The Turf's history runs deep. Tony Hawk, the most well-known skateboarder in the world, skated the swimming pool-like bowls after its original build in the 1970s–the same decade Erik Saltvold founded ERIK’S Bike Shop!
At that time, the skatepark was known as the Surfin’ Turf, and it drew riders from across the country. No matter the distance, everybody wanted their chance to skate it.
Unfortunately, the Surfin’ Turf closed its doors in 1996 as skateboarders turned their attention from transition to riding the streets.
Saving the Turf:
The next thirty years involved diverse efforts to revive the historic Milwaukee skatepark. This included:
- The Milwaukee Skateboard Association
- The Turf Skatepark Association (Save The Turf)
- The Tony Hawk Foundation
- Grindline Skateparks Inc.
- The City of Greenfield
- The Turf Benefit Concert and Skate Jam
- Many, Many Community Members
The recently successful grassroots campaign showcases southeastern Wisconsin residents’ value of public spaces for outdoor recreation.
Where to Find The Turf:
The Turf is tucked into a corner at 4267 West Loomis Road. A black billboard can be seen from Interstate 41. In white font, it reads “The Turf Skatepark.”
The City of Greenfield advertises the skatepark’s hours as “dawn until dusk.” The most popular hours are summer evenings. Skateboards, skates, scooters, and BMX bikes are allowed. If you’re lucky, you'll get to hang with the local four-legged groupies that love the damp grass in the summertime.
What to Expect When you Ride:
If you’re used to riding the streets, you may have to switch your metal BMX pegs out for a pair of plastic ones, not just because metal pegs aren’t allowed, but also because plastic slides better at skateparks.
Helmets, pads, and safety gear are recommended since it's a big outdoor skatepark and can get busy quickly with riders of all ages and abilities.
As mentioned, ERIK’S Bike Shop in Greenfield is only three miles away!
Expect to park in a gravel parking lot, equipped with blue port-a-potties, and then head to its entrance on the right-hand side of the chain-link fence. From there, you’ll see its identifying white and rust-colored concrete.
Leave valuables in your car and carry your essentials in your pockets. There are no storage lockers or guaranteed areas where your personal belongings are monitored. Last resort? Bring a friend! They’ll guard your purse/backpack/treasure chest and enjoy their time making friends with those who are taking a rest and happy to chat.
There are plenty of benches whether you need to take a break, build confidence, or scope out the features. It is, after all, one of the largest skateparks in the Midwest.
The Bowls:
The bowls are the biggest allure for seasoned riders.
The Surfin’ Turf's original bowls were never fully demolished. Instead, they were filled with gravel and left sitting inconspicuously beside the interstate. The goal of the rebuild was to preserve these original bowls, but they were ultimately deemed unusable. As a result, Grindline Skateparks Inc., the construction company contracted to rebuild The Turf, used the official Surfin’ Turf blueprints to rebuild each of the original five bowls with minor adaptations, as well as designing a sixth.
Now, current skateboarders and BMX riders can roll in on historically accurate concrete that made southeastern Wisconsin a legendary destination.
Something for every skill level:
If transition isn't your preference, or you're not there yet, don't fret. The Turf Skatepark has plenty of other options: a flat, street-focused plaza, a stair set, ledges, rails, a quarter pipe, banks, and more.
Young children ride their wheels-of-choice up and down the rollers, across flats, and turn through shallow transitions. Beginners, too, are reminded that it’s not the lingo that matters but their perception of the features. A quarter pipe can sound and look terrifying. Someone can ride
to the top and do a tail stall, or they can stay a few inches from the bottom and lean into their heels to practice turning. Both are using the quarter pipe exactly as intended!
The luxury of having one of the largest skateparks in the Midwest as your local park to ride is that it's big enough to be choosy. You get to decide the area and features that best fit your needs. Some days that just means the least crowded corner!
Plan your visit:
Bring a snack and a water bottle, because Wisconsin summers get hot and you’ll be moving and grooving through the volcanoes on the plaza. Alcohol is not allowed.
Visiting The Turf Skatepark is truly a year-round, family-friendly activity. (Okay, maybe not “year-round,” but it’s certainly open if you want to gear up! We’ve got the snow pants and jackets. You bring the shovel.)
Greenfield is only twenty minutes from downtown Milwaukee. Go in the morning and you'll likely have most of the park to yourself. Or come in the evening and join the night crowd: locals, longtime Surfin’ Turf regulars, and dedicated riders who've driven across the country to experience the joy and history of The Turf Skatepark.
Why The Turf matters:
With the recent closures of 4Seasons Skate Park of Milwaukee and Cream City Skate Park, two former indoor skateparks in southeastern Wisconsin, The Turf Skatepark’s presence matters more than ever. It continues the Midwest’s legacy of investing in local talent, growing the sport, and providing a place to socialize outdoors. Everyone, no matter their age or ability, deserves playtime.
This is the reason for a phrase commonly passed around by ERIK’S Bike Shop employees: We’re in the business of fun.
About The Author:
Marissa Widdifield, Assistant Manager, ERIK'S Brookfield
Marissa was a late bloomer to outdoor recreation. She discovered snowboarding, biking, and skateboarding while living in various environments alongside the Mississippi, in northern Germany, and in sleepy ski towns in the western United States. Since then, she seeks to build community and explore the diverse landscapes of Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where is The Turf Skatepark?
-The Turf is at 4267 West Loomis Road in Greenfield, Wisconsin, about 20 minutes from downtown Milwaukee.
Is The Turf Skatepark free?
-Yes. It is a free, public outdoor skatepark open to riders of all ages and abilities.
What are the hours?
-The City of Greenfield lists the hours as dawn until dusk. Summer evenings are the busiest.
What can you ride at The Turf?
-Skateboards, skates, scooters, and BMX bikes are all allowed.
Are metal BMX pegs allowed?
-No. Metal pegs are not allowed, so bring plastic ones. They slide better at skateparks anyway.
How many bowls does The Turf have?
-Six. Five were rebuilt from the original Surfin' Turf blueprints, and a sixth was newly designed.
Is there parking?
-Yes, a gravel lot with portable restrooms. There are no storage lockers, so leave valuables in your car.
