When I first moved to Miami about 9 or 10 years a go there were barely any skateparks around, everything was very far, you had to take two or three buses to get to the skate park, where you had to pay to be able to skate which I find unreasonable. Any other sport like; basketball, baseball, football and even tennis, have free parks all over. And if you’ve been to Miami you know how unbearable public transportation can be and not to mention how hot it is to be outside in the street if you’re not used to the humid and heat.
Lot 11 is located about a block away from the Government center station in downtown Miami, which makes it convenient for you to get to it.
Park address:
NW 1st St &, NW 3rd Ave
Miami, FL 33128
The first initiative for skate free started with a park close to the AAA Arena by downtown Miami called GVC or Grand Central Park, which was a DIY park. After GVC was closed, skate free was able to get a parking lot space from Miami parking authority which is known as lot 11.
The skatepark had a phase one, which had mostly anything you would need to skate, it was divided by 3 sections from the lowest level of difficulty to the hardest obstacles and a mini half pipe. It’s very convenient since it’s located under 2 bridges and there’s shade or shelter from rain.
The very first events were very basic and it was always the spot to meet up with anyone and everyone from the Miami skateboarding scenery. And since it’s located close to downtown Miami it’s also a great place to meet up to go skate downtown.
There was over $1,900,000 raised to make this skatepark possible.
The park officially opened to the public on 11/16/2019.
Lot 11 is definitely a go to destination if you ever get to visit Miami.
Currently due to COVID-19, you can only set scheduled sessions for 2 hours. And you have to book from their website: http://www.skatefree.org
It took a combined effort of a lot of skaters and locals to get the park done, these are the people that made it happen: Danny Fuenzalida, Nick Katz, Richie Effs, Jason Ranft, Arthur Noriega, Terrel Reid, Jennifer Garcia, Ronald Galdos, Carlos Lago, Jorge Navarro, Iris Escarra, Jose Galvez, Barry Katz, Sandra James, Alex Katz, Ben Katz, David Savir, and Tiffany Lighty.
City of Miami officials:
Francis Suarez, Ken Russel, Keon Hardemon, Willy Gort, and Frank Carollo.
The park is also dedicated to the memory of:
Tomas Montas, David Cortinas, and Israel Hernandez.
Thank you all who made this incredible skatepark possible.
