Installing a skate park in a neighborhood park or other community gathering place is a great way to increase opportunities for young people to exercise. Skate parks function as places for young people to practice their skills and enjoy the outdoors. Before laying the concrete for a new park, though, you need to consider the following.
Obtain Permits
You may be the owner of the land on which you are building, or you may be installing the park on city land. Regardless, you need to check laws about building public venues for your state. You also need to look up county and city ordinances to find out what permits you need to apply for. These ordinances may stipulate how big the skate park can be, where you can put it and how it is designed. The county may also review your designs to make sure that they comply with laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Regardless of how many permits you need, you cannot begin construction until you have gained approval from all levels of government.
Collect Materials
Before putting down the concrete, make sure that you have all of the materials to complete the skate park. These may include paint, handrails and building machinery. Buy a brand of surface guard sealer that you know will work. While you may be tempted to save money on cheap materials, you will end up losing money on repairs. If you do not have all of your materials now, make sure that you have the budget to purchase them and that you know which vendors you will use. Nothing is more embarrassing than being unable to finish a project because you did not plan ahead.
Hire Workers
Building a skate park takes lots of time and energy. You cannot install one on your own, so you need a group of reliable workers who have the skills to complete the task. You can assemble the work team on your own, or you can contract the work out to another company. Make sure that your budget includes money for their wages, including extra in case the job takes longer than expected. Depending on the location of your skate park, you may need to provide facilities such as water and a portable toilet.
Understand Demand
Do some research into your chosen location before you begin building your skate park. Is there a skate park nearby that people would prefer over this one? If so, what can you do to make yours more attractive? Send out a survey to city residents and ask if they would use the skate park. If the results indicate that one is not needed in this area, you may need to change your location.
Prepare for Weather
Different regions have different climates. You need to understand the weather patterns in your region so that you know how to design your skate park. For example, if there is a lot of rain, you will need to include umbrellas or other shelters from bad weather. You should also be aware of fluctuations in the temperature, particularly in the winter, since sudden temperature changes can crack the cement of the skate park.
Advertise Your Work
Do not wait until the skate park is completed to tell the community about it. Hang signs on the fences around your work area that let people know what is under construction. Install a permanent sign above the entrance to the park so that people can easily find it. Run advertisements in the local newspaper or on a radio station. Purchase a billboard for the side of a nearby highway that includes the anticipated completion date and address.
Opening a skate park is an exciting job. While you may be eager to begin laying the concrete, make sure that you take care of these issues first. Then, you can focus on the more fun aspects of a skate park without worrying about the logistics.
About The Author
stash member Vincent Stokes
Vincent Stokes is an outdoor enthusiast and an experienced world traveler. He also writes writes for the National Parks and works to promote pride in homegrown travel destinations. (@TravelingGlobal)