Last updated July 2026
Tawa Skatepark is a concrete street-style skatepark in the northern Wellington suburb of Tawa, located on Davies Street in Grasslees Reserve next to Tawa Pool. It was redeveloped as the first project under Wellington City Council’s Skate Pōneke programme and officially opened in February 2023 after construction completed in January 2023. The redesign by RICH Landscapes replaced an ageing facility with a contemporary layout featuring a mix of street obstacles and transition elements suitable for a range of skill levels. The park remains free to use and open during daylight hours.
Practical Information
| Location | Davies Street, Grasslees Reserve, Tawa, next to Tawa Pool |
| Cost | Free |
| Hours | Open during daylight hours, 7 days |
| Completed | January 2023 (Stage 1), designed by RICH Landscapes |
| Disciplines | Skateboarding, scootering, BMX |
| Facilities | Concrete skatepark with street and transition features; adjacent picnic table seating area |
About the Skatepark
The Stage 1 redevelopment introduced a range of street-skating features including quarter pipes and banks along the park edges, a Lockwood Ledge, wollie features, hips, a roll-in, a corner pocket, and a platformed drop-in leading to a Double Set with rails. Additional elements comprise an across-and-down ledge, a flat rail, and a rebuilt pyramid, along with a feature wall-ride, bump to hydrant, long ledge, bump to rail, hipped quarter-pipe to pocket, long manual pad, skate kerb, and redesigned big bank with ledge and toe-platform.
The design incorporates ideas from iconic spots such as Tampa Skatepark and Lockwood Primary School in Los Angeles, with community input from the Wellington Skateboarding Association and local skaters. A new concrete path surrounds the park, and a seated area with picnic tables sits alongside, positioned for potential relocation during future work.
The two-stage approach allowed Stage 1 construction to proceed while funding for Stage 2 continues. The park serves as a recreational hub alongside Tawa Pool and Grasslees Reserve, with easy access via train from central Wellington.
Part of Wellington’s Skate Pōneke Programme
Tawa Skatepark was the first facility upgraded under the Skate Pōneke programme, which allocates funding for skatepark improvements across the city as part of Wellington’s active recreation strategy. The project addressed the poor condition of the previous park and responded to community requests for better local facilities in the northern suburbs. The programme supports wheeled sports through design, maintenance, and public space access initiatives.
What Visitors Often Say
Skaters appreciate the mix of street obstacles and flow lines that suit beginners through to more experienced riders, noting the smooth concrete and thoughtful layout with elements like the fire hydrant and ledges.
Locals value the park’s location next to the pool and reserve, making it a convenient family spot, and comment on the improvement over the old facility with more features to keep sessions interesting.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council: Announcement and background on the Tawa Skatepark upgrade and community involvement.
Wellington City Council: List of all Council skateparks in Wellington with locations and descriptions.
RICH Landscapes: Detailed project information, design features, and images of the Tawa Skatepark redevelopment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tawa Skatepark upgraded?
Stage 1 construction was completed in January 2023, with the park officially opening in February 2023 as the first project under the Skate Pōneke programme.
Who designed the new Tawa Skatepark?
RICH Landscapes designed the redevelopment in consultation with Wellington City Council, the Wellington Skateboarding Association, and local skaters.
Is Stage 2 complete?
Only Stage 1 has been completed. The design allows for a future Stage 2 expansion pending further funding.
Where exactly is Tawa Skatepark?
The skatepark is on Davies Street in Grasslees Reserve, Tawa, immediately adjacent to Tawa Pool.
Is it free?
Yes, the skatepark is free to use and open during daylight hours.
What disciplines is it suitable for?
The park caters to skateboarding, scootering, and BMX with a mix of street and transition features for various skill levels.
Are there nearby facilities?
Yes, Tawa Pool and Grasslees Reserve are directly adjacent, creating a recreational hub.
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