Oakland DIY — Attraction in Pittsburgh

This is a true DIY treasure. Gave it a four star because the flat is a bit rough with long fissures (mostly patched but imperfect) UPDATE TO FIVE STARS LOTS OF ADDITIONS AND WORST AREAS OF FLAT REPAIRED! continue reading for full review. The roughness gives it some character as well and it’s not too too rough to make it truly slow. The most significant aspect of this park after it being 100% DIY is the amount of shade. Skateparks are notoriously absent of any relief from the summer sun. This park has trees all around it blocking out afternoon summer sun almost completely. Pictures included:: There’s a nicely sized small 1/4 with a little extension on one side, a wide bank to ledge,, a low rail, a low flat three sided pad, an A frame, a bump to plywood wall and a soon to be completed banked corner. - New addition of a mini half with a spine and roll-in dividing the flat.- The people vibe is very chill with mostly teens and college age kids with the occasional veteran old head. There are many community events held at Oakland DIY throughout the year and they are invaluable contribution to the culture of skateboarding in Pittsburgh! A note for parents, being a DIY theres No water fountain or bathroom in the area and critically youth are there being youth so please don’t cause adulting type Ken/Karen trouble with teens doing things teens do, (I’m a dad too) so if your not comfortable try and take your kid to Switch and Signal indoor park in Swissvale which is more family / very young...

We built all of this by hand. Completely community funded, maintained, and built. The city has been working with us with regular trash collection. Recently they have reopened the water fountain and added a pair of picnic tables to relax in the shade outside of the skating area. Check out the parks gofund me page and help make this place a true Pittsburgh skatepark. Looking forward to the beast of a ramp currently under construction in the back area. Also check out their Instagram to keep up on updates for the park and to volunteer for ramp construction. If you want to learn to build some stuff, volunteering with these guys is a great time. Strong community...

The vibes are great here! Very friendly people. Don't be a jerk and come breaking stuff. This is a DIY spot. People worked hard on it, keep that in mind. Street parking is available, but there's a huge lot not far away.

Check out the pics to see all the features. They're putting in a new berm, tho! Aside from that, the asphalt isn't too rough, and the run-ups are short but long enough to get the speed you need. It's not the most flowy park, but it's got SO many fun jibs for flatland and technical riding.

Bring water, there ain't no fountain or bathroom. It's just an old tennis court with some sick ramps....