Put the stress of life on hold in an active way by dropping by a local skatepark around OC. We’ve outlined three of the closest parks to campus, so you can take a quick break for some kick-flips and ollies between classes.
By: Michael Quintero
Brea Skatepark: Brea is an ideal skatepark for anyone who is learning the basics of skateboarding. Smooth concrete and coping on the quarter pipes are exactly what skaters are looking for.
Brea has a little bit of everything. From a mini bowl, manual pad, cement pyramid, and of course rails, there’s not much more to ask for in a skatepark. The environment is friendly for the most part, with the exception of the few local skaters hanging out in the back of the park smoking weed and drinking beer.
Hours: Sunup to sundown
Address: 502 Sievers Ave., Brea, CA 92821
Vans Skatepark, Orange: Signing a quick waiver will give you entrance to the indoor Vans skatepark at the Orange Outlets mall. Vans has a ton of features to their park with a 12-foot deep pool, a 5 to 9-foot wood mini-ramp and the main street course with banks, rails, stairs, and ledges.
There is also a mini street course with all the same features, just at a smaller scale. The only downside of Vans is the park can become jam-packed depending on the day and time. The park is a bit more on the advanced side, but given the free entrance, it is not a bad place to learn.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 am to 10 pm, Sunday 10 am to 9 pm
Address: 20 City Blvd. West, Orange, CA 92868
Fullerton Skatepark: Located right next to a railroad track, this park can seem a bit sketchy at times. With empty cases of beer and broken bottles scattered across the outskirts of the park, the Fullerton skatepark fits more of a “locals only” type of vibe.
The terrain itself is pretty harsh, with concrete that is more on the rougher side and can feel uneven in certain areas. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but only those who know how to skate should take on this challenging turf.
Hours: Sunup to sundown
Address: 801 W. Valencia Dr., Fullerton, CA 92832
