Skateparks are not new to our landscapes. They have been around for over 30 years now. The skateboard community has grown exponentially. However the pace of new quality parks has not. In our quest to appease skaters we have by in large taken many shortcuts. This has led to sub-par skateparks that fail to adequately serve the public. These parks fail to retain the riders because of design, availability, and lack of understanding. We here at Skaters Alliance wanted to know what makes a viable skatepark. With this question, we set out to talk with those that ride these skateparks.
When posed the question “What makes a skatepark good?” The number one answer was “flow.” This simply means the ability to ride around the park from one obstacle to another without interruption. These interruptions can be anything from a misplaced trash can, a wide seam on the skating surface, or an obstacle that creates a blockage to another obstacle. Skaters rely on unimpeded motion to achieve satisfactory riding momentum. There is also another aspect of “flow” that was commented on. This usually equates to smaller parks. The lack of lines to skate. We most often see this in small modular parks where obstacles are placed opposing each other. Doing this only allows a simple back and forth approach to riding, which becomes stale in a short amount of time.
The next thing we hear is “We need a mix of riding terrain.” Skatepark terrain comes in many different forms. Terrain usually consist of Street elements such as “Stair Sets”, Ledges, Banks, Rails, Parking Blocks, and Raised Pads and Transition elements such as Bowls, Full Pipes, Cradles, Half Pipes, Quarter Pipes, and Round Corners. We are now seeing a more equitable mix of these two, but still have a ways to go. No skater wants to be limited in what he or she rides. They want multi-disciplined spaces. This allows them to have a greater creative outlet in their parks. We want a skatepark to bring all riders together, not exclude one or the other. This can only be done by providing a good mix of terrain, therefore bringing all skaters into the mix.
In line with Terrain, Skaters recognize the need for multi-skilled opportunities. A good Skatepark will accommodate beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders. We all have to start somewhere, but we normally don’t stay at a beginning level for long. Having a park that allows you to hone and advance your skill levels will certainly retain you as a rider. We have found that Skateparks that allow for progression through specific skill levels better serve the community.
Availability was also mentioned by most skateboarders. Skaters are not just kids, but vary in their ages. With most peoples busy schedules, getting to the park for exercise can be hard at times when hours are limited. Limited hours diminish the users recreational opportunity. Opening beyond normal business hours is a definite advantage. This allows for increased usage and opportunity. In many locations weather can dictate usage, due to heat in the summer. Having hours that go beyond early evening allows a more comfortable riding opportunity. In addition, opening early allows riders a chance to ride and not compete with a large skating crowd during prime hours.
Last but not least, are creature comforts. These would include ease of access, benches to rest, water fountains, shaded areas, and restrooms. Having such amenities is often overlooked. When riders or spectators have to leave to use a restroom or get a drink, it reduces participation. A Skatepark is Public space and we should try and accommodate the public with basic facilities to create a more conducive opportunity. Ease of access and visibility are also important to a well rounded Skatepark. Putting a skatepark in a visible place ensures safety, and awareness. They should never be tucked away somewhere off the beaten path. Doing so segregates riders, and participants, and ultimately invites trouble. Being visible also allows for passive observation by the general public, to ensure safety, and show that the park is an active facility for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, Skateparks are not playgrounds. They are and need to be well planned and designed community facilities. Anything short of that is a failure on our part as Advocates, and Public Officials. The key to bringing legitimate skateparks to our communities is public education, supported by credible data. Working together we can effect positive change in the mind set of the general public, and our elected officials.
