Guiding You Through Mouse Trap Skate Park

by Cameron Manthe

Mouse Trap Skate Park is Topeka's oldest skate park offered and is situated in the Oakland neighborhood. This park has a variety of obstacles offered in many sizes. This park can be enjoyed by most skill levels but can be quite busy at times. Many of the locals would agree it is one of the best parks in the city. If you are unfamiliar with skate park terminology then Stoked Ride Shop has a great article detailing names of obstacles and even illustrations. Let's check out what this park has to offer.

Quarter Pipes at Mouse Trap Skate Park
Photo by Cameron Manthe

This park features an open bowl section which flows around creating a round quarter pipe hip. It is around four to five feet tall in height and is decently mellow. There are also three quarter pipes in different sizes along one side of the park. This is the extent of transition at this skate park.

This park features several banks scattered throughout its layout. Most notably are two banks with a small gap between them. There is a ledge situated on top so you can choose to grind or jump over the gap. Other notable banks include the set of bank spine things in the corner of the park. These are great to learn how to pump to maintain speed. The banks here flow nicely on a skateboard and are less harsh feeling than Rip-Ons banks. They are also not as steep.

There are two major hips located in the very center of the park. The larger of the two is a very popular obstacle and is one of the more used pieces here. It has a ledge on top but it is rarely used in everyday skating. The hip is fairly mellow and fun to blast tricks over. The main hip has a smaller replica on the back without the ledge. 

Grind Box at Mouse Trap Skate Park
Photo by Cameron Manthe

There are multiple ledges situated around the park. The main ledge is a rather short grind ledge that also doubles as a manual pad. It is the main grind box at the park and also features a larger box jutting out from it. There is a long curved ledge above the bowl but it is mainly used for sitting. There are also the previously mentioned ledges on top of the hip and over the bank gap. 

There is one lonely grind rail here and features two different heights on either end with a sloped section in the middle. It is a wide flat bar and the low end is great for beginners who want a taste of skating a rail. It is located in a large flat area that is also great for flat ground. Just be aware that this can be a high traffic area if the park is busy. 

Mouse Trap is a great skate park for skaters of all skill levels to practice or get a session in. With many of the obstacles being offered in different sizes you can work your way up right there as you progress. Come visit and see why this is the preferred skate park of many skaters in Topeka.

Sources:

Shawnee County Parks and Rec

https://parks.snco.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/Mouse-Trap-Skate-Park-140

Stoked Ride Shop

https://stokedrideshop.com/blogs/fun/the-ultimate-guide-to-skate-park-ramps

Photos by Cameron Manthe