| Kona Skatepark | |
|---|---|
 Kona Skatepark, 2005 | |
  | |
| Location | 8739 Kona Ave, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 30°19′23″N 81°33′54″W / 30.3230°N 81.5650°W |
| Area | 9 acres (0.036 km2) |
| Established | 1977 |
| Designer | Martin Ramos II |
| Operated by | Kona Skateparks |
| Open | Year round |
| Website | Kona Skatepark |
Kona Skatepark is a skateboard park in the Arlington area of Jacksonville, Florida, United States. It was opened in 1977, making it the second oldest operating skatepark in the world, surpassed only by Derby Skatepark in Santa Cruz which opened one year prior in 1976.[1][2][3] The Yelp website reports that the location has closed[4] and the City of Jacksonville now claims Kona as the oldest surviving skatepark.[5]
It was built during the 1970s skateboarding boom, when many other cities opened their first skateparks.[6] While other parks opened during the 1970s later shut down, Kona Skatepark stayed open.
The park originally included a beginner area, a bowl, and some cruising features, such as speed runs, and banked curves.[6] Today more features have been added, though some people say it is also in need of repairs.[7] In 2017, the park had an event to celebrate the 40 year anniversary of its opening.[7]
The park is featured as a level in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ "Kona Skatepark". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
- ^ Freeman, Clayton. "Street League Skateboarding to return to Jacksonville in July for arena competition". The Florida Times-Union. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
- ^ "15 interesting skateboarding facts". Red Bull. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
- ^ "Derby Park". yelp.com. Yelp, Inc. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
- ^ "KONA Park". jacksonville.gov. City of Jacksonville. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
- ^ a b Soergel, Matt. "Vintage Times-Union: 1970s' skateboarding, from Jacksonville driveways to one of top skateparks in U.S." The Florida Times-Union. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
- ^ a b Skeeple, Junior (2017-04-13). "40-year-old Kona Skatepark readies for renovations, summer festival". Jacksonville Business Journal. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
- ^ "Skatethrough: Kona". IGN. Retrieved 2024-03-03.