Page last updated on September 7, 2021 at 1:50 pm
The Skate Park at Upper Cascades was opened in 2004. The construction of the skate park was funded by a 2001 General Obligation Park Bond for $605,150. The skate park was designed by architects Lawrence R. Moss & Associates and built by Dreamland Skateparks. The conceptual design for the skate park was developed with input from Bloomington-area skate enthusiasts, and features concrete ramps, rails, and other terrain for use by skateboarders and inline skaters.
Within the fenced area of the skate park are two concrete bowls (9' and 4'), plus ledges, rails and slant rails, rolled hubba, euro gap, and plenty of other elements to grind on.
The city's annual Arbor Day ceremony celebrating Bloomington's 20th anniversary of being named a Tree City USA was held in conjunction with the grand opening of the Skate Park at Upper Cascades on May 6, 2004.
Safety equipment, including helmet, kneepads, wrist guards, and elbow pads is recommended.
There is one bike rack at the skate park, near the entrance on the south side of the park. There is also a drinking fountain, bench seating, and a Porta John.
Lower Cascades Park
Featuring a reservable shelter and a skate park, connected to Cascades Golf Course
Upper Cascades Park
Located north of the skate park; take Kinser Pike to Clubhouse Drive and turn east.
Event, Filming and Class Permit Applications
Apply to hold an event or a class in a city park.
Removal or Suspension from Bloomington Parks and Recreation Properties
Actions that could result in removal or suspension from city parks, and the appeal process.
Chemical Applications in City Parks
Record of chemical applications in city parks and trails.
Report a Problem at the Skate Park
Use the uReport online system to report a problem or make a comment.
History of Skate Parks in Bloomington
- 1989-93
Maplefoot Skatepark on West Fourth Street in Bloomington opens and closes. It consisted of "home made" wooden ramps on an asphalt surface. - 1999
More than 124 citations were issued and 50 skateboards were confiscated in Bloomington. The Parks and Recreation Department began conversations with the skating community to find ways to meet skaters' recreation needs. That same year, the Board of Park Commissioners initiated a bond issue process to fund projects at Miller-Showers Park, Bryan Park and Mills Pools, Cascades Park, and the Skate Park at Upper Cascades. - 2000
Parks and Recreation staff initiated discussions with local skateboard shop owners to gather input on the possible location for a skate park. After visiting numerous sites, the group decided on Upper Cascades Park due to its size, location, and access to public transportation routes. Bloomington For Alternative Sports (BFAST) began formal meetings with City of Bloomington staff and formed a name, fundraising options, and preliminary plans for a skate park. - 2001
Parks General Obligation Bond issue for $6.2 million passes. - 2001
Build Indiana funds of $40,000 pledged for this project, but were then eliminated with the program was suspended in 2002. The City of Bloomington chose to continue park development. - 2003
Skate park conceptual design phase began with the Parks and Recreation Department, BFAST, and architectural firm L.R. Moss and Associates, a California-based firm considered one of the premiere skate park design firms in the country. The skate park design was accepted after multiple meetings with skateboarders' input. Bids for construction of the project were accepted from Dave O'Mara Construction for $605,150, with $312,592 allocated for the skate park. Other construction at the park included an asphalt basketball court, and new parking lot and park entrance. Additional space was left in Upper Cascades Park for greenspace or future expansion of facilities. - May 6, 2004
Skate Park at Upper Cascades grand opening - November 2019
Skate Park at Switchyard Park grand opening