City of Ottawa looking at network of skate parks in new strategy

Jordan Wells skateboarding at the DIY skatepark in Centretown on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 (Katelyn Wilson/CTV News Ottawa)

The City of Ottawa is looking at a new plan to create an interconnected network of skate parks.

The city’s proposed skateboard and roller sports strategy is an updated plan to build upon the interim strategy that was first enacted in 2012.

According to a document prepared for the committee, the strategy would establish “a city-wide system of skateboard and roller sport parks, organized into district‑level destinations and neighbourhood parks.” Key considerations for locations include building skate parks near transit and which support a variety of user skill levels.

“This system promotes diversity through varied park designs, features, and themes, allowing each park to offer a distinct experience while collectively meeting the needs of Ottawa’s skateboarding and roller sports communities,” the document says.

In addition to skateboarding, the parks should also accommodate other sports, such as BMX, inline skating and scooters, using different styles and surfaces to accommodate visitors, including concrete and asphalt.

The strategy says skateparks should be located at or near existing recreational facilities like community centres, arenas, playgrounds, and other sports fields.

“Co-locating facilities allows skateboard and roller sport users to benefit from established amenities, including potable water, washrooms, seating, lighting, and parking, which improve comfort, safety, and duration of use,” city staff say. “Shared sites also support passive surveillance, operational efficiencies, and opportunities for multi-generational and cross-program recreation, contributing to more vibrant and well-used public spaces.”

When not located near an existing facility, designs should include access to shade, drinking water, and lighting.

Types of parks

According to the city, park types include “street plaza” designs, bowl parks, and hybrid parks that combine different elements.

• Street plaza: Designed to replicate urban landscapes and plaza where skateboarding originated, modern parks work to incorporate structural and cosmetic enhancements, including ledges, rails, stairs, and other elements inspired by urban environments.
• Bowls/transition style: Built to mimic empty pools, these parks are now purpose built and are considerable in size. Parks of this nature tend to include more curved and inclined surfaces that offer varying angles and heights, bowls and transitions can be either above or below grade and provide curved surfaces and bowls that support flow-based riding.
• Hybrid: Incorporates both plaza and bowl/transitions style parks into one. These parks require larger space and require better spatial organization, which can offer complex design challenges and increased overall cost but combine elements from multiple styles to accommodate a variety of users.

Park design elements can include a mixture of styles such as:

• Freestyle areas: Dedicated open spaces designed for more technical, flat-ground usage.
• Slalom run: A smooth, flowing line where a user weaves back and forth through features.
• Snake run: A long and winding smooth pathway that curves back and forth, designed for continuous carving and pumping.
• Bowls and pools: Large, curved riding areas, made for ariel tricks; similar to empty swimming pools.
• Half pipe: U-shaped ramp made of two opposing curved walls, with a flat section between them. Used by riders to gain speed and go back and forth from side to side.
• Full pipe: An enclosed, circular tube-like structure where users can ride through. Typically made of metal or concrete.

City staff say there are currently 24 skateboard and roller sport parks across the city and the City of Ottawa capital budget has funds allocated towards six projects to enhance existing skate parks and build new ones.

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App