Atascadero unveils upgraded outdoor skate area at A-town Park
By Hayley Mattson · Thu Jan 22 2026
City celebrates new surface, reconfigured layout and refreshed exterior designed to better serve skateboarders, scooter riders, and families
By Hayley Mattson and Camille DeVaul
ATASCADERO — The City of Atascadero and A-town Park celebrated recent improvements to the park’s outdoor skate area with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that drew a large crowd of community members, city leaders, and riders of all ages.
Traditionally known as an indoor skate park, A-town Park has long partnered with the city to enhance its outdoor facilities. The latest upgrades focus on improving safety, accessibility, and versatility for both skateboarders and scooter riders, reflecting the park’s growing and diverse user base.
Terrie Banish, director of community services and promotions for the City of Atascadero, said the project was the result of ongoing collaboration between the city and the park’s operators.
“For some time, both the City of Atascadero and the park’s operators have shared an interest in enhancing the outdoor skate area to better serve skateboarders and scooter riders,” Banish said. “The goal was to create a more open, skateboard-friendly space while continuing to accommodate scooter use.”
As part of the project, the city completed a mill and overlay of the outdoor skating surface, a rehabilitation process typically performed every five years. The new surface provides smoother riding conditions and improved durability. In addition, ramps were relocated and new rails were added, resulting in a reconfigured layout that offers larger, more fluid skate areas while maintaining dedicated features for scooter riders.
Funding for the mill and overlay was provided through the city’s General Fund. Additional exterior improvements, including new paint and a bright orange canvas awning displaying the city logo and skate park name, were funded through the Building Maintenance and Replacement Funds. Both the paint and awning were due for replacement and now give the facility a refreshed and welcoming appearance.
The ribbon-cutting event was held at A-town Park, George C. Beatie Skate Park, located at 5493 Traffic Way, and included members of the Atascadero City Council, city staff, and local families. Attendees toured the upgraded facility and celebrated the city’s investment in recreational infrastructure for local youth.
A-town Park has been operated for the past 17 years by Kevin and Andrea Campion, who work closely with the city to maintain a safe, supervised, and inclusive environment. The park offers youth classes, camps, and family-oriented evening events, making it a hub for local recreation.
The facility includes 8,000 square feet of indoor skating space and 7,000 square feet of outdoor areas. A-town Park also offers full equipment rentals and a fully stocked pro shop. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Free skate is available for students on weekdays from 2 to 4 p.m., with additional skating available for $5 using a punch pass.
A-town Park has also played a role in developing elite talent. The park has been involved with the Monster SK8 program and has served as a starting point for several professional riders. Among them is professional scooter champion Chris Farris, who has earned multiple international titles and ranked No. 1 in the United States. Claire Parks, a two-time world champion, recently returned from Tokyo after earning a silver medal at a world competition.
City officials and the Campions hope the upgrades will encourage greater community participation and attract more visitors to the park.
“These improvements encourage increased participation in the programs offered and attract more visitors to enjoy both skateboarding and scooter riding at the park,” Banish said.
For more information about A-town Park and its programs, visit Atascadero.org/recreation or call (805) 461-7606.
Feature Image: Skateboarders, scooter riders, and their families met up with Atascadero city leaders and A-town Park owners Kevin and Andra Campion for a ribbon-cutting of the locations improved outdoor skate area. Photo courtesy of the City of Atascadero