Modular vs Concrete has always been a top questions asked to us by municipalities but over the past few years we are happy to report that we have seen a decline in interest and utimately installation of Modular Equipment. We see this as a definite win for the industry, yet in Chesapeake, Virginia the powers that be are debating on pulling the plug on an already designed 33,000 square foot poured-in-place Skatepark in lieu of modular equipment placed on a concrete slab. Skaters of Chesapeake, we urge you to attend a very important meeting on Thursday, Aug. 2, at 6pm at the South Norfolk Community Center. This meeting will help determine what direction the park will take, the City needs to see the support the poured-in-place Skatepark has. Otherwise, instead of a custom poured-in-place Skatepark, Chesapeake will be installing another modular park on a concrete slab.
Modular VS Concrete
COST:
Maintenance – Modular Equipment requires quarterly maintenance budget to repair non-concrete surfaces. Typical things to check for are chipping, rusting, screws that need to be secured and just normal wear and tear from daily use. Often these types of facilities offer a warranty of some kind but beware; usually normal wear and tear is not covered. Whereas Concrete facilities require little to no maintenance if designed and constructed by an experienced Skatepark firm, there will only be minor repairs.
Life Expectancy – Concrete parks will last generations. Whereas Modular Equipment have a life expectance of 2 to 3 years depending on usage, care and climate. Another factor to consider is that modular equipment is a back and forth design, giving the skaters little to no challenge. Once park has been ridden and conquered the Skaters look for a more challenging option. Where a concrete facility is created to challenge and grow with the users.
Liability – Modular Equipment can increase liability due to the fact ramps must be maintained. If an injury occurs due to neglect of the equipment the owner of the park may be liable, while Concrete facilities if designed by a licensed professional, are covered under the designers Errors and Omission insurance policy.
Actual “Sticker” Price – Cost for a Modular park can be very deceiving. The quoted price often does not include shipping, installation or the concrete slab. In comparison when you receive a quote for a Concrete facility, the fee includes: design, construction documentation, construction, draining and any other amenities requested. IE, fencing, lighting, parking.
Size – This is the biggest misconception regarding Modular vs. Concrete. Modular Equipment provides a total size that includes all concrete surfaces while Concrete facilities provide the “Skate-able” square footage. This means a modular park may have more flatwork with fewer elements thus giving the illusion of a larger park.
QUALITY:
Noise- Modular Equipment often amplify the noise and create an echoing sound, while Concrete parks are quiet, due to the smooth finish and design techniques.
Aesthetics- Modular pieces are placed on a concrete slab in any available space, while Concrete facilities consider the site, amenities and are designed to blend with the surrounding environment, creating a recreational place for all to enjoy, users and non-users alike.
Experience – We somewhat touched this topic in cost but we believe it is important aspect worth repeating. Modular Equipment is chosen out of a catalog and placed without any thought to the flow and lines of the Skatepark, whereas Concrete facilities are custom one of kind designs, created with the local users input while considering a wide range of obstacles, layouts and design possibilities.
Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding Modular or Poured-In-Place Concrete Skateparks.
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