Arcata has skaters covered with two great spots where they can shred, one indoors and one outdoors. The outdoor facility is the venerable 10,000 sq. ft. Arcata Skatepark. It has a decent-sized snake run, a nice eight-foot bowl that's great for vertical moves, a small street scene, and a fun box. Operated by the City of Arcata Division of Parks and Recreation, there is no fee for using it. And even though it's popular, it's rarely overcrowded. It's a treat for experienced skaters, and a place where beginning skaters can develop their skills — as long as the weather is good.
When it rains, as it often does on the North Coast, the action moves indoors, but even when it's beautiful outside, the indoor action is still intense. RampArt Indoor Skatepark features over 3,000 square feet of indoor wooden ramps as well as a lounge and classroom for year-round use. It offers open sessions, youth school-break camps, private lessons, skill-building workshops, birthday parties, concerts, art shows and a bunch more, including a full skate, scooter & bmx shop. Murals adorn the walls and the space is filled with amplified music during open hours after school, evenings and weekends. And while it's not free, the cost to drop in is nominal. RampArt Skatepark is a 501 nonprofit and relies largely on the support of the community for its existence.
RampArt Indoor Skatepark, 700 South G St.; 707-826-0675, RampArtSkatepark.org
Arcata Skatepark, 900 Sunset Ave., one block west of Hwy 101, 707-822-7091 and on Facebook
