VISION
What’s the very first step we should take to getting a new skatepark?Organize your team! Build your base of people who can commit to seeing this through to the end. You can add people as they express interest…teachers, parents, and other skaters. Your core group will need to remain intact so that there are at least a few people who know what’s going on. If people in the group continue to lose interest or get frustrated and leave, the City will see this as a lack of commitment. If you really believe that you will get this done, you will…but it will likely take several years.
Why doesn’t my town have a skatepark?There hasn’t been a skater willing to commit to the process of getting one built. Every skatepark is the result of dedicated skaters lobbying their communities and hard work.
My town’s skatepark sucks. What are our options?You have several choices. You may pursue an idea of a Phase 2 on the existing skatepark, building a new skatepark on the existing plot of land, or building another skatepark elsewhere. Each solution to this problem may face distinctly different challenges.
My town's skateparks suck. What can we do?Having several lousy skateparks in a community is a bad situation indeed. In some ways it’s worse than having none at all. Your community may have a bad taste in its mouth over the miserable facilities that were a product of bad decision-making and misinformation. You’re not alone. The single most essential advice is to remain positive in spite of the dire situation…you can improve upon your situation.
How much skatepark does my community need?You will need to determine how many skaters your skatepark or skatepark system will be meant to service. After you’ve calculated how many skaters the facility (or facilities) will be supporting you can easily calculate the average amount of terrain needed.
How many skaters are in my community?We have no idea but we know how you can easily find out. Start with the overall population of your neighborhood, town, or metropolitan area. A quick internet search should produce that info for you. You can assume that 4% of all Americans skate at least once a year. You can then multiply by .04 (4%) to get fair approximation of the size of your skateboarding community. You will use this number a lot in your various communications, and many people will want to know how you came to that number.
ADVOCACY
Nobody in our group can do anything useful. What are our options?You will find over time what people in your group are and what they aren’t comfortable with. This will take a little time. Near the beginning one person will emerge as the one most capable of coordinating who will be doing what, another person may have some writing skills for creating FAQs and flyers. Many groups enlist older skaters who have had time to develop professional skills. We suggest enlisting supporters who have project management experience as those people understand the way complicated projects get broken into manageable chunks.
We got volunteers but there's nothing to do. Now what?
This is a common problem. When you need volunteers you will often need a LOT of volunteers. When you don’t need volunteers you will often have people wondering if you’re actually doing anything. Throughout the skatepark process you will go through this cycle many, many times. In your down times you can enlist people for helpful tasks…like updated photos for your website, for example. It may not be essential to have this done but people will feel good about helping.
We don't know how to become a non-profit organization (or whether we need to).
You probably don’t need to. You’ll want to be frank about your financial situation with your Parks Department. They may be able to manage your funds. Also, some civic clubs (Elks, Lions, etc.) have experience helping smaller organizations like yours by managing their funds.
How should we handle the money we raise?You will probably want to keep two piles of money; a pile for making more money (your liquid money), and a pile for your skatepark (the real money). Money you raise by washing cars or collect in change jars may be used to print t-shirts, which are then sold for $20 each (for example). The t-shirt proceeds then go into the skatepark fund. You can even have these two accounts managed by different people. Naturally it is best if you can do all of your advocacy work with no money. A word to the wise: Be as open about how much money is being handled and where it’s going whenever there’s a change (whether it’s an expense or a contribution). Money confusion is a great way to dismantle a long-standing effort to get a new skatepark built…it’s the same for any organization.
Why can’t our group can't agree on anything?Skateboarding terrain can be a contentious topic. Most skatepark advocates are new to advocacy and don’t have much experience working in collaborative situations. However, every member has experience skateboarding and wants to contribute in some meaningful way. You will find that discussing actual terrain characteristics and styles will often be the one subject that people will eagerly debate for hours. For other controversies you may need to consult an authority on the matters to settle disputes.
How do we identify the best skatepark site?The best approach is to create a list of potential sites then visit each one and rate them using a list of factors. A site may score very well for one quality but poorly for another. In the end you can compare the average scores (or their totals, however you wish to calculate them) and the best sites should emerge. After visiting the sites you may find that one or two in particular stand out for reasons not identified on the list. Be sure to document these positive (or negative) influences in some way. SPS offers a thorough exercise for assessing potential sites that you may use or modify to suit your tastes.
How do we find potential sites?Most skateparks are on public property so you might start by listing the public parks in your area. As you build relationships with the city you will find out if there are other potential sites available. The city may want to direct you to sites that aren’t appropriate but keep them in the list anyway. Be sure to ask about plots of land or specific areas, sometimes the city will own a very small parcel of land that is difficult to develop. You will need to ask.
What is a PARD or PaRD or P&RD?This is shorthand for Parks Department or, more formally, Parks & Recreation Department. Some small towns don't have P&RDs and instead just maintain the town's open or green spaces with the general maintenance fund.
How do we get the City or Parks Department’s attention?SPS believes that it is best to approach your governing bodies in a collaborative way. As tax-payers you may be their boss but you will not gain any progress by reminding anyone of that. There are a million ways that Parks can delay or undermine a skatepark project so you will need to make friends and build a strong partnership with them. Demonstrations, protests, and even letter-writing campaigns can sometimes be viewed as confrontational expressions. Save those tactics for when more sophisticated efforts fail.
How do we start an expansion on our skatepark?Expansions, Phase 2s, and staged designs are sometimes part of a long-term plan and sometimes not. You will need to find out if additional adjacent (or nearby) land is available and, if so, what is being planned for its use. There is a possibility that its current use is not functioning properly…such as a brown field (open green space that isn’t being maintained)…that can be redesignated as a skateboarding area. Other groups may have their eyes on the area also, so be prepared to offer a compelling case for your need.
How do get the neighbors to support the idea?This is often considered the cornerstone of skatepark advocacy. Over time you will be required to give presentations about your skatepark vision to lots of different groups. Consider every meeting that will allow you to speak as an opportunity to gather one more influential supporter to your cause. Presenting your vision to different groups at every opportunity will be the single most influential thing you can do to get your skatepark created. Eventually the neighbors will come to understand and accept the idea.
What is a NIMBY?NIMBY stands for Not In My Back Yard and is used to describe members of your community who will often claim to support an idea, but just not anywhere near where they live or work. There are also clever variations of NIMBY, such as BANANA (Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything) and CAVE People (Citizens Against Virtually Everything, which you may encounter at some of your City Council meetings).
How do we address concerns about skatepark noise?Noise is the go-to argument against any skatepark. The funny thing is that skateparks simply aren’t that loud yet most people unfamiliar with them think that it’s like living next to an interstate. The fact of the matter is that you will have a difficult time convincing them otherwise in spite of numerous sound studies. Many people don’t want a skatepark on an emotional level…perhaps skateparks represent an urban culture that makes them uncomfortable or they are threatened by teenagers…and “noise” becomes the acceptable face of their personal bias. A good response is to simply ask them for a sound study (you’ll have your own that shows otherwise) or at least a list of skateparks they visited that they felt were loud. (Be polite, of course…you’re looking to change their mind, not shut them up.)
How do we address concerns about hooliganism?Vandalism is a tough issue for skatepark advocates. Skateparks attract young people which has its own challenges. Skateparks are also often hidden away from the community which adds more challenges. Then, to top it off, skateparks are often some of the city’s least-maintained facilities. The end result is that skateparks sometimes do present an attractive setting for crappy behavior. The single most important thing to do to prevent hooliganism is to place the skatepark where people can see it.
Does our advocacy group need a website?Absolutely. There are a bunch of free hosts available. If you’re reading this online, you’ve probably got it figured out.
How can our advocacy group build a strong relationship with the City or Parks Department?There’s no easy answer to this. Your goal is to develop good partnerships with individuals. If you enjoy communicating with a particular person for whatever reason, ask them if you could set up a regular meeting once a month to discuss your progress. You can expand this approach to other people and organizations, and even invite members from one group to the others. In the end you nurture the partnerships between the different parties and increase your group’s awareness to these other people.
How do we get commitment from our City or Parks Department?There is no point where you receive specific commitment. Most of the process functions on trust. As a result, you will want a successful outcome to be as much about the City’s commitment to its youth as your own efforts. In other words, by maintaining a collaborative approach with your City and Parks Department, you ensure that they stay as invested in a successful outcome as you do. That is probably the best commitment you can hope for. Eventually you will find people within the City or Parks that will really advocate for your skatepark within their company. These people are vital to your success.
How can our group most effectively support our champions within the City or Parks Department?When your advocate within the City needs information on something, you will need to be the skatepark expert who is ready to supply it. Be prepared to deliver factual, professional information that they may need to deliver a compelling case to their boss, budget manager, or whomever.
How can our group rally other skaters and pro-skatepark people from the community to our cause?You may not need to. Though it may be tempting to try to register every local skater on your website, or sign your petition, you may find that as you gain legitimacy with your City, those skaters and interested citizens will find you and express their desire to help. If you still feel the need to build a body of constituents you can always put flyers up in your local skateshops and near places where people skate.
How do we find other groups that might be supportive of a skatepark in our area?As you increase community awareness you will learn what other groups are doing. They will often be presenting their own cases to the same audience before or after you. After these meetings you can introduce yourselves and talk about any overlap in your goals. This is networking at its most fundamental level. If you keep your skatepark vision creative and flexible, you will find interesting partnerships and collaborations emerge naturally. Over time you may find that your biggest liability is that you become stretched too thin with all of the contacts and events going on.
What are the most effective arguments FOR a skatepark(s)?The simplest arguments are always the most effective. Nobody will dispute that there are skateboarders in your community and that they should have a safe place to recreate.
What are the most common arguments AGAINST a skatepark(s)?The common arguments against are usually variations on the concept that skateparks are unhealthy environments.
What are the most effective ways to address those concerns?
You should try to always address NIMBY concerns in positive terms. Do not try to preempt negative preconceptions by bringing them up first. You don’t want to be the one who first says “skateboarders don’t graffiti their parks” because that only seeds the idea that skateparks attract graffiti. “Skateboarders don’t like a bunch of cigarette butts all over the place” says that there will probably be cigarette butts all over the place. Let someone else bring those things up if they feel compelled to and address them appropriately. You need to remain positive and relentlessly communicate your vision for your perfect skatepark.
Dude, our town hates skateboarders. We'll never get a skatepark. It sucks here. What can we do?
First, if you go into this expecting to fail you probably will. Second, don't call anyone dude who doesn't call you dude first. Skateparks are just like any other recreational facility except that they require a little more advocacy since skateboarding is largely misunderstood. Skateboarders aren't bad people and skateboarding isn't a bad activity so the first thing you can do as an advocate is to get over it. Advocacy is hard but not as hard as slamming, so get up and quit whining about YOUR community.
FUNDRAISING
How much money should skaters be expected to raise?It varies depending on the commitment and support demonstrated by the governing body (usually the Parks Department). Some successful skatepark groups have had to raise very little money through aggressive matching-fund grants while others have had to explore every possible avenue for donations. The wealth and support of your community will be the largest factor in your fundraising efforts.
Where will our money come from?It can come from a variety of sources. A typical skatepark is funded by a combination of grassroots fundraisers and grants.
How much does an average skatepark cost?Approximately $30 to $50 a square foot to design and construct. Different types of skateparks (e.g., wood, steel, concrete) have different maintenance needs...some will be less expensive to build but more expensive to maintain. The cost of the skatepark should be considered in the context of how long that skatepark will be expected to serve the community.
How do we find out what grants are available?There are grants for everything. The trick is to find out which ones are applicable to your skatepark. National grants are available to everyone, of course, but that also means you are facing more “competition.” State and even local grants might be available. A great place to start is by working with your Parks Department to identify possible donors.
How have other communities raised money?Skateparks are funding by just about any source you can imagine. They may be funded by a single individual (often as a memorial or as a private “backyard bowl”), but in general they are a combination of grassroots fundraisers (raffles, events, change cans, car washes), grants, and corporate sponsors.
How do we apply for these grants?Grant writing is a complicated and highly specialized skill. It is unlikely that a novice will successfully net a big-money national grant. Local grants are a better place to start as they usually require far less detail in the scope of your project.
No really, how do we apply for these grants?Grants are essentially forms where you propose your project. The potential donor or foundation reviews the applications and grades them on their alignment to the foundation’s mission. Many larger grants require that the project have a secured site and a specific production plan. In other words, these grants want to fund a project that is ready to go. In these cases, you will need to work with the property owners when submitting the grant application. There are other similar aspects; you may need to present a production schedule, for example. Grant writing is not for the timid. (Many Parks Departments have grant writers on staff. We encourage you to work with these people.)
Why are skateparks so expensive?Compared to most capital improvement projects and recreational facilities, skateparks are relatively inexpensive. When you factor their low maintenance (if they’re designed and constructed using best methods), the return on investment makes them one of the most efficient uses of the Parks dollar. Most good skateparks are used every day, often all day and frequently at capacity.
What kind of fundraising events make the most money?The success of a fundraising event is not specifically tied to the type of event. Other factors such as promotion, duration, and scope have more impact that whether the event or program is coin jars or door-to-door canvassing. Set targets and rely upon a diverse fundraising strategy rather than one big event.
How do we organize a big money event?There is no easy answer for this since it really depends on what type of event you plan to do. There are lots of good fundraising websites that can help you plan specific types of programs.
Here are some general tips:
• Only use donated goods for prizes and premiums. Never pay for those items from the event’s proceeds.
• If you are using big-money prizes or premiums (cars, etc.) be sure to check your state’s regulations. Some states have odd rules regarding prize giveaways.
• Don’t design your events to only interest skateboarders. Aim for a wider audience…maybe even something that skateboarders wouldn’t generally be interested in. (This may not be good advice if your event is about raising awareness.)
• As with any fundraising period, set specific goals.
• When door-to-door canvassing, don’t necessarily target your wealthiest neighborhoods. Instead, aim for neighborhoods who will likely be sympathetic to the need for recreational access.
• Keep good records of who gave what!
Below are two decent websites that offer more information about fundraising:
www.spetbystepfundraising.com
www.fundraiserinsight.org/articles/
DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
We have a great design but we're told it's too expensive.
We have a great design but the plot is too small.
The city/parks insist that the park be in some remote, inaccessible area.
Our design suggestions are not being included.
How big is 10,000 square feet?
We are observing flaws in the construction.
How do we get started on a DIY project?
How much will a DIY project cost?
Why do skaters prefer concrete?
Who are the best skatepark designers?
Who are the worst?
Who are the best skatepark builders?
Who are the worst?
I've heard that "X Company" is pretty good. How do I find out?
What's the difference between street skating and tranny skating?
How are those skateparks different?
How do we ensure that we get the kind of park that we want?
POLICY AND STEWARDSHIP
Our new skatepark is terrible.
Our new skatepark is a great design but the construction is terrible.
Our new skatepark has is flawed in one or two areas.
The city/parks is shutting down our park due to vandalism.
The city/parks is shutting down our park due to its condition/disrepair.[/quote]
The city/parks insist that bikes be included.
The city/parks insist that bikes be excluded.
The city/parks insist that the park be supervised.
The city/parks insist that the park be fenced.
The city/parks insist that the park be prefab.
The city/parks insist that the park have hours of operation.
The city/parks insist that park users wear a helmet/full pads.
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