right into the shop store front. The shop is well stocked and nicely lit. Tons of decks, shoes, clothing, hats…
The park is past the left of the sales counter, out to the patio, turn right, and head straight for the door in front of you.

When it’s cold outside it’s toasty in the park. If you have a bag or other gear to put somewhere there’s a hangout area in the park.

Fargo is constantly evolving and changing their set up. They have some unique obstacles, couple of different height manny pads, pool corner, mini ramp (a large and small version), pyramid, rails, Euro gap. Plenty of moveable obstacles too.

They also offer lesions, skate camp and have a lady’s only skate sessions as well as a 30 years old and older session once per month.

Insider Tips:
You can park right in front on Lincoln Highway. Free street parking. Show off your parallel parking skills before you show off your skate boarding skills.

Map:

Elgin, Illinois:

Syndicate Skate Park

Full review coming soon! (It’s gets a PMT thumbs up!)

Lake Bluff, Illinois:

Asylum Skate Shop & Park – New set up! Updates coming soon.

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Skatepark Name: Asylum Skatepark
Other Info: On the West side of Skokie Highway.
In the same complex as the Hot Shot Ice arena.

Inside / Outside:
Inside.

Size:

Are Pads Required?
No.

Waiver Required?
Yes. Can be done on site.

Hours / Rates:
Check their website for the most updated information. http://www.asylumskatepark.com/

Riding Surface?
Wooden ramps, Gator Skins and concrete floor.

Is there a pro shop on site?
Yes, fully stocked with decks, trucks, wheels, shoes, clothing.
Fully stocked with Pardon My Thrashing gear.

Food / Drinks nearby:
Asylum has drinks and snack options onsite! North on the Skokie Hwy, you will find gas stations, fast food and Full Moon 24 hour restaurant.

Restrooms:
Yes. When walking in go to the left of the Asylum sigh then hang a right and follow the hallway.

Other Info:
Parking lot is shared with the ice area that is next door. Sometimes it gets packed. So don’t park next to the minivan or SUV that looks likes a bunch of kids are going to wack hockey sticks into your sweet ride.

Review:
Asylum is located 35 miles North of Grant Park Skate Park in Chicago.
It is 25 miles North of the Small Park in Lincolnwood.
Driving from the North? Asylum is 21 miles South of The Brat Stop.
Out West? Asylum is 39 miles from the Villa park Skate Park

Asylum has seen a lot of improvements as of late. Lets start at the bottom and work up.
Want a slippery floor? Well, go to the ice arena next door. Asylum gave their floor a mean scraping and isn’t so slick now.

Their “street area” keeps evolving with many changes from last season
New stairs and ledges, half pyramid is back, new Euro gap and the shop side has been reconfigured. Mini got a reworking and feels much better. It got some access steps too.

They have just about every type of terrain there, bowl, mini, street area, ledges, banks…
Getting there: If you are in the city just take the Edens to the Skokie Hwy. verses taking the Tri State (294). Feels like an easier drive. Plus there’s more places to stop off and get gas, eat, bathroom break.

Insider Tips:
Check their website first, before you make the drive to see if they have any special events going on: ttp://www.asylumskatepark.com/ or call Phone: 1-847-578-5103

Map:

Mt. Prospect:

FA Skate Shop

Map:

Oregon, Illinois:

Oregon Illinois Skatepark

  • Address: Oregon, IL.
  • Phone:
  • Email:
  • Web:

Oswego Illinois:

The Den Skate Park And Community Center

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Rockford Illinois:

Ground Floor Skateboards

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Google Map:

Springfield Illinois:

Project Southtown Airbnb In Springfield Illinois

Book Your Stay At This Airbnb (Tell George you saw this on PMT’s website!)

Entire townhouse hosted by George Sinclair

9 guests, 2 bedrooms, 5 beds, 2.5 baths

Book Your Stay At This Airbnb (Tell George you saw this on PMT’s website!)

ALL THE PICS HERE!!!

About this space:

This 120 year old building was remodeled 20 years ago & has served as the anchor in a neighborhood that is being revitalized by Project Southtown! We are now in a second phase of renovation, and as you can see in the photos our windows and doors need some work, and they are getting it. Please bear with us as we solve these challenges. There is a little dust and we have a dog, but the bathrooms are clean as is the kitchen and bedrooms! This place was built for fun, & we will help you find it!

We are in an inner city location and there is some street noise. We do have a large pollinator space out back that is peaceful ; a good place to cook out as well. There is a grill and several picnic tables for you to use.

Guest access:

Guests have the entire second level to themselves for complete privacy. I stay in one of my apartments next door and can be reached through a connecting back porch without having to go outside. They also have access to my skatepark located on the first floor below the Airbnb 24/7!

Other things to note:

Guests have the option to close the skatepark or limit the hours during their stay. Most guests enjoy watching the skaters and talking with them. Some even bring their boards and join in!

Learn more about the host, George:

I am a treasure hunter! I took a part of town that had been abandon and turned it into a little paradise for those who seek the unique and the spectacular! This urban street corner is home to the WORLDS oldest continuously operating skatepark (and music venue) (1988).

Book Your Stay At This Airbnb (Tell George you saw this on PMT’s website!)

More Info!

As our guests, you will be encouraged to pick our berries, harvest from our garden, skate our ramps and even host your own music event! And if you are interested in bees or beekeeping, just say so and I will take you inside the hive and show you how to do it yourself if you like!

Our buildings are 120 years old and were remodeled 20 years ago, so be prepared to stay in a very “lived in” building. We will not pass a white glove test due to the skate ramps on the first floor. We also have dogs. But the space as a whole is clean, as are the sheets and the bathrooms. Being on a busy street corner means that there is some traffic noise. We are not a secluded get-away, but then, we are only a 7.5 block walk from Lincoln’s Home!

During your stay:

For the avid skater, just skating the ramps will keep you stoked for hours on end! Tony Hawk said “There are a million lines in this room!”, and he was right. The ramp is 4 to 5 feet tall and includes many hips, transfers, transitions, and a half bowl.

For those not skating there are unlimited opportunities to learn the history of the sport by checking out my private board collection or asking questions pertaining to the role that this skatepark plays in the Midwestern skate scene. I also have a large collection of books and magazines dating back to the ’70s that are very helpful in understanding the evolution and influence that skateboarding has had in shaping the music, fashion and art in modern pop culture.

Other things to note:

Skank Skates is the anchor for Project Southtown which is an Urban Revitalization Nonprofit dedicated to improving inner-city living through art, music, food, and exercise. Since 1988 we have been a safe place for kids of all ages to showcase their talents!

I am available in the evenings and on weekends. My work is only 5 minutes away in case you need me in a pinch!

Book Your Stay At This Airbnb (Tell George you saw this on PMT’s website!)

Winthrop Harbor Illinois:

Starlight Skatepark

  • Address: 1225 Sheridan Rd. Suite G. Winthrop Harbor, IL. 60096
  • Phone: (224) 209-7867
  • Web: starlightskatepark.com
  • Hours: Open every day 12pm to 10pm (Check their website if it is or around a holiday)

Pricing: $15 for a day pass

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The one and only Jim Mallardo has created one awesome skatepark in Winthrop Harbor! They have everything from a fully stocked shop to a heated and air-conditioned skatepark! Plus, there are party rooms to rent out and lazer tag next door. There’s even seating to watch the action in the skatepark.

Waiver Required?
Yes. Can be done on site.

Riding Surface?
Wooden ramps, gator Skins and concrete floor.

Is there a pro shop on site?
Yes, fully stocked with decks, trucks, wheels, shoes, clothing.
Fully stocked with Pardon My Thrashing gear.

Restrooms:
Yes, and super clean too!

Food / Drinks nearby:
Starlight has a full selection of hot sauce and other items that will burn your mouth! Be warned! PMT hasn’t spent a ton of time in the area but we saw a ton of restaurants and gas stations and convenience stores around the skatepark. Starlight does have cold drinks for sale and the best drinking fountain ever!

Review:
More than totally worth the drive. Jim is a life long skateboarder who knows what’s up. That shows all throughout the skatepark, from the ramps, layout and positive vibe here. We are looking forward to our next session there.

Google Map:

Michigan

Battleground Skatehouse (Indoor)

  • Address: 5775 Beckley Rd. Ste. 335, Battle Creek, MI. 49015
  • In the Lakeview Square Mall
  • Phone: (269) 962-1080
  • Web: www.battlegroundskatehouse.com
  • Hours: See website for hours and pricing

At Calhoun County’s only indoor skate park, Battleground welcome all kinds of wheels including skateboards, BMX bikes, scooters and in-line skates. On occasion, they have had roller derby girls on classic four wheeled skates, wheel chairs and even a unicycle once! (We’re pretty sure PMT rider Pat Kizziah was the person on the unicycle)

Waiver Required?
Yes. Can be done on site.

Riding Surface?
Wooden ramps / Gator Skin and concrete floor.

Is there a pro shop on site?
Yes, fully stocked with decks, trucks, wheels, shoes, clothing.
Fully stocked with Pardon My Thrashing gear.

Restrooms:
Yes, and super clean too!

Food / Drinks nearby:
Battleground has drinks available for purchase. At the other end of the mall you will find a couple of casual sit down spots and quick Japanese spot. Also the Barns & Noble has a cafe inside of it as well. There’s plenty of eating options around the outskirts of the mall.

Review:
Battleground Skatehouse is conveniently located right of the 94 Expressway in the Lakeview Square Mall. Perfect for rainy days or enjoy some mall air conditioning on those sweltering summer days or any day that you want to skate and hang at an awesome skatepark and shop with just as awesome people. Everyone there was super welcoming. The shop is fully stock and they have a sick park! There a viewing area chill zone with couches right in front too.

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