Exciting Developments for Urban Sports Enthusiasts in Slovenia with New Skate Parks in Velenje and Ljubljana

Urban sports enthusiasts in Slovenia, particularly those interested in skateboarding and rollerblading, have reasons to celebrate this spring. The country's largest outdoor skate park has recently opened in Velenje, located in eastern Slovenia, while Ljubljana has introduced its first indoor skate park.

In Velenje, the expansive 2,203 square meter urban park is equipped with various street and bowl skateboarding features, including rails and ramps. The park is also designed to accommodate bikes, roller-skates, and scooters. What's more, access to the facilities is free, and for a minimal fee, visitors can rent skateboards, scooters, and safety gear.

Additionally, the park includes two street basketball courts, available for €6 per hour, or €8 during times requiring artificial lighting. Constructed with a budget of €2 million, the skate park plans to further expand by adding a bouldering gym in its second phase. Although already accessible to the public, the official opening is set for May 25, coinciding with Velenje hosting a leg of the Best Foot Forward Europe Tour, an amateur skating competition.

Shifting focus to Ljubljana, after previous indoor skate parks were closed due to redevelopment, a new indoor facility has now opened beneath the east stand of the Stožice stadium, spanning over 1,000 square meters. This modern space, crafted from wood with metal, cement, and granite accents, is divided into sections for BMX racing and areas suitable for skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters. Open for recreational use, it also serves as a training venue for urban sports clubs, operating during afternoons and evenings, except on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Managed by Šport Ljubljana, which oversees the city’s sports infrastructure, the new centre's inauguration was welcomed by its director Tatjana Polajnar. She praised the addition of this specialized sports facility and expressed enthusiasm for its role in fostering a community respectful of diversity.