Skatepark design has evolved greatly over the last decade. Instead of boring prefab ramps, many towns and cities are growing smarter to the actual needs and wants of skateboarders. This is crucial because quality concrete parks aren’t cheap and the resulting park should be enjoyable for many years to come. In addition, the park design itself should suit a variety of skate styles, ages, and skill levels. Especially in the last 3 to 4 years, many small and medium-sized cities have finally understood the value of a good skatepark. Among them is the city of Ibbenbüren! Idyllically located next to the Ibbenbüren aasee, the new Ibbenbüren skatepark invites skaters from around the region with many awesome features, including lights to keep sessions going past dusk. Time for our first outdoor park check out of 2022!
Skateparks under the magnifying glass | Ibbenbüren/Germany
The outdoor park season has started!
"It's been a long time since I've had this much fun. From beginner to pro, this park has something for everyone - whether transition or the classic bank to rail/curb combos!"
"I like the combo of a classic skatepark design with elements like the curbcut, downrail and experimental obstacles like the slappy wave!"
It's hard to believe, but Ibbenbüren was one of the first German "skate capitals"! Ibbenbüren hosted some the first skate competitions from Titus Dittmann back in the early eighties when skateboarding was still in its (German) infancy. If you’re lucky enough to have one of the first issues of Monster Skateboard Magazine, you can check this out. Apart from that, Ibbenbüren has played only a minor role in German skateboarding over the last 40 years.
"Perfect park for hype sessions, but just as good for a relaxed after work skate! Whether you’re into steezy tre flips or slasher grinds in the bowl, everyone will be happy here!"
"Chill park in an even more chill location."
With its location between Osnabrück, Rheine and Münster, Ibbenbüren forms a pivot point that brings together skaters from several rather known skate cities. Even skaters from the Netherlands can reach this area quickly via the A30 autobahn. When you arrive, pull into the "2nd parking lot" (see map attached below). From here, it's just a matter of crossing a pedestrian bridge and you're standing in the new concrete paradise.
"Relaxed park where you can really have fun. Plus point are the round downrails, negative is the sand of the adjacent dirt park and don’t forget to bring some wax for the ledges!"
When heading up to the park, you’ll notice a pretty crazy "BMX dirt track" which will definitely make any BMXer's mouth water. Arriving at the skatepark, you’ll have to marvel at the mixture of good flow with an integrated bowl. There’s no shortage of "real” street obstacles as well. The disadvantage of the nearby BMX dirt track is a bit of dust accumulation, so be careful as it can make the park a little slippery.
"The Ibbenbüren park will definitely get you hyped to skate!"
Unfortunately, you may encounter quite a few scooter kids depending on the day, thankfully they can be “legally” asked to leave after 17:00. Just be aware that some parents still think it’s okay to let their children play here while they go for a walk to the nearby lake. Hopefully, a mutual respect will develop here - After all, kids don't play soccer on a golf course just because there's grass there too. Finally, one of the coolest features of the park is a floodlight system that you can turn on yourself which stays on for half an hour. Before it goes out, the lights slowly dim, helping prevent nasty surprises in the middle of a gap to lipslide. Very well planned and sophisticated, which certainly makes evening visits all the more attractive!
