Kona Skatepark Explained

Kona Skatepark is a skateboard park in 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]}

It was built during the 1970s skateboarding boom, when many other cities opened their first skateparks.^[4] 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. Today more features have been added, though some people say it is also in need of repairs.^[5] In 2017, the park had an event to celebrate the 40 year anniversary of its opening.

The park is featured as a level in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4.^[6]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Kona Skatepark . 2022-12-15 . Atlas Obscura . en.
2. Web site: Freeman . Clayton . Street League Skateboarding to return to Jacksonville in July for arena competition . 2022-12-15 . The Florida Times-Union . en-US.
3. Web site: 15 interesting skateboarding facts . 2022-12-15 . Red Bull . en.
4. Web site: Soergel . Matt . Vintage Times-Union: 1970s' skateboarding, from Jacksonville driveways to one of top skateparks in U.S. . 2022-12-15 . The Florida Times-Union . en-US.
5. Web site: Skeeple . Junior . 2017-04-13 . 40-year-old Kona Skatepark readies for renovations, summer festival . 2022-12-15 . Jacksonville Business Journal.
6. Web site: Skatethrough: Kona . 2024-03-03 . IGN.