Cruise on up to the chain-link fenced-in world that is the skatepark at Rainier Vista Community Park, and stare in amazement at the only half-pipe within Lacey. You’ll hear the distinct clap of decks hitting the ground, the clash of metal bike pegs on the rail, and the occasional encouragement shouted from young voices perched around the pieces. Whether you’re on two wheels, four wheels or eight wheels, the acrylic blue metal, enticing weathered wood, and smooth pavement will call to you.
Or perhaps it’s the many other skaters, scooter-ers, and BMX bikers experimenting with new tricks and practicing their skills.
“I’ve made a couple friends here, actually, and a lot of my friends also come to it,” said David Gardner, 21. He explained that the skaters are somewhat of a community at the park.
If you were imagining the skatepark to be dominated by burnout teenagers who skip school to skate, think again.
Perhaps it may come as a surprise, but the diverse age range of skaters can be seen at any given time of day during park hours. Children barely as tall as scooter handles zip around among full-grown adults on skateboards without issue. Supervision is made easy, as some parents choose to sit in parked cars or on benches outside of the skatepark fence.
Gardner explained the dynamic of the park to be all-encompassing for both the age range and skill levels of the visitors. “Just for people to be able to learn from someone else – new people, beginners, and experts – I feel like that’s a good thing,” he said. “You can always learn something new.” Gardner himself has only been skating at the skatepark for two months, and hasn’t yet perfected the classic ollie, but is optimistic when regarding everyone’s varying learning rates.
Besides the skatepark at Rainier Vista, Yauger Park in Olympia is the closest formal skating location. The structure is much different, however, as the Yauger skatepark is entirely interconnected metal and cement formations, whereas the Rainier Vista skatepark is entirely above-ground with separate freestanding structures for riding.
While it may be intimidating to go to a new place, try new tricks, and do it all in public view, victory lies in the bravery it takes to take such risks. There was no shame in the accidental falls that I witnessed, as every child and adult succeeded in getting up and mounting their scooter, bike, or skateboard again.
However, it is advisable to wear body protection, as the skatepark can be dangerous. Even if you just plan to skate around on the pavement and between the rails and ramps, a helmet is key to keeping safe. It also wouldn’t hurt to strap on some knee pads, wrist guards, or elbow pads either, as collision with other skaters could be unavoidable. (If you’re worried about looking silly with so much padding, just think about how worried you’ll be about how you’ll look in a cast if you get hurt.)
One of the more seasoned visitors to the Rainier Vista Community skatepark opts for the two thick tires of a BMX bike. “I’ve moved all over, but this is one of my home parks,” said Dalton Holt, 25. “I’ve been coming here probably 10 years.” Rainier Vista Community Park opened in 2004 as a municipal park, and also features four tennis courts, three volleyball courts, a basketball court, playgrounds, baseball and soccer fields, and is all connected with paved trails.
To anyone watching, it was clear that Holt is an avid rider. He gained serious air from the half pipe and demonstrated an impressive 540 degree spin on top of the flat platform and performed a plethora of other tricks casually, mingling with ease among other riders and giving younger kids tips. It’s all a part of the atmosphere that is the skatepark at Rainier Vista.
“It’s what we do for our sport: sometimes you don’t even ride for that long, because nobody’s doing it that seriously,” said Holt, explaining the comradery. “This isn’t the park for that. It’s pretty convenient.” He explained that he used to be more serious about BMX as a sport, but that the seriousness took the fun out of it, and it was the friendships that kept it together.
At the other end of the spectrum, first-time visitor to the park William Valenzula received a good impression. “It’s a nice park, I like it,” said Valenzula, who was supervising his four children from a bench. “It’s close to where my brother lives, and my kids seem to like the skatepark here.” The 46-acre location of Rainier Vista was ideal for his family birthday event, and the elementary-aged Valenzula children shared scooters in the skatepark together.
“I like the vibe here,” Gardner said. “It’s super chill, there’s not too many people here at one time so you don’t run into people. There’s plenty of space.”
Clean, open, and filled with generally good-natured riders, the skatepark at Rainier Vista Community Park is a great destination for unique outdoor exercise. Besides the cost of the recreational equipment to ride, and the optional but suggested protective equipment, the park is free to the public. Rainier Vista Community Park is maintained by the Lacey Parks and Recreation and open daily from 7:00 a.m. until dusk.
Thrifty Thurston highlights inexpensive family fun in Thurston County. The weekly series focuses on family-friendly activities throughout our community. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and the surrounding area, visit our complete event calendar.
