Anyone who has been a part of the Skatepark process knows it is typically not a fast one.  Stephanie Murdock, President of Skatepark of Baltimore has been working on the Baltimore Skatepark project for over 7 years.  For the past two years, Pillar has been proud to be a part of the project and help make their dream of a concrete Skatepark a reality.

The Skatepark Design is finalized, the construction documents are good to go and fundraising efforts have been at full force. They have received a$25,000 grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation, $10,000 in donations from local Businesses and need to raise an additional $15,000 by May 31st in order to receive a matching grant from Baltimore City Recreation and Parks Department.

This matching grant would mean construction can finally begin on Phase 1 of the Skatepark, Phase 1 being a 3,600 sq. ft. bowl.  The Skatepark is to be located behind the Roosevelt Recreation Center in Hampden at 1121 West 36th Street.

Help give this group of young people a place of their own. You can donate at the Baltimore Skatepark website.

The Pillar team is lucky to have the opportunity to work with and speak to communities all over the United States and the World. During the course of the Cherokee Skate/Bike Park we had the privilege to meet Bryson City Bicycles and would like to thank them for their dedication to the Industry. This local Bike and Skate shop is owned and operated by Diane Cutler and Andy Zivinsky. Both accomplished riders, but come from a somewhat non-traditional bicycling background. Andy is a former BMX competitor, and today considers himself an adrenaline-happy mountain biker. Diane an avid long distance touring cyclist has ridden across the US from California to New York.

If you’re in the Cherokee area stop by Bryson City Bicycles, support your local organizations that supported you. Bryson City Bicycles offers bike rentals, sales and repairs in downtown Bryson City. Step inside and you’ll find personalized fittings, daily and weekly rentals, parts and accessories, gift items, books, maps, trail information, kids’ products and more. They carry both BMX and Skate items and strive for a strong and healthy community through bicycling and local involvement.

Click here to view the embedded video.

For more information on how you can get a Skate/BMX park in your community contact me at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com

Check our Facebook page for photos and project updates.

It’s been a great first quarter here at Pillar. We are happy to see so many projects moving forward whether design or construction, our team has been very busy. Winter’s over, spring has arrived and for us that means construction has begun! The next few months are filled with prep work, construction visits and grand openings.

Buckeye, AZ – Verrado Skate Spot

This small 3,500 sq. ft. skate spot has been in the works for quite some time. Finally, we have received the approval to move forward and the community of Verrado will soon have a place to skate. The skate spot has been designed to fit within an existing park and will connect with the pedestrian walking trails, providing access to the entire park.

Kearney, NE – Apollo Skatepark

Final design tweaks are underway and plans should be finalized and submitted to the City by the end of the month. Fundraising efforts have begun, stay tuned for construction details.

Vicksburg, MS – Vicksburg Skatepark

Pillar was selected through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process to Design the Vicksburg Skatepark. Working with the local Skate community, this 5,000 sq. ft. Skatepark is street based and will be constructed entirely above ground. Fundraising efforts are still in progress in hopes to raise additional funds for the bonus sections noted on the design in blue. The Skatepark fits within an existing park system and will have a ¼ mile asphalt walking path. Keep watching our Facebook page for updates and ways to help.

Westmoreland, PA – Peach Bowl

The Peach Bowl has gone out to bid and construction should begin Spring of 2012. The Peach Bowl, a 7,500 sq. ft. combi bowl with 5ft to 9ft depths and a 4ft snake run, is Phase 2 of the Twin Lakes Park Expansion Project, specifically the Peach Plaza. We commend Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation on continuing to provide recreational spaces for their Skaters.

Chesapeake, VA – City Park Skatepark

After years of planning, we are happy to announce construction will begin this year! Part of a larger masterplan at City Park, this 33,000 sq. ft. Skatepark will include a 10ft deep bowl, a flow bowl, a flat land area that has a “signature dish” and a skate track area with ledge alley, “angel wings” and a ditch. First construction site visit has been completed and construction photos and progress soon to follow.

Sweden – High Valley Skate World

Construction has begun on this 30,000 sq. ft park. Our Design/Build team has been on-site for the last three weeks and excited to finally breakground on this distinctive Skatepark. Set to open the summer of 2012, the Skatepark offers a 20,000 sq. ft. flow bowl, with heights ranging from 4ft to 11ft, plus a 16ft tall full pipe. With a 10,000 sq. ft. flat ground competition area. Big thanks to Peab Construction and Sub Surfacers, we appreciate your hospitality and look forward to returning.

If your community is in need of a Skatepark, we are here to help. Feel free to contact me at Nicole@pillardesignstudios.com

Skatepark Funding is often a source of frustration for many Skatepark Organizations and Committees. Though there are many opportunities out there today such as the Tony Hawk Foundation, local and Federal Grants, etc.  It is still often hard to find the necessary funding needed.

Over the past few years we have had the privilege to work with Artisan Skateparks on numerous Skatepark projects. Artisan Skateparks is a collaboration of over 25 years of combined custom skatepark construction experience and provides quality concrete, custom Skateparks. Artisan is owned and operated by Skateboarders and due to their passion for quality Skateparks, they have recently launched their Skatepark Assistance Program. The Skatepark Assistance Program, offers construction funding to communities in need of quality Skateparks. They will be awarding up to 10 donations per year, providing support to communities that are in need of concrete, poured-in-place Skateparks.

Up to $5,000 in assistance will be awarded per recipient. Awards will be based on a first come bases and must meet all set requirements.

In order to submit for the Artisan Skatepark Assistance Program, the applicant must be a public charity, organized under the IRC Sec. 501(c)(3) and qualified under IRC Sec. 170(B)(1)(A), or a state or local agency. Proof of federal tax-exempt status is required with the funding application.

We thank Artisan for their dedication to quality Skateparks and giving back to the industry they  are devoted too.

For more information on the Artisan Skatepark Assistance Program please email me at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com

Remember to follow us on Facebook for Project Updates, Industry, News and much much more.

Another Pillar Artisan Design Build project, we were happy to work with the Cherokee nation and Chief Michell Hicks on this Skatepark project.  The sovereign nation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians recognized the need for a Skatepark facility and asked us to work with their youth and council to create a cohesive Skatepark design that all can enjoy. The final Skatepark is a dual use park, created for both Skate and BMX and has a little something for everyone.  50/50 split of street and transitional elements, this 13,000 sq. ft. park was literally built out of the mountain side. The park features color concrete, the tribal logo (Bear Claw) and is worth the trip.

Check out a few YouTube videos that highlight the Skatepark:

BOWLS

Click here to view the embedded video.

 STREET

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you have members of the family not interested in the Skatepark, there are many other fun and relaxing things to do. Such as, Oconaluftee Village, Museums, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, swimming, fishing, and tubing just to name a few. If you have skated the park, feel free to leave your comments below.

If your a fan of Pillar remember to like us on Facebook.

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.