Which Skatepark Is Right For You?
May 16, 2022
Back Sov and Ocean City Skatepark are two very different types of skateparks. Although OC’s location is definitely more preferable than Sov, it feels more like a playground than a skatepark with the immense amount of kids that are usually there. Other drawbacks with OC include its enforced curfew and the requirement to bring your own safety gear. Back Sov, on the other hand, is a community-made park, which means that it was built completely by the people that skate there. Because of this, Sov feels much more like a community than OC. Everyone at Sov is passionate about skating and everyone helps out to keep the park going. Overall though, both parks offer two uniquely different experiences that all skaters should consider when deciding which park works best for them.
“Back Sov”
Location
- 3301 Fairmont Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ
- Built on a rundown basketball court (still has a hoop there so sometimes people will be trying to ball in the middle of the park)
- Has lights
- Stays open 24/7
Community
- Is community-built (including contributions by local artists)
- Attracts more experienced skaters
- Struggles with trash cleanup
- There are more locals and less crowds
Style
- Does not have a helmet/pads requirement
- Includes a variety of obstacles for all types of skate styles
- Includes a bank
- Includes grind boxes and ramps
Skaters Talk
- “I like sov better because it’s way more relaxed and the people that skate there are so much better in quality and skill.” –Will Robertson, 16
- “Definitely Sov over Ocean City. Just because they don’t make you wear pads and helmets, and there’s just more to do there.” –Shaun Moya, 16
- “I prefer Sov just because there’s less rules and regulations, also the fact that it’s in an open space that “never closes” makes it pretty accessible for people who want to skate after work. Also the fact that it’s by the water makes it pretty relaxing especially during a sunset.” –Jeff Mendez, 28
Ocean City “OC”
Location
- 840 E. Sixth Street, Ocean City, NJ
- Located by McDonald’s and the OC Boardwalk
- Is safer for younger skaters
- Is always crowded
- Has restricted hours (Mon-Fri: noon to dusk; Sat-Sun: 9 am to dusk)
- Has lights (although not needed when they close around 7 pm…)
Community
- Includes scheduled events
- Funded by local government
- Attracts younger skaters and out-of-state skaters
Style
- Includes a bowl and snake run
- Includes a quarterpipe
- Includes stairs
- Is mostly all vert with one little street section
- Includes grind boxes fixed into the street section
Skaters Talk
- “I like Ocean city park because the environment is great, I mostly like the bowl.” –Joel Brooks, 17
- “Probably OC because it’s in the city and is close to everything else.” –Michael Palmentieri, 17
- “I like OC because it’s always clean, there are bowls and rails that aren’t in most other parks, it’s big enough to do flatground and not be in anyone’s way, and everyone there is always just nice and helpful.” –Tatyanna Rodriguez, 19