Since our clients are often not the end users of our products, the early stages of Skatepark development often involve some form of education into the Skate industry and language. Below are a just a few Skatepark terms that are often used in the early Skatepark planning and designing phase.

Basic Types of Skateparks:

Street – This type of park is designed to mimic natural street terrain, such as stairs, railings, planters and benches.  The idea is to give the Skatepark an urban feel, offering a plaza style design that incorporates texture, color and the local architecture.

Transitional – Or flow parks provide elements such as halfpipes, bowls, etc.This type of park is typically associated with the word “Skatepark” and offers curved structures that provide a smooth, rolling surface.

Elements within a Skatepark:

Stairs- A staircase designed specifically for Skateboarding in mind

                                        Ledges- Is a smooth platform designed for sliding and grinding

Banks-A concrete slanted surface that allows for vertical riding

  Fun Box – Is basically a table component in the middle and is usually surrounded by ramps.Today funboxes offer features such as ledges, rails, or coping

Rails – Are used for slides and grinds. They can be free-standing or used with other features

                            Quarter Pipe – Literally quarter of a pipe

Bowl – A  structure that is designed to mimic a swimming pool.

For more information on Skatepark Design and or how you can get a Skatepark in your community, contact me at Nicole@pillardesignstudios.com.

We rate our success based on the park users, if you have photos or videos of our parks, we would love to see them.

Feel free to post comments or questions below.

Success of a Skatepark Design Build Project

There are many ways to measure success of a Pillar Design Studios‘ design/build project. We can study user statistics and skateboard industry or media coverage, but we prefer listening to our audience and seeing Skaters enjoying our parks.

Sometimes photos just do not do our parks justice. Check out this YouTube video posted by Kyleiscool. If you have a video or pictures of one of our parks, send them our way.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Want to learn more about Pillar Design Studios and how you can begin the skatepark process for your town? Email me at  nicole@pillardesignstudios.com.

Once your municipality has given you the OK for a Skatepark the next question that usually arises is where should the Skatepark go? A location solidifies the Skatepark and often aides fundraising efforts.

Please keep in mind even though you have been given the “OK” for a Skatepark doesn’t mean everyone in your community will be excited about the project. Often the location of the Skatepark draws much more attention than the project itself. Unfortunately, more often than not there is opposition towards a Skatepark, due to the lack of knowledge regarding Skateboarding in general. Fortunately with a very little effort, you can provide the necessary information and dispel these areas of concerns.

The location of the Skatepark can directly affect the success of the park, there are a few key factors that should be taken into consideration before moving forward. By addressing these issues before the site has been selected you can often circumvent some of the questions that may arise from the general public.

-          Noise Impact

• When creating a poured-in-place concrete park, the noise that is heard is no more than any other recreational facility.  You should be considerate of the neighborhoods nearby and the possible affects the Skatepark will have.

-          Amenities

• Placing a Skatepark into an existing Park system is a great way to use the existing amenities such as parking, drinking fountains, lighting to your advantage. This allows for more funds to go into the skate-able square footage of your park.

-          Accessibility

• Often Skaters do not have access to a vehicle. This means finding a location centrally located and near public transportation is key.
• The park should be in plain view and not tucked away in a corner. Not only does this provide better access for the Skaters as well as parents and spectators, it provides the community the opportunity to see, interact and understand the Skateboarding community.

No matter where you decided to place the Skatepark, the key to the success of any Skatepark is to get a qualified and experienced Skatepark Designer involved. Remember a Skatepark is a recreational facility that should be planned, designed and though out before construction begins. By incorporating your Skatepark into an existing park facility you can often avoid resistance, as well as minimize the cost.

For more information on site selection and or how you can get a Skatepark in your community please contact me at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com.

If you found this article helpful or of value please click the Facebook ‘share’ button. You may also consider joining our Facebookcommunity for more information about skatepark design build, skatepark construction progress, action sports facilities and general fun.

2011 has been a great year here at Pillar. Another year filled full of all different types of Action Sports facilities. As 2011 wraps up we would like to look back at some of the most memorable projects of the year.

HISTORIC FOURTH WARD SKATEPARK LOCATED IN ATLANTA, GA

Working with the Beltline organization, the Skatepark was a part of a City wide initiative to revitalize the downtown area. The first free, public Skatepark in Atlanta, Georgia, the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark is a great example of how perseverance, dedication and hardwork do pay off. Working directly with Thomas Taylor, the local Skateshop owner, as well as the Community, members of the Betline Association and Wood+Partners we created this one of kind Skatepark. This 17,000 sq. ft. Skatepark received a lot of press after being selected by the Tony Hawk Foundation for a $25,000 grant and then Hawk himself showing up for the Grand Opening proceedings. Even though we have many parks that received THF funding, this was definitely the most notable.

Hawk said about 4thWard,

“I’m shocked at how big it is,” Hawk, whose philanthropic foundation awarded the project $25,000, told CL between skating and signing autographs. “It’s so expansive and offers something for all skill levels. It’s great.”  Reported by Dustin Chambers of Fresh Loaf

CHEROKEE SKATEPARK LOCATED IN CHEROKEE, NC

The Cherokee Skatepark located on Native American land in the mountains of beautiful Cherokee, NC is a dual use park, created for both Skate and BMX and has a little something for everyone. The Cherokee nation recognized the need for a Skatepark facility and at the request of Principal Chief Michell Hicks, Tribal Council approved this state of the art Skatepark built on 3.5 acres. This 13,000 sq. ft. Skatepark  was designed with a 50/50 split of street and transitional elements. Working directly with the youth and local skaters of Cherokee we came up with a design that is literally carved out of the mountain side. To show homage to the tribe, we incorporated the tribal logo, a bear claw. The park has been a great success, bringing people from all over North Carolina, Georgia and beyond. A great addition to the other tourist attractions in the area.

The ‘street’ area was well built and creative too, with a bunch of options and lines galore. The peanut bowl is the highlight in my opinion, with great, smooth trannies, pool block, and tile as well. The park is mellow, in a nice area and was full of friendly locals. – Posted by Jeff Greenwood posted on Concrete Disciples  

LAKESIDE SKATEPARK LOCATED IN KISSIMMEE, FL

We are so proud to have been a part of the Lakeside Skatepark and work alongside the City of Kissimmee, Florida. The City knew it was time to upgrade an old, dilapidated, unsafe above ground park but funds were limited and resources were tight. After much research the City contacted Pillar Design Studios, in hopes for some expertise and assistance during the early stages of the project. Pillar aided the City during fundraising and the grant process; once the project was funded, the fun began. This Skatepark is a great example of what can be done with the municipality and community support. We were able to create 10,000 sq. ft. of skate-able surface for just over $100,000 plus in-kind donations.  The total size of the Skatepark is 10,000 sq. ft., which includes a 4,000 sq. ft. Skate/BMX park and a 6,000 sq. ft. skate-able connection sidewalk. The skate-able path not only connects the Skatepark to the local neighborhood, offering easy and safe access for the local users, but also to other park amenities and is used by all park participants. We truly believe in creating parks you can skate instead of Skateparks and Lakeside Skatepark is a true testament to this.

This is a thank you email for building Lakeside skate park in Kissimmee, Florida. We are a local skateboard company in Orlando, Fl that is about motivating kids and young adults to go out in skate and enjoy skateboarding no matter what your skill level. We did a small contest at the park last weekend and had no idea what this park is doing for the community. The passion, drive, progression, and heart are just a few words to describe the locals at this park. This park is literally helping kids get off the streets and away from drugs and other crime that surrounds the area. Every time we visit Lakeside skate park we see the amount of skaters/bmx riders double, and the progression and friendship excel. On our behalf and everyone at Lakeside Skate Park, in Kissimmee Florida, we couldn’t thank you enough. Keep up the amazing work, you guys are making a big impact on the communities.  – Sent from Andrew Gahlbeck, Owner of Welcome Home Skateboard Co.

HIGH VALLEY SKATE WORLD LOCATED IN HOGDALEN, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

The High Valley Skate World Skatepark  process was like no other. There was a long and vigorous selection process, which included a Design Competition but after many months and numerous submittals our Design/Build team was selected to move forward on this custom 30,000 sq. ft. Skatepark. The design has been finalized and construction has begun, though on hold for the winter, with a completion date scheduled for 2012 this park will be here before we know it.

 We want to thank all of our advocates, clients and team members for their dedication to quality, custom Skateparks. 2011 could not have happened without you. We look forward to 2012 and all that it has to offer. If you have a favorite Pillar park, photos or videos, please feel free to post a comment or send us an email at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com. We would love to hear from you.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE PILLAR TEAM

 Our office will be closed on Friday, December 23^rd and re-opening Tuesday, Jan. 3^rd, so our employees can spend the Holidays with their families. We appreciate your understanding.

We are often asked by municipalities and Skate Committees alike what type of Skatepark is best for them. Based on our experience as Skatepark specialist as well as Landscape Architects, here is a brief breakdown on the types of Skateparks and associated sizes.

Skate Dot – A Skate Dot is often the smallest skate-able space, 1,500 sq. ft. or smaller. Skate Dot’s are usually placed onto existing concrete, such as sidewalks or paved areas. Offering one skate-able element for skaters passing through, a skate dot can only accommodate one skater at a time.

Skate Trail – Is typically a series of Skate Dots. The idea behind a Skate trail is to link existing skate dots, skate spots or even neighborhood Skateparks together. Offering a legal and safe passage throughout an entire City park system, this is a great way to tie a park system together. This also offers a unique experience for the Skater, allowing them to skate from place to place.

Skate Spot – These Skate Spots, often referred to as Pocket Parks are typically the choice for areas with either limited funds or space. They are easily funded and developed, and are often utilized by local users who lack transportation. Typical size ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 sq. ft. and can accommodate 4 to 8 users, one at a time.

Neighborhood Skateparks –These Skateparks typically have smaller sites (5,000 -10,000 sq. ft. or the equivalent of a set of tennis courts) distributed around the City to provide recreational opportunities for beginners and intermediate skill level users in their perspective neighborhoods.

Community Skateparks – Typical size is 10,000 – 20,000 sq. ft.,  accommodating all skill levels and more users at any given time. These Skateparks provide more amenities (restrooms, on-site parking, spectator areas, etc.), as they serve more as a destination for skaters all over the City rather than the local neighborhood users.

Regional Skateparks – A regional facility is a single large facility (20,000 sq. ft. plus) that will accommodate many users at once. Offering a variety of terrain, for all skills levels and often serve as a venue for competitions. Due to this restrooms, parking, lighting, spectator seating, concession, rental, etc. should all be considered during the design stage. Regional Parks should be centrally located and will become destination points for skaters throughout the nation.

Whether you are wanting a street style (plaza), transitional style (bowls/vert) or a combination Skatepark knowing the differences between the types of Skateparks and the needs they meet will help you make an informative decision. We are here to help no matter what stage you are in, if your community is considering a Skatepark but unsure how to move forward feel free to contact me at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com.

            Happy Thanksgiving

          from all of us at Pillar Design Studios, LLC.

We hope everyone can get out and Skate on this Holiday weekend.

We leave you with this great public service announcement from

the Tony Hawk Foundation

Click here to view the embedded video.

Leave us a comment and let us know what Skateboarding means to you.

The number one question we receive here at Pillar is how can we get a Skatepark in our community. Though this task is not a simple one and it does not happen overnight, below are a few key steps that will help you stay on track and make the process a little easier.

#1 – Form A Committee

This group of individuals is very important; they will be promoting the Skatepark, meeting with City officials and ultimately the driving force for the project. Make sure you include committed individuals that are in for the long haul. Your committee should include not only skateboarders but also parents, local business owners and community members interested in the project.

#2 – Get Your Local Government Involved

Whether it be at a local Council Meeting or a one on one meeting with your Parks Department, let them know your need and want for a Skatepark. Getting your local Government involved almost always speeds up the process.

#3 –Advocacy and Fundraising

Get your community involved and excited about your project. Begin discussing the project to local Businesses and Community members. You can spread the word through demos, fundraising events and local gatherings. Gain as much support as you can, have a signed petition for the Skatepark, encourage everyone for the Skatepark to attend your local Council Meetings and let your Parks and Recreation Department hear your need.

Though the majority of your funds will come from your local Government and grant opportunities, any additional funds you are able to raise is a plus. This shows your local Government you are dedicated to the project and happy to help in any way you can.

#4 – Hire a Designer, Design/Build Team

Once your local Government is on board and there are funds allocated for the project, the next step is to hire a Skatepark specialist to help formulate your idea into a plausible Skatepark. They will take many factors into account such as size, site location, funding, type of Skatepark needed and begin the planning phase. Whether you decided to go Design bid Build or Design/Build is dependent on your process and what is the best fit for your community but it is important to always have a Skatepark specialist involved in the planning, designing and construction of a project such as this.

#5 – Skatepark Opening

Finally your dream is a reality, your Skatepark is about to be open and all your hard work will pay off. The Grand Opening can be as simple as a small ribbon cutting ceremony, to a large event with Skate demos and vendors. The important part is to spread the word and get out there and Skate.

If you have any questions regarding the Skatepark process or how you can get a Skatepark in your community feel free to contact me at nioole@pillardesignstudios.com.

We love to highlight organizations that are helping, advocating and building up the Skate industry; today we want to give props to Sthlm Sub Surfers. We are pleased to be working with this organization on High Valley Skateworld in Högdalen, Stockholm, Sweden.

Sthlm Sub Surfers main goal is for members to ride more boards. In order to achieve their goal, they realized they had to create new parks in and around Stockholm. Though, a Skatepark does not happen overnight. Sthlm Sub Surfers know the greater the number of members, the greater the chances of the project becoming a reality. They have already completed eleven projects and are currently working on ten more and will continue to advocate for all communities big or small.

Ongoing Projects (start date):
High Valley Skate World (formerly High Valley Skatepark), (1999)
Arsta Skatepark (2009)                                                                                                                                               Nytorp Skatepark in Huddinge (2009)
Vaxholm Skatepark (2010)
Stockholm Slussen Wave (a standing wave for surfing) 2018 (2010 )
Taby Skatepark (2010)
Nynashamn Skatepark (2010)
Vallingby Skatepark
Lidingo Skatepark (2010)
Hjorthagen Skatepark (2011)

Completed Projects:
Stuvsta ramp in Huddinge, 1981- 1986
Ralis Skatepark, 1985 – 2010
Gustavsberg Skatepark, 199 – 2011
Bjornstradgard Skatepark, 2004 – 2005
Deep Valley Skatepark in Sollentuna, 2008 -2009
Nytrop Skatepark in Huddinge, 2008 – 2009
Donkey Pool in Huddinge, 2009 – 2010
Tyreso Skatepark, 2009 – 2010
Miniramp Lidingl, 2010 – 2011
Akersberga Skatepark, 2010 – 2011
Miniramp Helenelund, 2011

It’s great to see organizations get involved and promote  Skateboarding,  just another example of how you can make a difference. For more information on the Hogdalen Skatepark project or how you can get a Skatepark in your community please contact me at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com. 

Often when you think of Skateparks, you imagine a large concrete surface with no aesthetic aspects but those are the Skateparks of the past. Our stance has always been to create parks you can Skate and not Skateparks. Your Skatepark should reflect your community and local Skate culture and a great way to do that is the addition of Skate-able Architecture, color and textures.

Skate-able Architecture or Skate-able Art is just that, unique artistic pieces that were created specifically for Skating. The original thought behind Skate-able Architecture was to mimic famous sculptures and art pieces found throughout the world’s parks and streets, such as the Love Plaza in Philadelphia, PA.  Though the plaza was not designed specifically for skateboarding, the large space, granite surfaces, and curved steps made the plaza attractive to skateboarders.  Our approach goes beyond just mimicking famous pieces but provides your local artist and skateboarders the opportunity to create their own pieces that are specific to their community, heritage and culture. Skate-able Architecture can stimulate an existing park path or add texture and color to a Skatepark while aiding the artistic community and offering an aesthetically pleasing Skatepark.

Incorporation of Color and texture is another great way to make a unique statement, during the design phase color concrete can be added to specific areas of the park. Take our Cherokee Skatepark located in Cherokee, North Carolina. We were able to use colored concrete to incorporate the tribal logo of a bear claw. This logo is very important to the Cherokee community as it reflects their local history. Another feature to think about is granite, bricks and tiles. By incorporating one or more of these elements, you not only are given a unique design but also different textures for the skating experience. Plus, donor bricks or tiles are a great way to get the community involved and aid funding efforts.

If you are having problems with graffiti and or just hoping to add some color to an existing Skatepark, Skatepark murals might be a great option. Murals add a splash of color and provide an outlet for the urban artist to display their art that is often banned and or removed. If you are having issues with graffiti studies have shown that most graffiti artist will not tag over another artist work. So a Skatepark mural might be the right choice for your community. You are also providing a place for these artists to display their talents without persecution. If you are not up for painting areas of an existing Skatepark, you can always add a graffiti wall.

It’s important to note, if you do plan on painting over an existing Skatepark, there are necessary steps that need to be taken to ensure the skate-ability of the park.  We recommend speaking with a Skatepark specialist before beginning this process but here are a few pointers; make sure to use a paint that allows the concrete to breathe, make sure the surface has been cleaned with a degreaser and repair any surface cracks before the painting process begins.

Whether you are looking for a few pieces of Skate-able Architecture to add to an existing path or looking to create a world class Skatepark facility, it is important to remember this facility should be designed for all community members.  Your Skatepark can be a center piece that the whole community can enjoy and be proud of. For more information on Skateparks and aesthetically pleasing elements please email us at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com.

Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark, Atlanta, GA

Next week is the Annual Congress and Exposition for Nation Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA). This is the nation’s premier Parks and Recreation event of the year, offering not only the largest exposition in the industry but also on and off site education sessions.

This year the NRPA Congress and Exposition will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia October 31st – November 3rd , 2011. NRPA states, the three-day conference brings together more than 6,500 park and recreation professionals, citizen advocates, and industry suppliers for amazing networking opportunities, hundreds of educational sessions, and the industry’s largest trade show showcasing the products and services of nearly 450 exhibitors. NRPA is dedicated to the advancement of public parks and recreation opportunities. A non-for-profit organization, founded in 1965, NRPA serves as the voice and defender of parks and recreation.

This year’s NRPA is has a great keynote speaker, Tony Hawk. We are pleased to see NRPA is interested in the Skate industry and sought out, a true expert in the field. Though, we have written about Tony Hawk and his foundation in the past. We would be amiss to not mention again, that the Tony Hawk Foundation supports the creation of public skateboard parks in low-income communities, through special events, grants and technical assistance. Since 2002 the Tony Hawk Foundation has awarded 493 grants to help build public Skateparks in low-income communities. We have completed numerous parks that were Tony Hawk Foundation grant recipients and are happy to help any community with the grant submittal process. In fact our Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark, located about 3 miles from the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, was award a $20,000 Skatepark grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation in 2010 and will be a part of an NRPA off-site tour.

Pillar is proud work with the Atlanta Beltline organization on this NRPA off-site tour. This Off-Site tour offers parks and recreation representatives an opportunity to learn about Atlanta’s emerging emerald necklace, the Atlanta BeltLine, an innovative approach to the provision and development of new urban parkland. By participating in this interactive tour, representatives will learn about re-purposing urban land and infrastructure for park space, connecting neighborhoods, cost saving innovations for park operations, brownfield remediation, public safety, as well as public/private partnerships to support funding and development.

Participants will explore some of the Atlanta BeltLine’s latest park developments including Historic Fourth Ward Park and Skatepark, Boulevard Crossing Park, D H Stanton Park, and the future Westside Park, reclaiming an old quarry for water storage and greenspace. Brad Siedlecki, owner of Pillar Design Studios, LLC, will be on-site at the Skatepark to explain the design process, style and answer any questions that might arise.

The tour will happen on October 31, 2011 beginning at 9:00AM, the tour will be stopping by the Skatepark from 10:15 to 10:45am. For more information on the Atlanta Beltline Tour please contact nicole@pillardesignstudios.com.