Chapter 5: Management

Now What?
Skatepark programming and maintenance can present a myriad of complex scenarios for many people, even skateboarders. Two general rules apply. First, like with any other public facility, prevention is always preferable to repair. Second, the more that the users are involved in making decisions regarding the facility and have meaningful dialogue with the managing entity, the more the skatepark will be a sustainable facility that the whole community will cherish.

Skateparks are unique facilities, and their planning and construction should be approached carefully, collaboratively, and with care. Created to serve their local communities, they should also be designed to satisfy the particular needs of local users. The unique characteristics of the best skateparks reflect this tradition. Using the steps and techniques outlined in this Guide, skatepark advocates and Parks officials should find themselves on the path to creating the most dynamic and likely the most popular public facility in town. And once built, skateparks foster the development of the youth that use them and enhance the communities around them.

The grand opening of a community’s first skatepark is the advocate’s cue to begin work on the next one.

Well, maybe after the first session.