Charming Piedmont Towns

Greenville, NC: BMX "Pro Town USA"

The Recreation and Parks Department of Greenville, North Carolina built its first skate ramp in the early 90’s after receiving a petition from over 100 parents and kids that had no place to ride except in the streets of Greenville. From this small wooden ramp to the present day, skateboarding, as well as BMX Bike freestyle riding, has grown by leaps and bounds all over the United States, but especially in Greenville.

Along with its growth has come the addition of new challenges in the skate park. Greenville has been on the cutting edge of skate and BMX parks since the beginning of its popularity. Because of this, the town has attracted some of the best BMX riders to the community from other parts of the country. The #1 and #2 BMX riders in the world now call Greenville home, along with nearly two dozen other pros. This gives international recognition to Greenville as these pros compete around the world. ESPN commentators refer to Greenville, NC, as "Pro Town USA" for BMX bikers.

The Dave Mirra World Tour was started in Greenville. This was an hour show on ESPN that was shown at least six times throughout the year. This one event generated calls from all over the U.S. about the facility.

This has also turned out to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for children of Greenville. It is not often that kids get to participate in the sport that they adore and at the same time associate with the top performers in the sport. The kids ride with the pros every day in Greenville. Not only do they see their idols on TV, but they get to rub elbows with them on a regular basis at the park.

The Extreme Park, located at Jaycee Park, is open for in-line skating, skateboarding, and biking. In addition there is an inline hockey rink adjacent to the skate park. The 10,000-square-foot park features ramps, mini pipes, spines, grind rails and three jump boxes. In addition, the park just finished remodeling and now has a beginners area, as well. The beginners area is similar to the regular area, but on a smaller scale.

All participants must be registered to use the park. If under 18 years of age, children must have a parent present to register. A valid I.D. is required to register for participants over the age of 18.

added: December 23, 2008

updated: August 5, 2011