The Resurrection of the "Wells": Inside the New Baixa da Banheira Skatepark

In the landscape of Portuguese skateboarding, few spots have held as much mythological weight as the "Poços" (The Wells) of Baixa da Banheira. For decades, these unique, connected concrete circles defined the riverside of the Margem Sul (South Bank). They were weird, wonderful, and absolutely distinct from the standard ramps found elsewhere.

Then, around 2019, they were buried. The park was demolished, leaving a physical and emotional void in the local scene.

But in July 2025, the impossible happened. The park didn't just get a modern replacement; it was resurrected. The new Baixa da Banheira Skatepark, located in Parque Municipal José Afonso, is a rare case of architectural "redemption"—a high-fidelity restoration of a unique piece of history, brought back to life by the builders at Wasteland Skateparks.

A Blueprint from the 1970s

While most modern skateparks chase the latest street league trends, the rebuilding of Baixa da Banheira looked significantly further back. In an exclusive interview, João from Wasteland Skateparks revealed a fascinating historical detail that changes the narrative of the build. The team didn't just guess what the old park looked like; they went to the source.

"We had the privilege of accessing the original drawings... which we believe were made in the 1970s when the entire riverside park was projected," João explains. These plans were likely connected to the office of the celebrated landscape architect Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles.

"What we built was based on drawings and images of what existed, not exactly what was built and subsequently buried," says João. This archaeological approach allowed them to keep the soul of the park while applying modern engineering. "It is likely better than the previous one," he notes, "but it was done without altering the essence."

Concrete Alchemy: The Build

Resurrecting a design from the past using 2025 quality standards was no simple task. The organic, flowing shapes of the "Wells" are notoriously difficult to pour compared to flat ledges.

"Building skateparks is extremely difficult and hard, and fortunately, today the demand for quality is high," João admits. The project faced early hurdles: heavy rains at the start of the year delayed earthworks, and the general contractor required close collaboration with Wasteland’s specialized team to handle the complex excavation and concreting.

"In the 'Poços', there was careful planning by our team to divide the sections, order the concrete pours, and organize the work," João details. The result is a seamless concrete landscape that feels both ancient and brand new.

The "Poços" Experience

The centerpiece of the park remains the "Poços"—a series of deep, connected bowls that create a distinct riding experience. Unlike the stop-and-go nature of modern street plazas, Baixa is about flow.

"The main motivation was to understand the importance it had for the local community and the unique design that provides a flow unique in our country," says João.

The park offers a mix of:

• The Wells: Deep transitions for carving and generating speed.

• The Bowl: A standard 3-level bowl for technical transition riding.

• Street Section: Integrated into the flow with manual pads, flat bars, and curved slappy curbs.

A Sanctuary for Legends

Why go to such lengths for a replica? Because for the generation of skaters, BMXers, and rollerbladers who grew up in the 90s, Baixa da Banheira was a sanctuary.

"Baixa da Banheira became mythical for being one of the few skateparks of the 90s that gathered the skate, BMX, and inline communities," João recalls. Its reputation crossed borders. "Due to the size of the ramps, it was a stage for the best transition skaters and bikers to pass through on tour... Thrasher’s 'Trash and Burn' and Carhartt BMX among many others."

For Wasteland, the project was more than just a contract; it was a duty to the culture. "The mission has been accomplished," João concludes. "We feel the joy of bringing life back to the Poços."

The Post-Session Guide: Eat Like a Local

You are in the Margem Sul now, which means the food is heartier, cheaper, and arguably better than in downtown Lisbon. Here is where to refuel after the session:

• The "Right There" Option: Churrasqueira do Rio. You can smell the charcoal from the skatepark. Just a short walk away, famous for its frango de Churrasco (Grilled Chicken) or Grelhada Mista.

• The Summer Ritual: Rui dos Caracóis. Outdoor seating, cold beer, and a river breeze. Perfect place to enjoy a plate of Caracóis (snails) and an Imperial (draft beer). If you visit between May and September, this is the cultural experience.

• The Local Legend: A short drive away in Alhos Vedros/Moita you will find Bifanas do Mestre André. These are widely considered some of the best bifanas (pork sandwich) in the district. The sauce is legendary.

Trip Notes

• Location: Parque Municipal José Afonso, Baixa da Banheira.

• Hostels nearby: Need a cheap bed near Baixa da Banheira? Check out these top-rated hostels nearby.

• Getting there by Train: Take the train from Lisbon (Sete Rios or Entrecampos) towards Setúbal/Sado. Get off at Baixa da Banheira. The park is a 10-minute skate from the station.

• Car: 30 minutes from Lisbon via the Vasco da Gama Bridge.

• Cost: Free.

• Best Time: Late afternoon for the sunset over the Tagus River.

• Best place to stay: Almada Hostel If you are planning to hit the transition paradise of Baixa da Banheira or the spots across the river, Almada Hostel is your strategic headquarters. Located on the south bank of the Tagus, it puts you within easy striking distance of the best concrete parks in the Setúbal district while keeping you close to the ferry for quick trips into downtown Lisbon.