May31 BASICS - Skatepark Terminologies
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.
//filed under: Quick Facts
