The Wheeling Skatepark is a 10,000 square foot concrete public facility located on Community Street, just off Interstate 70 in Wheeling, West Virginia 26003. Owned and operated by the City of Wheeling, the skatepark is open 24/7 and welcomes skateboards and roller blades but for safety reasons, bike use is not permitted in the park.
The skatepark was built by world renowned skatepark builders Grindline Skateparks of Seattle, Washington and opened on October 21, 2007. The park consists of 60% bowl and 40% street elements. An organically shaped bowl transitions from 4ft. to 10ft. deep, enabling beginners to start in the shallower areas and move to the deeper areas as they build their skills. There is also a flowing street course that features numerous banks, rails and ledges. In October 2009 the street section was expanded and a large covered picnic shelter with benches and seating was added.
The nonprofit Wheeling Skatepark Committee formed in 2001 shortly after 12-year-old Wheeling resident Nathan Mey appeared before City Council to petition for a skatepark for himself and other local skateboarders. The Committee consisted of local residents and city officials who worked cooperatively over six years to raise $330,000 towards construction of the park. The Committee also facilitated numerous public forums where stakeholders were encouraged to participate in designing the park.
Nathan Mey was 18 when he performed the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Grand Opening in the fall of 2007. The park opened to rave reviews and regularly draws extreme sports enthusiasts from throughout the United States. It is said to be one of the best concrete skateparks on the east coast.
The Skatepark was the beneficiary of funding and generous donations from various sources including major grants from The Tony Hawk Foundation, The Brad Paisley Foundation and The Land and Water Conservation Fund. The City of Wheeling also committed substantial funding for the park and nonprofit Skaters For Public Skateparksprovided valuable insight and advice throughout the design and construction phase.
Please note that overnight camping at the skatepark is not permitted.
