StraightFromTheHip

What is the recommended square footage for a city’s comprehensive Skatepark System?

There is no exact formula for determining the number and size (sq. ft.) of skateparks that should make up a Skatepark System. Every city is going to be slightly different based on various factors such as size/population of the city, actual population of the action sports participants, size/type of any existing skateparks, etc.

A Skatepark System should be customized to the city, meaning it molds to the city’s regions, quadrants and neighborhoods. Then based on the size of those areas it can be determined how many and what size parks are needed.

Here are some typical square footage breakdowns for the 3 major categories of skateparks that make up a Skatepark System (this should be used as a guideline only):

Neighborhood Spot - smaller sized facility, typically range from a couple skate elements (rails, ledges, benches) to 5,000 sq. ft.

District/Quadrant - medium sized facility, typically range from 10,000-20,000 sq. ft

Regional/Destination - large centrally located facility, > 20,000 sq. ft, typically around 30,000-40,000 sq. ft, but trends are moving towards 50,000-65,000 sq. ft.

Click on the link below to read more about Skatepark Systems:

Albuquerque, NM Skatepark System

Do you have a formula or standard for how many parking stalls should be planned for a skatepark?

  
It’s really hard to come up with a basic formula. So much is dependent on space available, other adjacent parking, bus routes, etc. For the large size skatepark ARTIFEX is building in Albuquerque, NM we are planning for around 25 spaces. Los Altos, another large size skatepark in Albuquerque, has around 25 spaces. Smaller size parks (2,000 sf – 8,000 sf) probably need 6-10 spaces, medium parks (8,000 sf – 20,000 sf) probably need 10-20 spaces, large parks (20,000 sf-40,000 sf) probably need 20-40 spaces. Of course, if space and budget allow, it is always beneficial to have more parking spaces. This is a broad estimate, but hopefully it will get you started in the right direction.

Concrete or modular skateparks, which is right for my community?

 
Answered by PJ Perry of Rio Rancho Park and Recreation 

There are many factors that would need to be addressed when answering this question such as budget and community need. For us modular equipment enhanced the need for concrete bowls and amenities. When we first proposed a skatepark for our community the usual opposition was heard, “there are not enough skaters to support the expense.” Once we put in our first skatepark the need was evident. Then we constructed our second and third parks all modular. Now that we have shown our skateparks are the most used piece in our park inventory we are going to construct a park with concrete bowls and modular to create a park that will provide a complete experience. Remember skateboarding is fourth most popular sport in the world.

What tips should I follow when selecting an expert in the field of skatepark planning and design?

  
As with any project, obtain professional references and a background summary of the person’s expertise. Do a thorough reference and background check, many unsuccessful skateparks have been designed by architects and people who lack the experience. The expert should be able to present previous case studies and designs that he or she was responsible for. Before deciding on a skatepark expert, be sure they can demonstrate riding experience to go along with their design expertise. In the recent explosion of skatepark popularity, many inexperienced skatepark makers represent themselves as “skatepark experts” and the truth be told, it takes a balanced combination of riding and design experience to deliver a professional design.