West Oakland May Get a New Outdoor Roller Skate Rink
A group of Bay Area roller skaters is proposing Panther Skate Plaza, an inclusive outdoor rink at Oakland’s DeFremery Park. To build momentum and bring the community together, they host the Panther Prowl every Thursday from 6-9 p.m., along with a Black Panther Party-inspired farmers market.
The proposed plaza would be located between the park’s basketball and skate courts at Bobby Hutton Park, honoring the first Black Panther recruit. With no indoor rinks within 25 miles, this would create a rare East Bay space specifically for skating.
Plans include:
- Smooth skating surface with a mural by a local artist
- Seating areas and BBQ spots, or extra space for skating
- Solar roof with daylight oculus and lighting
- Bathrooms, a skate library, and potential concessions
Oakland’s roller skating community is large but lacks designated spaces. Skaters often use basketball and tennis courts, which can displace them when those areas are in use. The group reached out to the park’s director to propose a safe, free, and accessible space that adds value to the neighborhood.
Give input on what you’d like to see in Panther Skate Plaza. Sign the petition to bring this project to life. Donate to support.
The vision is for the plaza to serve as a community hub for roller skating, roller dance, STEAM learning programs, and special events, honoring the park’s history while giving locals another avenue for recreation in a cultural jewel of West Oakland.
H/t: SFist
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