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Hiring A Skatepark Designer: Helpful Tips

November 18th, 2010 No comments

There are numerous companies that specialize in Skatepark Design Build. Before you make the decision on which company to hire it is imperative to do your research and find out which firm will fit your needs and desires.

How To Hire a Skatepark Designer

Your first step in this process is to consider what type of park is best for you, such as a Concrete Skatepark etc.  Once this is decided narrow your search for firms that handle that specific type of skatepark.

Now, how will the project be carried out, will this be a design only project or a design bid build project. This depends not only on the funding but also the entity or owner of the Park. The decision on which process to choose should be based on your needs and the funding that is available to the project.

Once you have decided on the type of skatepark and the process you would like to take, you can begin in depth research on the firms that handle the type and process you are looking for.

Here are a few key questions to ask when researching the Skatepark firms:

  • Are your skatepark designers also skateboarders?
  • What is their background and skatepark experience?
  • Who will be my Project Manager?
  • How many skatepark design build projects have they managed and will they be my main point of contact?
  • Are they a full service firm? (All services provided by in house staff)
  • What skatepark design services do they offer? Does the skatepark design firm provide a full set of construction documents? Sealed, stamped and will pass the city process.
  • Does the design firm carry Errors & Omission and General Liability insurance which is necessary to protect from design flaws.
  • Will our skatepark be a custom design or a recycled design?

Selecting a specialty skatepark firm with a spotless reputation will ensure delivery of a quality project on time and within budget.

For more information about Pillar Design Studios or how to get a public skatepark email: nicole@pillardesignstudios.com or check out our website: www.pillardesignstudios.com

Pillar Design Studios on FacebookIf you found this article helpful or of value please click the Facebook ‘like’ button. You may also consider joining our Facebook community for more information about skatepark design build, skatepark construction progress, action sports facilities and general fun.

[About us: Pillar Design Studios, based in Tempe, AZ is a design/build landscape architecture firm specializing in both public and private skatepark facilities. Led by Brad Siedlecki, Pillar Design’s reputation has been built on integrity, quality of service, the ability to deliver progressive designs and impeccable skill in construction document production.]



Skatepark Advocates Help Get Skateparks Built

November 16th, 2010 No comments

Skatepark advocates help get local skateparks designed and built. Stephanie Murdock, local Baltimore skateboarder, got involved and is helping create a safe place for the youth of Baltimore to skate.

Pillar Design Studios is proud to be a part of the Baltimore Skatepark project. Please click here and read Stephanie Murdock’s, Baltimore skatepark advocate full profile and story.

Are you a skatepark advocate for your community that needs help? Please contact Pillar Design Studios for more information about the skatepark design build process by contacting us via email. nicole@pillardesignstudios.com.

Pillar Design Studios on FacebookIf you found this article helpful or of value please click the Facebook ‘like’ button. You may also consider joining our Facebook community for more information about skatepark design build, skatepark construction progress, action sports facilities and general fun.

[About us: Pillar Design Studios, based in Tempe, AZ is a design/build landscape architecture firm specializing in both public and private skatepark facilities. Led by Brad Siedlecki, Pillar Design’s reputation has been built on integrity, quality of service, the ability to deliver progressive designs and impeccable skill in construction document production.]

Tips To Get A Concrete Skatepark On A Budget

November 4th, 2010 No comments

Gentry, AS Skate Spot by Pillar Design StudioWe often hear “Concrete is just not in the budget”. It is a common misconception this is the most expensive type of Skatepark. There are many factors that determine the cost of a Skatepark, such as existing site conditions, design style, etc. By using local resources, materials and or labor it is possible to get a poured-in-place CONCRETE Skatepark for the same price as a modular or pre-cast park. Pillar has implemented numerous programs to help communities get quality poured–in-place CONCRETE skateparks for under $100,000.

Understanding your options are a MUST, below are a few key principals to get you started:

•     Hire an experienced Designer, who can provide you with a complete set of Blueprints

•     Make sure ANY Contractor can follow your Skatepark Construction Documents

•     Use your local resources, ask for discounts and donations

•     Design what you can afford to build, by phasing the design into usable section

The Gentry, Arkansas Skatepark is a great example of what can be accomplished with the right team in place:

Gentry Arkansas realized they were in need of a Skatepark.  The town was interested in a concrete park, due to the quality, longevity and reduced noise. The question was, “what can we get for the budget”. We developed this 3,100 sq. ft. skate spot as the solution. This skate spot is one out of a proposed three skate spots that will eventually create a large Skatepark facility. By phasing the project into three usable and affordable options, the City was able to complete Phase 1 and give the locals a place to Skate while fundraising continues. After the design and plans were completed the project went out to bid.  By working with a local General contractor (under the supervision of Pillar) the park was built for $71,000.

Both the Contractor and I were very pleased with Pillar Design Studios and how they worked with us when we needed latitude during the construction process. It simplified the skatepark construction process. – Thank You.”  Jim Kooistra, Architects Incorporated

*Construction costs can range depending on who you hire to build your park.  It is very important that a skatepark specialist is involved in all aspects of the design and construction of your skatepark.

*In this case the Town of Gentry decided to work with a local general contractor. In doing so, they were able to eliminate costs such as mobilization, shipping and travel fees associated with out of state vendors/contractors which in return meant more funds went back into their Skatepark.

There are many benefits to starting with a smaller Skatepark; affordability, less land needed, a much simpler construction process, providing a usable space while continuing to fundraise and much more. We hope that municipalities and communities all across the United States see that there is always a way to give your community a quality poured-in-place CONCRETE facility.

We are currently working on two other Skate Spots that will be completed for under $100,000.

Kitty Hawk Skatepark : Kitty Hawk, NCSeattle Skate Dot

There are many options available to you, do your homework, make sure you compare apples to apples and the dream of a CONCRETE facility can be a reality. For more information on any size Skatepark or for Skatepark Design questions please contact me at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com.

Pillar Design Studios on FacebookIf you found this article helpful or of value please click the Facebook ‘like’ button. You may also consider joining our Facebook community for more information about skatepark design build, skatepark construction progress, action sports facilities and general fun.

[About us: Pillar Design Studios, based in Tempe, AZ is a design/build landscape architecture firm specializing in both public and private skatepark facilities. Led by Brad Siedlecki, Pillar Design’s reputation has been built on integrity, quality of service, the ability to deliver progressive designs and impeccable skill in construction document production.]