Plaza at the Forks skatepark

The Plaza at the Forks is an internationally acclaimed landmark that redefined the concept of action sports infrastructure, proving that a world-class skate environment can also serve as a high-end urban park. Spanning nearly 48,000 square feet at the historic junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers in downtown Winnipeg, this facility was designed by New Line Skateparks in collaboration with Van der Zalm + Associates and Scatliff+Miller+Murray, and built by New Line Skateparks and PCL Construction. This project stands as the first of its kind in the world, successfully integrating a high-performance skateable sculpture plaza and a massive bowl complex into a site with over 6,000 years of cultural and historical significance.

The 29,000-square-foot Central Plaza is a masterclass in site-sensitive design, inspired by iconic skate spots globally while remaining deeply rooted in Winnipeg’s heritage. Every element was crafted through collaboration with local artists, skaters, and heritage experts to ensure the space felt true to the Forks district. The plaza features the "Spirit Fish," a skateable sculpture by artist Pat Lazo representing the ancient catfish of the nearby rivers, and the "Magic Carpet," a super-elevated concrete ribbon track that pays homage to the site’s railway history. These artistic centerpieces are surrounded by an endless array of granite-capped benches, technical stair sets, and rails, all accented with wire-cut stone and original Forks brick inlays.

Complementing the street-style plaza is an 8,500-square-foot modern bowl complex that pushes the limits of transition riding with a massive 17-foot cradle and 13-foot over-vert pocket. Beyond its athletic utility, the Plaza at the Forks is one of Winnipeg’s most vibrant public meeting places, attracting over 4 million annual visitors who come to view art, socialize, or simply enjoy the riverside atmosphere. By blending elite functionality with profound respect for local history, the project has earned prestigious awards from the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects and remains a premier destination for urban explorers from around the globe.