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Wednesday, 19 September 2007 |
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Page 11 of 22
2. Landscape architecture requirements
A skatepark is narrowly defined as that area which skateboarders actively use. Skaters, however, inhabit the greater space and the surroundings will have a significant impact on how the skatepark and the area around it are used. Landscape architects can easily influence how the skatepark is accessed, secured, monitored, supported, and protected.
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
There are many parts of a concrete skatepark that can be built by general contractors but care must be taken.
Provided that a reputable landscape architect is hired who has experience with public parks, there should be no particular problems in directing traffic and encouraging a diversity of uses in the area.
The landscape architect should be aware of the particular needs of skateboarders in order to ensure the facility’s overall success. Shade is an athlete’s friend and shade trees near the skatepark will be appreciated during the hot summer months. In the fall, however, those leafy trees will deposit endless piles of leaves in the area which will blow into the park and accumulate in the bowls and corners, presenting at least a nuisance to the park users and, at worst, debris that can cause “tripping” and potential injury. As vegetative debris is generally a Parks Department responsibility, keeping leaves out of the skatepark could present some liability issues. Manufactured shade structures are preferred when they can be afforded.
Example:
Some overhead vegetation can drop pitch into the skating area and is undesirable for obvious reasons. Similarly, beauty bark, cosmetic gravels, and even trodden dirt
paths can all spill into the skating area unless carefully managed and render entire portions of a skatepark unsafe. Rockeries and wide walkways surrounding the park are the best preventative to unwanted debris. Many skateparks use short retaining walls (12-inches or so) around the entire facility to keep debris out and provide ample seating and an additional obstacle to do tricks on.
Example:
Drainage in bowl-style structures is absolutely required for safety reasons. An experienced skatepark designer will provide drainage for the skating area as part of their plan. Drainage beyond the skating area should also be carefully managed so that water does not move into the skatepark as it will bring debris and often remain as a rivulet of water in an otherwise dry park. Water should always be diverted away from the skatepark.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 13 February 2008 )
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