Parasite DIY skatepark

Parasite DIY Skatepark, New Orleans' first public skatepark, is a community-driven project that began in 2008 as a response to the lack of formal skate facilities in the city. Local skaters initially found a hidden concrete slab near railroad tracks and, using limited resources, started building ramps and obstacles. However, in 2012, the site was demolished, leading the skaters to relocate to a nearby space under the Interstate 610 overpass. This area became the foundation for what is now known as Parasite Skatepark, a name inspired by its location along Paris Avenue​.

The skatepark was officially recognized by the city in 2013 after sustained efforts by local skaters and community advocates. Key players included a group called Transitional Spaces, which collaborated with the Albert and Tina Small Center for Collaborative Design to secure the site’s legality and funding. The project received significant backing, including donations of skate elements from the Red Bull Mississippi Grind event, which involved a floating skateable barge journeying down the Mississippi River. This contributed to Parasite's mix of new and repurposed skate elements, enhancing its diverse range of obstacles​.

In 2015, Parasite DIY was fully legalized and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included city officials and members of the skateboarding community. This moment marked a shift from an unauthorized DIY effort to an officially sanctioned public space. The park has since evolved through multiple phases, adding features such as a peanut-shaped pool, rain gardens for flood control, and expanded street sections. Its success is attributed to grassroots efforts, partnerships with local organizations, and support from the City of New Orleans​.

Today, Parasite DIY continues to be a symbol of resilience and community engagement, offering a free and inclusive space for skaters, BMX riders, and other action sports enthusiasts in New Orleans.

Photos courtesy of Jaime Soto 2024