New Phoenix Skate Spot Opens Nov. 13 With 100 Free Skateboards

Free grand opening on November 13 will feature skateboarding lessons, food, and 100 new skateboards for neighborhood children.

 

PHOENIX, AZ — A new skateboarding destination is coming to downtown Phoenix as Cowtown S.K.A.T.E. and District 7 Councilwoman Anna Hernandez prepare to celebrate the opening of the first S.K.A.T.E. Spot at University Park on Friday, November 13, 2026.

The free, all-ages grand opening will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at University Park, located at 1102 W. Van Buren Street. The celebration will feature skateboarding lessons, food, and a special skateboard giveaway designed to make the sport more accessible to neighborhood children.

The project is a collaboration between Cowtown S.K.A.T.E., the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, and Councilwoman Hernandez, with support from Arizona Public Service (APS).

Bringing Skateboarding Closer to Phoenix Neighborhoods

The new S.K.A.T.E. Spot is designed to provide a dedicated place for skateboarders within their own community, eliminating the need for young people to travel long distances to find suitable skating facilities.

Located near 11th Avenue and Van Buren Street, the skate spot was designed by skateboarder Colby Carter and built by fellow skateboarder Josh Hawkins.

The project reflects Cowtown S.K.A.T.E.’s mission to expand access to skateboarding while encouraging physical activity, creativity, and community connections.

“This spot was made by skateboarders, for skateboarders. We’re stoked to get it in the ground, and we want the kids in University Park to know it belongs to them,” said Ed Cox Jr. of Cowtown S.K.A.T.E.

The University Park installation represents the beginning of a broader effort to bring smaller, accessible skateboarding facilities into neighborhood parks throughout Phoenix. Cowtown S.K.A.T.E. plans to open additional locations in 2027.

Councilwoman Hernandez Highlights Community Benefits

Councilwoman Anna Hernandez emphasized the importance of creating recreational spaces that provide young people with opportunities to develop confidence, build friendships, and feel connected to their neighborhoods.

“Skateboarding builds community, confidence and a sense of belonging. Bringing a skate spot into a neighborhood park means kids and people of all ages in District 7 have a skating spot that is theirs right here in this community,” Hernandez said.

The new facility adds another recreational opportunity to District 7 while supporting the city’s efforts to make neighborhood parks more welcoming and accessible to residents of all ages.

100 Free Skateboards Available Through Boards for the Barrio

One of the grand opening’s biggest attractions will be Cowtown S.K.A.T.E.’s signature Boards for the Barrio program.

During the event, organizers will distribute 100 brand-new, complete skateboards to children from the University Park neighborhood.

Children who already own a skateboard can trade in their old board for a new one. Those who do not have a skateboard can receive one free of charge.

The initiative aims to remove financial barriers that might otherwise prevent children from participating in skateboarding.

Sana Sana Cervecería is supporting the Boards for the Barrio program, while Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen will provide food for attendees. Local artist Adam Vigil created the event artwork.

Grand Opening Event Details

Cowtown S.K.A.T.E. Continues Its Commitment to Arizona Youth

For more than 25 years, Cowtown Skateboards has played a role in Arizona’s skateboarding community, supporting local skateboarders through events, equipment, and advocacy for skateboarding facilities.

In 2018, the organization expanded its community outreach by establishing Cowtown S.K.A.T.E., a nonprofit dedicated to using skateboarding as a tool for youth development and community improvement.

Through initiatives such as Boards for the Barrio and the development of neighborhood skate spots, the nonprofit works to provide young people with equipment, recreational opportunities, and positive experiences.

The opening at University Park marks another step toward making skateboarding accessible to more Phoenix families.

With additional S.K.A.T.E. Spots planned for 2027, the organization hopes to continue creating spaces where young people can learn new skills, build friendships, and develop a lasting connection to their communities.

For families in downtown Phoenix, Friday’s celebration offers an opportunity to experience the new facility, participate in free activities, and help welcome a new addition to University Park.