A Skatepark can do so much for a community and Marsh Creek Skatepark in Raliegh, NC is a perfect example. Marsh Creek Skatepark has been the location for the past three years for the Skate for Life event that raises awareness on youth suicide. Skate for Life is held by HopeLine, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free suicide prevention and crisis intervention. Founded in 1970, the organization has provided a caring, non-judgmental platform to thousands of individuals across North Carolina in an effort to improve the overall well-being of those in the community.

The Skate for Life event is an annual competition that typically features graffiti artist, raffle prizes, food, activities for kids, vendors and  much more. Admission is free to the public and just $10 the Skaters which includes a raffle ticket and free t-shirt. Proceeds go towards the Hopeline organization and their mission.

Though the annual event has already taken place this year, there are many other ways you can help HopeLine Inc.; volunteer your time, make a charitable contribution or just spread the word. For more information on HopeLine please contact their business office at 919.832.3326 or Nicole at the Pillar office at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com,

If your local Skatepark is giving back to your community we want to hear about it! Post below or send us your story at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com

Remember to follow us on Facebook for project updates and Skatepark photos.

Earth Day is here. Over one billion people, all over the world, are taking action in their communities and doing something to lower their carbon footprint. Celebrated in more than 192 countries every year, the first Earth Day teach-in was held on April 22, 1970.  The fight for a clean environment continues, while April 22nd remains to inspire and spread awareness.

         We invite you to participate, help to create a clean, healthy diverse world for all future generations. Plant a tree, clean-up a park, ride your bike to work, start a recycling program at your office…every act counts!

We want to hear from you, let us know what you will be doing to honor, support and aid the efforts of Earth Day.

CARBON FOOTPRINT QUIZ

Pillar is committed to Environmentally Sound Design and Sustainable Developed Skateparks.

Our company uses resources and implements environmentally friendly designs that reduce our carbon footprint. We have integrated natural drainage systems, recycled materials, site-specific designs, and energy efficient services and much more to aid our environmentally responsible sustainable design and construction services. Contact me at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com for more information on Environmentally Sound and Sustainable Skateparks.

SKATE-ABLE ARCHITECTURE

Skaters, by nature, are artistic and creative individuals.  Every community has that favorite spot the local users frequent. Skate-able architecture is a great way to provide a safe and legal place for skateboarders with limited funding and or space. Elements can be easily placed into an existing park system or adapted to fit within a larger masterplan development.

In order for skate-able architecture to be successful to the users, designers must find ways to blend elements of public sculpture and site amenities into skate-able art elements. These artistic structures provide stimulating works of art that can be admired by all community members.

Pillar’s skate-able architecture elements are custom designed to meet your local community’s needs and to replicate, improve, and ultimately tap into the local culture and history. Collaborating with local artists to further develop appropriate, yet skate-able architecture for the users.  Providing the opportunity for local members of the community to showcase their work and be a part of the skatepark design process.

Since each element is unique and designed for your community needs, we can effortlessly integrate the skate-able architecture into any park setting. Feel free to contact me at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com to learn more about  skate-able architecture and the possible funding opportunities it brings.

Big thanks to the people at NTV’s Good Life Nebraska for promoting and raising awareness on the Apollo Skatepark.

Our very own Brad Siedlecki was interviewed today, answering questions on the Skatepark process and the Apollo Skatepark.

Interview with Brad Siedlecki, Owner and Lead Designer of Pillar Design Studios

Kearney skateboarders have been working hard to see their dream become reality. The design is complete and fundraising is in full swing.

Click the link below to hear about the journey and learn how you can help Kearney realize their dream of a quality, concrete Skatepark.

Kearney Needs a Skatepark

For more infomration on how you can get a Skatepark in your community, contact me at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com.

Pillar Skateparks are poured-in-place, designed site specific, require little to no maintenance and last a lifetime. Sustainably designed and constructed; all aspects of construction are handled on-site and follow industry standards. We believe on staying on the leading edge of Skatepark innovation and  technology and continue to learn, grow, adapt and implement the most sought after Design and Construction methodology. Below are just a few reasons poured-in-place Skateparks are by far the superior technique for Skatepark construction.

LONGEVITY – Poured-in-Place Skatepark construction has been around since 1970’s, these artisans have perfected, gained knowledge and ultimately created the industry standards. Poured-in-place Skatepark construction is the only method, that has been proven to be sustainable, fiscally responsible and user friendly. Though poured-in-place Skatepark construction has been in place for over 30 years, the methods have evolved over the past decade and experience builders understand and follow Skatepark construction standards and methodology. We have created our own concrete mix, that reduces chipping, cracking and deterioration. Our mix design specifies a 4,000 psi mix design but cures between 5,000 psi and 6,000 psi. Our experience in the field has provided us a wealth of knowledge which we are now giving back to our clients. Items such as PSI should stay under 6,000, when levels are increased the concrete tends to become brittle and chipping and cracking are more common.

MAINTENANCE – Concrete Skateparks require little to no maintenance, offering decades of virtually maintenance free use. While modular parks tend to have very limited life spans, as the park ages the maintenance cost begins to rise. More often than not we see modular parks being closed due to budget restraints and ultimately being unsafe for the local community.

LOCAL IMPACT – Poured-in-Place offers so many benefits to the local economy. Such as the use of local labor, often items like site prep, grading, drainage can be completed by a local company. This not only puts funds back into your local economy but also provides a sense of ownership for the park. Specialty crew members will be on-site through the life of the construction; this means an increase in revenue to the local businesses; such as lodging, restaurants, fuel, etc. Materials and concrete will be purchased locally, not only does this put funds back into local business and economy, it also circumvents any unnecessary shipping from another state or even country.

DESIGN – Concrete parks offer the greatest flexibility and latitude in design. Our Skatepark designers are not restricted to specific elements but take an artistic approach to incorporating textures and colors while considering flow and overall skate-ability. All of the world’s most famous public skateparks are made of concrete. With a poured-in-place Skatepark you are receiving a one of a kind Skatepark that was specifically designed to your community’s needs. By incorporating recycled materials, such as bricks, tiles, cobbled stones, steel sections, lumber, etc. and designing environmentally friendly drainage systems, we are able to continue to meet our high GREEN standards.

For more information on how you can get a Skatepark in your community contact me at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com. No matter the size or budget, we can help.

In a society that is filled with computer screens, video games and tvs, parents are constantly trying to promote an active lifestyle.

The CDC recommends 60 minutes of physical activity a day. This can be an obstacle in a typical day and all the commitments that go with it. Skateboarding has many physical benefits, it provides flexibility, increases coordination and builds cardiovascular stamina. So, after a long day of work you just do not feel like taking the kids to the local or more likely distant Skatepark. Well, you might not have to. Pillar has seen a major increase over the last year of private backyard skateparks.

These Skateparks range from 1,500 to 4,000 sq. ft. and are catered to that particular clients needs. Whether your looking for a bowl or plaza, a backyard skatepark is becoming the new norm. These backyard treasures are not just for the kids either, Skateboarding is a great way to implement some much needed family time and get everyone up and off the couch.

For more information on the Skatepark process or how you can get a backyard Skatepark, please contact me at nicole@pillardesigsntudios.com.

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#1 – Skateboarding is the 3^rd most popular recreational activity for kids between 6 to 18 years of age. While team sports participation has consistently declined, skateboarding has millions of participants. Yet, most communities do not have a dedicated space for Skateboarders.

#2 – Skateboarding is a Healthy, Physical Activity. Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years in the U.S, with more than one third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese.

#3 – Skateparks provide a safe and legal place for Skateboarders to practice their sport. Statistics show that the majority of deadly skateboarding accidents involve a motor vehicle. Offering diverse terrain and a quality Skatepark means less Skateboarders on your streets, at your local businesses, parking lots and sidewalks.

#4 – Skateparks can provide great revenue opportunities for their communities. A destination style Skatepark attracts skaters from all over the United States, which in turns means increase in lodging, shopping, meals as well as other local recreational activities. Remember typically, it’s not just the skater coming to the area but an entire family. Depending on the Skatepark design and size, there is also opportunity to hold events, competitions, etc. drawing even bigger crowds.

#5 – Skateparks bring communities together. They are a social gathering place offering its users the opportunity to meet with other community members with similar interests. We often see entire families at the Skatepark, some users and some just enjoying the show. It is common for young skateboarders to volunteer for Skatepark cleanup and take ownership of the Skatepark 

Remember if your City does not have a Skatepark than we can promise you it is the Skatepark

For more information on how you can get a Skatepark in your community contact me at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com.  Remember to follow us on Facebook or Twitter for project updates and photos.

Thank you to all of the skate advocates and clients who helped to make 2012 a successful year.

To celebrate this Holiday season with family and friends the Pillar office will be closed from

Friday, December 21st through Tuesday, January 1st.

We thank you for your patience and understanding and look forward to 2013.

Remember to follow us on Facebook or Twitter for project updates and photos.

2012 has been a busy year here at Pillar and we look forward to the many projects we have in the New Year.

We wrapped up some great projects this year, most notably High Valley Skate World in Stockholm, Sweden and Montez Skatepark in Monte Vista, CO. Construction should begin on our Skateparks inVicksburg,MS,LibertyandSyracuse,NYin the New Year. While we continue to refine and finalize the Designs and Construction Documents for a number of our public parks in Maine, Arizona, North Carolina and Georgia, we are also very excited to be working on a number of private parks on both the East and West Coasts!

This week we held a successful Design Meeting for both a Skatepark and BMX Race Track that will be located in Columbia County, GA. Concepts should be up on the facebook page before Christmas.

We are excited to be able to work with some many communities and look forward to seeing new concrete in the ground in the 2013. A big thanks goes out to Artisan Skateparks, as they continue to impress and amaze us with their knowledge of construction and techniques. As the end of year is fast approaching, we are thankful for the continued support from the local Skate community and are happy to be able to provide quality concrete Skateparks all over the World. We have some very exciting projects on the horizon, so make sure to keep checking in for updates.

If you are interested in having a Skate or BMX park in your community, feel free to send me an email for more information and details, nicole@pillardesignstudios.com. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook.

Happy Holidays

We want to hear from you! Pillar will be at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion for a public design meeting on the Blanchard Woods BMX Track.

All Augusta, Columbia County and Georgia area bikers we want to see you there.

Remember to follow us on Facebook for project updates. Comments and Photos are always welcome, free free to email us at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com.