What to Bring to the Skate Park: Checklist and Pad Rules
A short packing list for a day at a public skate park, plus the helmet and pad rules we could verify from official sources. Where we could not verify a city’s rule, we do not list it: check the sign at your park.
Checklist
- Skateboard with trucks tightened and wheels spinning freely.
- Helmet certified for skateboarding.
- Knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, especially while learning.
- Flat-soled skate shoes.
- Skate tool for quick adjustments.
- Water and sun protection; many parks have little shade.
- ID and emergency contact; indoor parks may need a signed waiver.
Helmet and pad rules by place (verified)
| Place | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| California (state law) | Skate park operators may not let anyone ride without a helmet, elbow pads and knee pads. Unsupervised public parks can meet this through a local ordinance plus posted signs. | California Health and Safety Code §115800 |
| Los Angeles, CA (city skate parks) | Helmet, elbow pads and knee pads required; riders without them can be cited. | Los Angeles Recreation and Parks report on LAMC 63.44.N (Nov 4, 2021) |
| Kennesaw, GA (Kennesaw Skate Park) | Helmets required for skaters ages 15 and under. | City of Kennesaw: Kennesaw Skatepark |
| Dunwoody, GA (Brook Run) | Helmets required at the skate park. | City of Dunwoody: Brook Run Park |
| Atlanta, GA (Historic Fourth Ward) | Helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards strongly recommended (not listed as required). | City of Atlanta skate park rules, Historic Fourth Ward Park (PDF) |
Sources checked 2026-11-04. Rules change; the sign posted at the park is what applies. Everywhere else, we recommend at least a helmet and checking the park’s posted rules.
New to the park? Read our skate park etiquette guide. Browse parks in California or Georgia, or see Chevy Chase Recreation Center in Los Angeles.
Verify before visiting. Listings come from OpenStreetMap community data and may be out of date. Hours, lighting, fees, helmet rules and even whether a park still exists can change. Check with the city or park operator before you go.
More guides
- Indoor Skate Parks for Rainy Days
- Atlanta Skate Parks
- Lighted Skate Parks in California
- Skate Park Etiquette
Published 2026-11-04. Park data from OpenStreetMap, updated 2026-11-03.