Switch and Signal Skatepark — Attraction in Swissvale

On a whim, I accompanied a friend to a Shred Your Fears workshop. I’m not sure if this is a testament to the awesomeness of Switch & Signal Skatepark or my desperation to get out of the house, but it was the most fun I’ve had in years. Despite the sheer absurdity of a plus-sized nearly-40-year-old mom learning to skateboard for the very first time, I felt nothing but accepted and encouraged. The skatepark feels like a safe space due in part to the strict adherence to Covid-safety protocols: open-skate sessions are limited reservation only, mask required, and temperatures checked upon arrival. My 7-year-old has been keen to learn skateboarding and he attended a Kids Beginners class. He had a great time! His teacher was patient and the class age-appropriate. On Saturday mornings, I can sign him up for the 12 & Under skate session and I can skate with him for free. I took the leap and built my own complete board at the shop too! The deck is totally rad and owner Kerry helped me pick out all the appropriate components as well as pads and a helmet. (The kids took a break from skating to watch Kerry attach and trim the Simpsons grip-tape.) Anyone who builds a complete board gets a free session pass and I used mine for the monthly beginners’ night. The park is a warm, welcoming respite for everyone - not just...

Went here for a Shred Your Fears workshop yesterday. Had an amazing time!! I smiled my whole drive home (Only a mile! LOL) so excited to have a skatepark like this around the corner from me. So hype to become a regular here. Had a super fun time! Everyone was so helpful and kind- not just the Shred Your Fears team but the Switch & Signal team. I learned soo much and want to keep learning. They help you with safety equipment and gear, have a water station with cups, limited tickets sold per session so the park is never over crowded, etc. Excited to go back Sunday and Mondays! P.S.!!!!! Almost everyone leaving bad reviews is complaining about wearing a mask....we just had a global pandemic that lasted for years & the variant is still changing. Just wear a mask. It's not that deep. There are little kids and older people at the park, as well as people who have a compromised immune system- think of others and be kind...

My son asked for a skateboard for Xmas and we wanted to give him some lessons from us to supplement. This place is magic! Already had skate camps set up exactly when worked. He is learning a ton! Now he has a kid friendly place to learn and skate in the future. I knew I didn't have the skills to teach him and it's amazing that I can lean on this place to give him everything he needs.

Staff and maybe they are even the owners, are amazing, friendly, welcoming, and kind. The organizational Mission statement is on point.

Even having your own equipment is not required. They have everything to own or rent. So our missing wrist pad and wrong helmet wasn't even an issue.

I hope to take the adult class one day and try to get there for my kid to keep...