A brand-new plaza-style skate park in South San Francisco is quickly gaining recognition as one of the best in the area. With its innovative design and community-driven planning, this skate park promises to be a game-changer for the local skating scene.
We caught up with Parks Manager Joshua Richardson, who shared how the city gathered feedback from skaters of all ages across the Bay Area to ensure the park met the needs of its diverse skating community. “We wanted to make sure it was done right,” Richardson said, highlighting the importance of including skaters in the design process.
Ryen Motzek, owner of Atlas Skateshop and a key figure in the South San Francisco skate scene, spoke about how the design team took inspiration from iconic San Francisco landmarks like Union Square. “The goal was to create a park that felt open, unlike the typical caged-in skate parks,” Motzek explained.
The design includes features such as ledges and banks that echo the look and feel of the famous Federal Banks, making it a natural fit for skaters who enjoy these types of spots.
Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation, emphasized the significance of community involvement in the project. “Listening to the local skaters was essential,” he said. “We’ve seen the consequences of not involving them in the planning process before, and we didn’t want to repeat those mistakes.”
The new skate park is not just a place to skate—it’s a statement about what happens when the community’s voice is heard. According to Motzek, pro skater Miles Silvas summed it up perfectly: “This is like a dream come true, and I can’t believe it’s real.”
The park stands as a testament to how city officials and local skaters can collaborate to create a space that’s both functional and inspiring. With this success, other cities may look to South San Francisco as a model for future skate park projects.
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