WJ Skatepark + Urban Plaza

In addition to all regular park rules, including those not posted, specific rules apply to Zone 1 of Washington Jefferson Park located between the railroad tracks and 1st Ave. Map of Park Zone 1. This park is subject to video surveillance and regular police patrols.

Rules

Violators subject to park exclusion, fines of up to $500 and 30 days in jail. 

• Hours 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily
• No metal pegs or pedals
• No smoking, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs
• No glass containers
• No vandalism, graffiti or tagging
• No dogs allowed, except leashed dogs traveling on pathways and service dogs
• Motorized devices or remote control vehicles
• Helmets required under age 16

Allowed 

• Skateboards
• Bikes with plastic pegs and pedals
• Rollerblades
• Non-motorized scooters

For Your Safety 

• Wear protective equipment.
• Know your limits.
• Pay attention to your surroundings, varying skill levels and ages of other riders and weather conditions.
• No sliding or playing on skatepark features.
• Observers please stay out of the skatepark riding-area.

Etiquette

• Wait your turn. Respect other users and park neighbors.
• All ages use this park, watch your language.
• Pick up your trash.
• Be a good role model. Help others.
• Keep stickers and paint on your boards.

Please report suspicious activities or maintenance needs to Park Watch.

On April 4, 2014, more than 1,000 thrilled riders experienced the inaugural skate as the gates finally opened to the long-awaited WJ Skatepark + Urban Plaza. The skatepark joined existing basketball courts and nationally sanctioned horse shoe pits under the cover of the I-105 bridge in Washington Jefferson Park, establishing a unique trio of healthy and active recreation. Year-round. Rain or shine.

WJ Skatepark + Urban Plaza is no ordinary skatepark and this was no ordinary journey. It is the collective vision of thousands of local youth for more than a decade. A 2004 petition to the City Council was signed by 1,700 supporters advocating for a covered skatepark centrally located in Eugene. With that, the chain reaction was set into motion. After a decade of persistence, the resulting world-class sports facility is a destination skatepark and universal hang-out spot for urban sports enthusiasts from all walks of life. It was designed and built by Dreamland Skateparks, with both beginner and expert wheels in mind. The half-acre skatepark features an iconic ribbon, a mini-snake run, and a blend of varied skate terrain.

In true Eugene fashion, the project didn’t stop with the country’s largest covered and lighted public skatepark. Prior to this renovation, the 40-year-old Washington Jefferson Park had become run-down and was plagued by mounting social problems and illegal activities. In turn, it was largely ignored by the rest of our community. However, its unique central location and existing cover of the bridge beckoned as the home for a new skatepark and provided an opportunity to breathe new life into the park. Washington Jefferson Park has gone from blight to a vibrant connection between the Whiteaker, 5th Street and Downtown neighborhoods - creating a strong urban core. The park’s additional improvements include accessible pathways, new restrooms, bike racks, benches, drinking fountains, energy-efficient lighting, landscaping, free wifi, public art, and areas to accommodate food carts and special events.

The total renovation of Washington Jefferson Park was an approximately $2.5 million dollar investment of public and private funds. The City of Eugene provided $2.2 million dollars in park system development charges (fees paid by developers when they construct a building or home) and received a $175,000 grant from the Oregon State Park and Recreation Department. Skaters for Eugene Skateparks, Downtown Eugene Rotary and Eugene Parks Foundation raised over $150,000 through private sponsorship, local art shows, concerts and more.

Become a Eugene Skatepark Steward

Adoption groups are a critical component of the ongoing success of this park. If you are interested in ongoing stewardship of this incredible space, please contact the Volunteer Program.

Programming and event sponsorships

Help ensure a vibrant and safe environment at Eugene’s world-class skate facility by sponsoring one or more of these skate programs or park events. To make a donation or for more information, contact Marcel Bieg 541-682-6323.

Weekend skateboard club - $150 each

Weekend skate lessons. Each session includes four days of lessons. Progress from our first two meetings at the Cal Young Skatepark to our final two meetings at the Washington Jefferson Skatepark. Learn the fundamentals of skateboarding and park riding. Helmets required, full pads are highly recommended. Gear is available for loan. Your sponsorship includes two instructors for three hours and serves approximately 12 students per session.

Local skate competition - $1,250

You can help make these family friendly events possible! Skateboard competitions are a jam-style format with a split field of two to three skateboarders, skating for three minutes at a time in two separate heats. Competitors are judged on use of park, style, energy, difficulty, and consistency. There are three age categories: 12 & under, 13-16, and 17 & up. Skate competitions include food, music, and prizes.

Beginning skate camp - $1,800

Beginning skate camps are a great place for new skaters to learn the fundamentals of skateboarding and park riding in a fun environment. Students will play games, take longboard tours, do art projects, and skate! Your sponsorship includes three instructors for five hours each day for five days and serves approximately 12 youth.

Skate camp scholarships - $120/$260

You can be a financial mentor for a child to attend one of the following skate camps:

• Beginning Skate Camp Scholarship - $120
• Skate Oregon Overnight Camp Scholarship - $260

Skate equipment fleet - $2,000

Help make these programs accessible for all youth and other organizations by providing skateboards, helmets and pads. Each fleet contains full equipment for 12 students to use in camps and drop-in sessions, and will feature your logo.