Skating has always been a popular activity in Pensacola, Florida. Until a few years ago, there had not been much interest in providing a safe, large and isolated place for skaters to indulge in their favorite activity.
The Pensacola Board of County Commissioners and the Pensacola City Council came together with concerned citizens to address the need to provide clean, open, safe areas for youngsters to go for recreation.
Pensacola Skate Park: The X-Park At Phoenix Crossing
Located at the intersection of Palafox at Brent Lane is the X-Park at Phoenix Crossing. The X-Park has been open since 2002. Youngsters of all ages come to X-Park at Phoenix Crossing to indulge in their favorite pastimes. The park has an awesome 35,000 square ft area of skating space. Beginners have an area featuring a 3′ mini half pipe, grind rails, spines and bank walls for propelling their skate boards to new heights. Skater are allowed to indulge in their activities as long as they abide by the rules provided. Skaters must wear state regulated helmets at all times while on the floor. Knee pads are not required but are strongly recommended. Skaters without knee pads or helmets can rent them upon entering the park. A waiver of responsibility is required to be signed before skating takes place. The park is open August through April of each year from 3 pm through 10 pm Sunday through Thursday. During the months of May through the beginning of August, the park is open from Monday through Saturday from 12 pm through 10 pm and Sunday 3 pm through 10 pm. A concession stand is available to purchase trinkets, food and beverages. Park attendants are available and keep watch over activities. A 1750 game room is available with over 100 games. Skateboard and biking contest are conducted during the summer and early fall. Youngsters can ride their bikes, skateboard or roller blades during the open hours. For more information, contest schedules or additional information, visit www.phoenixXpark.com or call (850) 430-4242.
Pensacola Skate Park: Waterboyz Skate Park
Located at 380 N 9th Ave, the Waterboyz Surf Shop and Skate Park offer skaters 5000 square feet of floor for all actiovities. The Skate Park is indoors, air conditioned and located inside the Waterboyz Retail Surf and Skate HeadquarterS. An additional 5000 square feet is available offering a retail shop, t-shirt production area, snack bar, lounge and television area. Included inside the building is also an area where skateboards are manufactured in addition to a wood and metal fabrication shop. For those not interested in skating, the lounge area houses seven leather sofas, a flat screen television, a game and picnic table. Skaters are able to perform their art in a area which includes a 5 foot half pipe, a large bank rail, stair steps, a wall ride and grind rails.
Waterboyz requires helmets worn at all times when on the ramp. Skate Boards are rented at a cost of $3 per board. Helmets are also available for rent at the same cost. For more information visit www.waterboyz.com or call (850) 433-2929.
Pensacola is a growing area with hundreds of activities to offer those residing in the area or visitors. For more information regarding activities and discounts, contact the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce at www.pensacolachamber.com or www.visitpensacola.com.
Sources;
www.pensacolachamber.com
www.visitpensacola.com
www.pensacolaskateparks.com
