Skateparks Built in the ’70s now on our skate map

Skateboarding’s roots run deep — and so do the bowls, snake runs, and crusty banks of these legendary parks. Built in the 1970s, these spots weren’t just concrete experiments — they were playgrounds where skateboarding was shaped, redefined, and passed down.

We just added a new “Built in the ’70s” filter on TrucksandFins, so you can now search skateparks by the decade they were built in. It’s our way of preserving skateboarding’s architectural history and giving proper respect to the parks that made this culture what it is.

Meanwhile 2 (Royal Oak) – London, UK (1978)

Tucked beneath a West London bridge, Meanwhile 2 isn’t just a skatepark — it’s a landmark in UK skate history. Its steep transitions, crusty vibe, and graffiti-covered concrete have raised generations of skaters. A little wild, a little weathered, but still 100% iconic.

Rom Skatepark – Hornchurch, UK (1978)

Rom is a time capsule of 1970s skatepark architecture. With bowls, snake runs, and vert walls all preserved in original form, it’s the first European skatepark to be given national heritage status. It’s not just skateable — it’s sacred.

Southsea Skatepark – Portsmouth, UK (1978)

One of the oldest operating skateparks in the world, Southsea has evolved over decades but still carries the soul of the ’70s. With ramps, bowls, and BMX legacy mixed in, this park has seen it all — and it’s still standing proud by the sea.

Automobilen Skatepark – Falkenberg, Sweden (1978)

Often referred to as Automobilen Skatepark, this iconic spot opened in July 1978 and is one of Europe’s earliest concrete snakeruns. Inspired by the legendary Carlsbad park in California, it marked a turning point for Scandinavian skateboarding. As Sweden’s oldest surviving skatepark, Automobilen features a flowing 35-meter snakerun that captured the surf-style spirit of ’70s skateboarding. While time and weather have taken a toll on the concrete, its legacy remains intact — a true monument to the roots of skate culture in Europe.

Praia de Belas Skatepark – Porto Alegre, Brazil (1978)

Possibly the oldest skatepark in Brazil, Praia de Belas is concrete heritage in South America. Though the area around it changed over time, its structure remains — a snakerun that continues to inspire skaters to this day.

Seylynn Skatepark – North Vancouver, Canada (1978)

Canada’s oldest concrete park, Seylynn is home to one of the gnarliest snake runs ever poured. Still skateable and still fast, it’s a classic session spot for skaters who want to feel what the '70s were all about — speed, flow, and no coping.

Généraudière Skatepark – Nantes, France (1978)

Tucked into the Généraudière district on Avenue des Marais, this park is France’s oldest surviving skatepark — and a concrete icon. Built in 1978, Généraudière Skatepark stands as a testament to the early days of skateboarding in Europe. Its flowing transitions and timeless design have earned it legendary status among French skaters. Right next door sits a national-level BMX track, fully refurbished and modernized, making the area a unique blend of skate history and high-level progression. It’s a spot where past and present roll side by side.

Sandy Hills Skatepark (Lansdowne Bowl) – Maryland, USA (1978)

Sandy Hills, better known as Lansdowne Bowl, is a true piece of American skate history. Built in 1978, it's one of the oldest surviving skateparks in the U.S. The iconic concrete snakerun offers everything from mellow lines to full-speed, gnarly runs depending on how deep you’re willing to go. Next to it sits a small wooden setup for extra variety. The park is free to skate, but helmets and pads are mandatory — a small price to pay to roll through a living piece of skateboarding heritage.

Saintes Bowl – Saintes, France (1977)

This monster snakerun was way ahead of its time. Built before modern coping and design standards, it features a gigantic bowl with raw transitions. In need of restoration, but still skated, Saintes deserves recognition as one of Europe’s earliest big concrete builds.

Kennington Skatepark – London, UK (1978)

One of London’s oldest and most iconic skateparks, Kennington holds a special place in UK skateboarding history. It’s a spot that raised generations, with its flowing banks and raw concrete energy. Sadly, it’s currently unskateable — left to crumble in neglect. Seeing such a historic park fall into disrepair is a brutal reminder of how easily skateboarding’s past can be erased when cities don’t value what they’ve got. This place deserves more than abandonment — it deserves respect, restoration, and a new life.

So click, explore, and plan a road trip — because these 10 parks still exist today and there are many more. Some are still a dream to skate. Others need some love. But all of them are part of skateboarding’s DNA.