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Finding the right spot for the new skatepark is often a complicated and
troublesome exercise. The community's priorities often clash in
passionate opposition. Communities all over the nation are starting to
see that the healthiest skateparks all have four simple things in
common.
Skateparks often bear the brunt of vocal community resistance when it
comes to finding the best site. Neighbors fear that the facility will
become a haven for foul-mouthed teenagers, graffiti, and a general
unease or tension between the skaters and the "quieter" park users. In
some cases this might actually be true; when the skatepark is placed so
far away from other healthy activities it becomes the perfect incubator
for these undesirable activities.
The most engaging, socially sustainable skateparks reside where the
whole community can enjoy them. Like any public gathering space,
skatepark users have the same kinds of needs that other "ordinary" park
users might.
An active site means that the
park users will be interacting with each other. This will provide a
sense of importance to the entire space.
Access
Skateparks should be accessible to the broader community. A remote
skatepark will only attract those people who have the means to reach
it. The skatepark should be placed in an area that is easy to find and
get to.
Sociability
Skateboarders are generally passionate and committed individuals. Like
most people, skaters would rather recreate with others than alone.
Non-skaters who happen to be nearby can add to the overall sense of
community inclusion at the skatepark; the facility should be designed
for lots of community mixing.
Activity
The surrounding skatepark area should be active with other users. This
diversity keeps the environment interesting and vibrant; without it,
the space will feel "overrun" and homogenous...a place for "skaters
only."
A place where women feel welcome is a great measure of a comfortable place.
Comfort
Often overlooked, comfort is a way of expressing that the users are an
important and valued part of the community. A comfortable environment
allows people to set proper expectations about the area, use the area
in a way that is natural and intended, and ultimately take pride in
this "third place." For many skaters, the skatepark will become the
central gathering point for years. An uncomfortable space will feel
unsafe and attract the wrong element.
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