StraightFromTheHip

Here it is, our list of terms. Some are drawn from the upcoming ASTM standards guide. We’ll continue to update, focusing on terms professionals are likely to encounter throughout a skatepark project. Let us know if any terms you need are missing or if something seems inaccurate.

Skatepark - An element or group of elements within a defined boundary for use by skateboarders, inline skaters or BMX bikers.

Element - Sports and recreational equipment having a level, inclined or curved solid surface on which the users of skateboards, inline skates and BMX bicycles can maneuver.

Element Riding Surface - Surface on which it is intended the user be in contact with.

Portable - Element that can be moved and is not anchored.

Semi-Permanent - Element that can be moved and is anchored.

Permanent - Element not intended to be moved or re-positioned.

Guardrails - A barrier designed to keep users and their riding equipment from falling off the rear or sides of resting/roll out decks.

Protective Edging - A durable material that protects accessible edges of intersecting and terminating planes on the riding surfaces for the purposes of reducing wear.

Base - A concrete, asphalt, or similar rigid surface upon which elements are positioned.

Coping - Circular pipe or tubing installed on some elements.

Peg Plate - A durable material that extends a minimum of 4″ behind the coping.

Approaches/Thresholds - A connection or transition component between base and riding surface. Also known as a Transition Plate.

Transition Plate - A steel plate attached at the bottom of skate elements to form a smooth transition between the base and the riding surface.

Resting/Roll out Decks - Resting/Roll out decks are elements where riding is beginning or terminating.

Performance Decks - Flat areas found within the skatepark intended for continuous movement and not requiring the use of guardrails.

Access Stairs - Stairs used to gain access to elements, and are not used as performance elements. Access stairs must comply with the applicable Uniform Building Codes.

Performance Stairs - Stairs within the skatepark intended to be used as performance elements. Performance stairs are exempt from such UBC regulations.

Quarter Pipe - An element to start or continue flow, a ramp with a curved radius and coping.

Bank - A skate element with a straight, sloped surface used for generating speed or performing tricks on.

Hip - The junction of two skate elements (Quarter Pipes, Banks, or one of each) at an angle joined by a shared Resting Deck and designed for transfer tricks from one element to another.

Grind Rail - A raised steel pipe used by riders to perform sliding and grinding tricks on.

Grind Ledge - A raised platform used by riders to perform sliding and grinding tricks on.

Jump Ramp - A small wedge shaped element riders use to perform tricks off of or over other objects.