We managed to check out one of the oldest skateparks in the Midlands recently: ‘Lightwoods Skate Park!‘. This skatepark is also commonly referred to as Bearwood Skatepark (located in the Bearwood area of Birmingham, UK). Click Read More for the full lowdown…
What, Where and When?
Lightwoods Skate Park is a free-to-use outdoor skatepark located at Adkins Lane on the edge of Lightwoods Park, near the border of Birmingham and Smethwick (West Midlands). It’s a long-established local BMX/skate spot that’s well known in the region. The park itself sits within Lightwoods Park and House, a large public park with paths, play areas, picnic spots and other recreation facilities. Lightwoods Park itself has a long history and was refurbished in recent years with local government investment to improve amenities for visitors.
Features & Layout
As seen in the photos, the skatepark has some good features on offer; Nearly all of which are built using concrete. It should maybe be noted that some of the transitions are quiet old school (build quality), in comparison to modern day skateparks (you will see, when you get there!). Features:
- Transition features including spines and quarter ramps.
- A bowl-style pocket section
- Street-style areas with rails and banks
These were part of a later layout (post-2010) that replaced older ramps and setups from earlier decades, and the surface is generally smooth concrete.
Opening & Use
- The skatepark is open daily to the public at no cost. Like most outdoor parks, it is unfenced with unrestricted hours (typically dawn-to-dusk).
- There are no floodlights, so use after dark in winter months is limited.
Community & Culture
- Lightwoods Skate Park has been part of the local skate and BMX community for decades, originally dating back to the late 1980s with various iterations since then.
- Local skaters often meet there, especially on weekends and in good weather.
Tips for Visiting
- Bring your own BMX, skateboard, scooters or protective gear – there’s no equipment rental on site.
- Because it’s an open public space, standard park etiquette (sharing space, safety gear and awareness of others) is recommended.
- It’s in a city, with lots of people and sometime people can be dangerous.
Some photos below >>>
When It Was Built
- The original skatepark at Lightwoods Park was built and opened in 1991. It was the result of a local skate and BMX community project, backed by the BBC TV show Challenge Anneka, with a basic layout put together quickly for the programme.
- That early layout featured simple elements like a long bank, a bowl/dish area and a Rare Unit ramp, and was one of the first free-to-use skateparks in the West Midlands.
Rebuilt and Updated
- Around 2010–2011, the park underwent a significant rebuild with a new concrete skatepark layout replacing the original features.
- According to local BMX accounts, the revamped concrete skatepark opened in 2011 with smoother surfaces and updated bowls, spines and street elements.
Other great skateparks to check out in Birmingham:
Outdoor Skate & BMX Parks (Free)
Great for casual sessions, BMX, scooters or street/transition riding
- Bournbrook Skatepark – DIY-built local favourite in Selly Oak with strong community vibe and beginner-friendly setup.
- Kings Norton Skatepark – Smooth concrete outdoor park with mini ramp, banks and hips.
- Senneleys Sk8 Park – Park in Senneleys Park with ramps suited to BMXers and skateboarders.
- Fox Hollies Skatepark – Outdoor park in Fox Hollies Park with a mix of quarter pipes and banks.
- Smithswood Skatepark – Another community park in Smithswood area.
More Parks in the Wider Metro Area:
These are a little further but excellent for road trips or longer outings:
- Oaklands Skatepark – A solid outdoor concrete park in north Birmingham.
- Wyndley Skatepark – Skatepark near Wyndley Leisure Centre in Sutton Coldfield.
- Dawberry Fields Bowl – Bowl-style skatepark popular with skaters and BMX riders.
Indoor / Paid Facility:
Great when the weather’s bad or for BMX practice with more features
- Creation Skatepark – Indoor skatepark with ramps, bowls, and BMX-friendly transitions — ideal for winter sessions or night riding.
Other BMX / Riding Spots:
- Birmingham BMX Track – A dedicated BMX track located within Perry Park (Perry Barr) — good for more traditional BMX racing and skills practice, as shown on local cycling maps.
- Redditch Wheels Project Skatepark (in Worcestershire but within day-trip range) – Large outdoor charity-run park with ramps and coaching for BMX and skateboard riders.