John Valls Park

Skate Paradise

At the heart of John Valls Park sits Laredo's first poured-in-place concrete skatepark - a dream years in the making. The park cleverly splits into two elevations, offering both park and plaza terrain for diverse skating experiences.

Up top, you'll come across a barrier-style turnaround feature and a sweet bank to manual pad. Drop down to the lower section and you're greeted with a circular wedge feature, a clean flat ledge, an A-frame ledge, and a flowing 4-foot quarter pipe that seamlessly transitions into a banked section with an extension.

The smooth surface is great for landing tricks. While it can get busy (good spots always do!), the variety of ramps accommodates everyone from newbies to veterans.

From Dream to Reality

After eight years of passionate advocacy by the local Skateboard Laredo group, the park finally opened its gates on February 2, 2020. It shows the results of collaboration between community members and city leadership.

The park honors a World War II veteran, John Valls, and came to life largely through Councilman Charlie San Miguel's efforts and district funding. What makes this space special is that actual skaters had a voice in its creation - the design reflects community input gathered during public meetings and consultations with a skater focus group.

Finding Your Way

Nestled within North Central Park in Laredo, this park is easy to reach via the N Central Park Trail. You'll find parking right off International Parkway, and the skatepark sits just behind the covered basketball courts.

Feel like exploring? The park connects to North Central Park's larger trail system, excellent for extending your outdoor adventure. The perimeter trail features about a 10-foot elevation change in the back with some tighter turns, making for a more interesting stroll than your average flat path.

Beyond Skating

Not a skater? No problem. The covered basketball courts feature plastic flooring with excellent grip and good lighting for those evening games.

The sand volleyball courts have become a family favorite for casual play. And if you're looking to get some steps in, the blacktop track circling the park provides a decent jogging surface - though you'll want to stick to the skatepark itself if you're on wheels.

Kid-Friendly Zone

The playground here is particularly great for the little ones. With slides, a rock climbing wall, and steps to conquer, it offers plenty to keep toddlers and younger children engaged and active. Some parents mention the slides are a bit steep, so you might want to keep an eye on the very youngest adventurers.

One practical perk for parents: the parking area is just a short walk from the playground, making it super convenient for quick play sessions with impatient kiddos.

The Practical Stuff

You'll come across public restrooms past the volleyball courts, but they could use a bit more TLC. They feature metal fixtures and work in a pinch, but don't expect luxury.

The park offers a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere despite being in an urban setting. And if you're a dog owner, the trails make for pleasant pet walking routes.

Note that hours and specific rules may change, so it's worth checking with the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department before planning your visit.