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Every skatepark is the result of a successfully executed process, with phases
that are remarkably consistent from one to the next. The SPS team represents skaters who for years
have involved themselves in these projects, across the US, Canada, and Europe. If we've learned one
thing in all our years of advocacy, it's that eventually we encountered fewer and fewer surprises.
Kent Dahlgren facilitates a skatepark design meeting
Confident we possessed an accurate mental model of the chronological timeline we call the "Skatepark
Process," we found it greatly beneficial to describe the process in a manner that's both intuitive and
empowering. We've learned that by detailing what to expect within the context of a linear
process, a person new to skatepark planning can quickly gain the knowledge to successfully manage a
complex project, even if it's their first.
For that reason we've created five general categories, organized in chronological order within the
skatepark process. Our goal is to empower effective skatepark advocates, helping them avoid expensive
trial and error.
The important important first step is
Creating a Vision of what a skateboard advocate
might hope to achieve.
Advocacy is the second step, because
a vision without a tangible result remains a dream. Directed at the skateboard advocate, it provides
assistance to those seeking to make something of their visions.
One may have a terrific vision, but nothing will happen until resources are allocated to
convert the dream into reality. We discuss this critical phase in the third section, entitled
Fundraising , which is frequently
updated as we continue learning our colleagues' creative methods for acquiring resources.
One requires just three things to get a successful skatepark:
- Land
- Resources (cash and materials, discussed in section three)
- A skilled skatepark team
To make this team effective, the fourth section, entitled Design and Construction , outlines how to manage the actual creation
of the facility to ensure it meets or exceeds the quality and athletic needs of your community.
Once the park is open and being used by athletes, the fifth and final section,
Maintenance , discusses topics from
opening-day festivities to building a sense of ownership among skatepark users.
As an organization dedicated to the philosophy of continuous improvement, we welcome your questions and/or
comments pertaining to this process, as well as recommendations you may have on how to best communicate
and empower fellow advocates.
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