StraightFromTheHip

Sound is the disturbance that propagates as a wave through a medium. It is usually called noise when it is unwanted. The following is a table to understand the value associated with measured sound at various intensities:

Noise and Decibel References and Readings (A-Weighted sound pressure levels)

 
These are reference points for you to consider understanding the measurement of logarithmic sound pollution. To determine the sound level at a distance from a sound source, such as a skatepark, the following equation for calculating sound propagation is used: 

Lp = Lw + 10log10(Q/4pr2)

Decibel levels in relation to distance from the skatepark assuming 80-decibel source level:

At 50 yards = 45 decibels
At 100 yards = 36 decibels
At 150 yards = 32 decibels

This does not account for sound barriers, buildings, or landscaping considerations. These numbers represent an assumed reading of a source at 80 decibels and traveling directly and unobstructed. This data is helpful when dealing with groups regarding the sound level concerns. If a house is 100 yards away, and everyone can agree that a cafeteria full of screaming kids is louder than or equal to the noise generated at a skatepark, then at a straight trajectory, the decibel level would be approximately 36 decibels. 36 decibels is less than normal suburban ambient sound and a normal male conversation. Additionally, the skatepark might have surrounding hedges, trees, fencing, hills, slopes etc. that all either dampen or reflect the sound further away from the listener.

As this is a cursory look at noise and skateparks, further sound studies on various manufacturers’ equipment are needed to verify assumptions based on actual field data. This is especially true as such factors as structure vibrations, surfacing materials, skateboard and inline skate material, activity level, as well as environmental sound barriers all contribute to the decibel readings and their impact on neighboring properties.

Source: Anonymous

Click on the links below to download some sample surveys for gathering pertinent information about skateparks:

• Skatepark Survey - For gathering information from surrounding communities who already have a skatepark
• Skatepark Survey - For gathering statistics about local youth, their action sports participation and their interest level in wanting a skatepark

Sources: City of Lake Forest, CA and Rensselaer County, NY

General Recommendations

Here are some suggested rules that you can use at your skatepark to help ensure that skateboarders, inline-skaters, and BMX riders of all ability levels have a safe and positive experience.

• Park hours: open during posted hours and subject to change due to adverse weather, maintenance, darkness, special events and scheduled activities.
• Bikes or no bikes; if not allowed say something like:“Bicycles or scooters are not allowed inside the skatepark, this facility is designed for skateboard & inline-skating only.”
• After hours use or use when closed policy, add here, for example: “AFTER HOUR USE OR USE WHEN CLOSED will result in a trespass citation.”
• Enter at your own risk. Be alert. Watch for flying skateboards.
• Spectators should watch from outside the perimeter of skatepark area for safety.
• Know your abilities and skate within them. Exercise common sense and general courtesy to other riders.
• Do not ride if the surface is wet, it can be EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
• Proper use of safety equipment (such as helmet, knee pads, elbow pads) is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Securely strapped certified /approved helmets are required at all times. Those not wearing proper safety equipment will be required to leave.
• Profane or abusive language not allowed.
• No outside obstacles are allowed to be brought inside the skatepark.
• No glass bottles, containers, etc. allowed inside the skatepark.
• Tagging or graffiti will close the facility.
• Alcohol, tobacco products, and drugs are prohibited.
• If supervised, Park staff is here to help ensure your safety and enjoyment. They have the authority to enforce all rules including ejection from the facility. All city base ordinances and park rules will be enforced.
• Post rain day policy if exists.

Suggestions from ASTM

• Skatepark signage shall be provided by the owner/operator for installation on a signboard at the skatepark.
• Skatepark signage, free standing or fixed fence, must comply with the following:
  • Convey safety information to the user and to those providing parental or guardian supervision.
  • Indicate that adult supervision is recommended.
  • Indicate the Owner-Operator Emergency telephone numbers
  • Indicate Emergency Telephone numbers for Medical, Ambulance and Police
  • Indicate any applicable regulations regarding the use of safety gear.
  • Indicate there is an inherent risk in the participation of skatepark activities.
  • Indicate users have a duty not to participate in or on any skatepark, skatepark element or skatepark elements while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Shall be readily visible to the intended viewer/user and lettering for signs should conform to ANSI Z535.4.

• Site is not permanent
• A paved site can quickly become a skatepark
• Capability to change equipment layout
• Site conditions may suit a slab
• Ability to purchase on a government contract
• Some elements are lower cost as ramp equipment
• Lower architectural fees
• Budgets typically starting at $35K

• If you want a totally customized project
• If you have a challenging site and slopes
• If you want a continuous riding surface
• If you have a very qualified contractor who can build everything you want out of concrete
• If you want to avoid the appearance of a “skatepark” (i.e. a campus that is skateable, but you don’t want to advertise it)
• If you want minimal maintenance
• Budgets typically starting at $150K

• If you want elements in concrete that do not exist as ramp equipment
• Diversify by designing with ramp equipment and concrete
• Concrete is permanent, hybrid offers some flexibility
• Capability to integrate custom materials (i.e. boulders, colors, brick, tile)
• Budgets typically starting at $150K