Have you ever noticed the round knobs that have been welded at regular intervals on the exterior handrails next to stairways across campus? The knobs discourage skateboarders and roller bladers from using the handrails for performing tricks. So where can one lock a sick grind without getting a swellbow?
Two skateparks located within five miles of Utah Valley State College are great places to skateboard or roller blade. Both parks offer plenty of knob free obstacles including rails, ramps, bowls and pyramids.
The skatepark at Fort Utah Park is located in Provo at Geneva Road and 200 North. If you are not familiar with Provo, the easiest way to get to the skatepark is to take University Parkway to Parkway Crossing. At the light, University Parkway intersects with Geneva Road. Turn left and drive four miles until you see the skatepark on the left.
If you are an amateur, the skatepark at Fort Utah Park might be the place for you. It is small and the obstacles are not intimidating. The skatepark opens at 8 a.m. and closes at dusk. There is no fee to use the skatepark.
The Orem skatepark is larger and offers a greater challenge than other local skateparks. It is located just a mile north of campus at 1200 West and 400 North. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to dusk and is free to the public. The park is closed when the surface is icy or wet. Orem City Fire Department Station #3 is located next to the park. No doubt many of Orem’s dumbest have been treated by Orem’s finest at Station #3 due to its proximity to the skatepark.
Many UVSC students enjoy skating at the Orem skatepark. In a recent interview at the skatepark, Andrew Johnson, a UVSC Sophomore from Orem said, "It’s a good way to get away from the monotonous restraints of life."
Students should consider visiting the skateparks between classes late in the morning or early in the afternoon. Later in the day, the skateparks are usually crowded with more kid skaters than UVSC handrails have knobs.
Ray Cheatham is a UVSC student majoring in outdoor recreation management.
