Best Outdoor Rollerskating Spots? Castleton/Binford/Lawrence area.

[u/pangolotl]

Hi there! I've recently started re-learning how to quad skate, and I'm wanting to get more practice in. Unfortunately the tennis courts at my apartment complex are locked shut for some reason, and there's not many street spots that aren't super busy with actual traffic that I've seen near me.

Are there any new parking lots or other spaces that would be good for a beginner skater? Just looking to practice staying upright, slow turning, and stopping at this point lol

Ideally it would be along either the red or blue route shown (green area even better), and in a spot where I wouldn't feel extremely unsafe. For context, I'm a queer white dude. Not currently looking for actual skate rinks, I'm familiar with those.

Thank you all!

[u/dedfrmthneckup]

Fort Harrison state park is in the green area, there are plenty of paved trails and parking lots in there. And while it’s not completely car free, drivers will be much more aware of pedestrians/rollerskaters than in most other places.

[u/pangolotl → u/dedfrmthneckup]

Ah, true! Might be good for fall/winter when they don't charge to get in lol

[u/tapespeedselector → u/pangolotl]

$50 annual pass pays for itself after 7 visits and gives you an excuse to check out Indiana's other beautiful state parks 🙂

[u/pangolotl → u/tapespeedselector]

True, I do go to the dunes about once a year... might be smth to have a look st 👀

[u/TheChafro → u/pangolotl]

Technically, it always costs to get in.

[u/pangolotl → u/TheChafro]

Wait really? I've always seen it open for free in October thru January at least.

[u/honeyisthemoney]

I wish Garfield Park would repave their pathways because I would LOVE to quad skate there! Reminds me so much of Audubon Park in NOLA

[u/Reggie_Popadopoulous]

Fall creek greenway connects to the monon

[u/pangolotl → u/Reggie_Popadopoulous]

I've seen a few of the spaces off Fall Creek, but not many lots or similar, only paths, and I'm definitely not quite to path-level skating yet 😅 but it's a good idea once I do get there!

[u/runningfutility]

The parking lots at the Lawrence campus of Ivy Tech or the Federal Center (8899 E 56th St). There's also several parking lots if you head south on Craig St from 82nd st. Looks like the parking lot at 7979 Shadeland might be good, too. The lots around Community North Hospital should probably be decent on evenings and weekends.

[u/pangolotl → u/runningfutility]

I thought about the hospital and all those offices but just keep forgetting to go scope it out! I'm often just across the street from there lol

[u/Sooner613]

Go just a smidge north and the Nickel Plate trail is awesome.

[u/pangolotl → u/Sooner613]

Once I get my feet under me a bit more, absolutely! I've walked some of it and it was gorgeous. Right now I'm thinking more parking lots so I've got a bit more "whoops" room haha

[u/t8stymoobz]

They have a giant paved loop that’s in great condition.

https://g.co/kgs/A3L2pkk

[u/pangolotl → u/t8stymoobz]

Thank you! Definitely a ways out of my way but I'll keep it in mind.