Skate Park de Alter do Chão

Alter do Chão is a small village in the north Alentejo, best known for the royal stud farm where Alter Real Lusitano horses have been bred since 1748. Since November 2024 it has had a skate park as well. The council opened it on Saturday 16 November 2024 with demonstrations from well-known riders. The project cost about €140,000, which also paid for landscaping around the park.

It sits on Rua da Paz, next to the municipal cemetery, close to the village centre and the schools. The council lists it among its sports facilities as a medium-sized space for skateboards, inline skates, scooters (trotinetes) and BMX, suitable for every level from beginners to experts.

A|Park, the company that built it, describes a street-style park of about 540 square metres. The obstacles are:

• a mini ramp, a small half-pipe with a curved wall at each end
• a delta, a raised block with sloping sides, fitted with a rail and ledges
• corners, where two ramps meet at an angle
• inclines, flat slopes to ride up and down
• quarters, single curved ramps
• a floor ledge, a low concrete edge for first grinds
• manual pads, low flat-topped boxes for balancing on two wheels
• a flat bar, a low rail to slide along

The builder calls it one of the best skate parks in the Portalegre district, and says it’s suited to riders of all levels.

Because it’s a street park without a bowl, it’s a friendly size for young riders. A child on a scooter can roll the flat, go up and down the inclines and try the low quarters. The floor ledge, manual pads and flat bar are where beginners on skateboards practise their first slides and balances. The mini ramp and the rail on the delta are for children who can already ride with some speed.

Scooters are named by the council, which isn’t always the case at Portuguese skate parks, so a scooter kid won’t have to sit it out.

The council doesn’t publish a helmet rule. A helmet, knee pads and wrist guards are sensible for any child learning here.

• Parking is free at the entrance to the skate park, according to the builder.
• The builder notes that public transport options to Alter do Chão are few, so plan to drive.
• The council doesn’t list toilets, lighting or hours for the park. Check before you go.
• The Alentejo gets very hot in summer and the park is in the open, so mornings and early evenings are the best times from June to September.
• It’s a small village, so the park is usually quieter than big city parks, which suits beginners.

The council’s outdoor pool is in the village’s sports area, near the school and the GNR station. It has a 25-metre leisure pool and a 6 by 4 metre paddling pool for small children. In summer (June to September) it opens from 10:00 to 19:30 and closes on Mondays, according to the council.

The Coudelaria de Alter, the royal stud farm, runs guided tours, a falconry session and short first rides for children. It makes a good morning before an afternoon on the scooter.

Further afield in the north Alentejo:

• The Parque Aquático do Crato is a council pool park with a 30-metre water slide, in the next municipality.
• Castelo de Vide’s outdoor pool is another good summer swim.
• The Clube Náutico de Avis river beach on the Maranhão reservoir has a floating pool and a playground.

Does Alter do Chão have a skate park?

Yes. It opened on 16 November 2024 on Rua da Paz, next to the municipal cemetery.

Are scooters allowed?

Yes. The council lists skateboards, inline skates, scooters and BMX.

Is it good for beginners?

The council says it’s suited to all levels, from beginners to experts. Without a bowl, it’s a manageable park for a young child starting out.

Is it free?

It’s a public council skate park and no charge has been published.

Where can we park?

The builder says there’s free parking at the entrance.