Wheel Park was unveiled by the City of Aurora in 2000 as a massive 20-acre alternative to traditional recreation centers. It was designed as a centralized location for all wheel-based subcultures, which were often banned from local tennis courts and strip malls. The city created a mega-complex that brought together various activities. Wheel Park features a skatepark, a BMX dirt track, a roller hockey rink, a small soccer field, and even an RC car track. In the past, BMX riders had their own pre-fabricated metal ramps, but when those rusted and became safety hazards, the city removed them and transformed the skatepark into a multi-use area for both bikes and boards. The 20,000 sq.ft. concrete skatepark was designed by SITE Design Group and quickly became one of the premier destinations in Colorado. However, it is aging and shows signs of wear, making it difficult to compare to modern skateparks like those in Arvada. Despite this, it remains a historic and rugged skatepark that is a foundational pillar of the Aurora skate scene. Notably, Wheel Park is one of the only skateparks in the state that is fully gated, with hours from sunrise to sunset. While it has seen better days, the bowl, snake run, and classic street funboxes still attract many locals eager to experience a piece of Colorado skate history.
