Nowadays, skateparks seem to be the new form of the traditional town squares we all remember visiting during our childhood and adolescence years. It's not surprising that more and more people gather in this type of park to meet with their friends, spend their evening and, of course, practice sports like skating, roller-skating, and BMX racing.

Recently I found out that Thessaloniki, Greece, has many skate park lovers, a fact that is obvious by the numerous skate parks that have been created in the last few years. The most popular seems to be the "What's up Park," located in the centre of the city. When I visited the place, I totally understood why young people would enjoy spending their free time there.  The place gave me this sense of freedom that only a successful landscape design can create. The only things you can find there are some simple benches, surrounding an open space with a couple of skate ramps.

In accordance "he that seeketh findeth," I asked one of the boys who was riding a BMX bike there for more information regarding the city skate parks, and they informed me that there is one in the renovated part of the New Waterfront of Thessaloniki. It would definitely be a great experience practicing a sport like skating, so exhilarating and liberating, near the sea, and with a spectacular view of the city.

Another really interesting project for the skate park lovers is the new town square of Thermi, an area in the east side of Thessaloniki, where the architects seem to have incorporated skate ramps in the general architectural design. Thessaloniki also recently obtained "Northpark," an indoor skatepark fully equipped for fans of skateboarding, BMX, flatland BMX, dirt bikes, and rollerblades. There is also qualified staff that can train both beginners and advanced students alike. Sounds really tempting!

Is there a skatepark in your city that you enjoy visiting?

Credits: Images and data linked to sources.