Lately, there has been a lot of discussion about skatepark warranties. We would be remiss to not address this new trend in the Industry. Pillar Design Studios did some research on the different warranties offered for concrete facilities. Whether it is a poured-in-place or a pre cast park, we understand the time, effort and money that goes into a Skatepark facility and the importance of a quality end product. If you are being offered a warranty, make sure you are informed of all the details covered in that warranty.

The definition of warranty is a guarantee, a written assurance that some product or service will be provided or will meet certain specifications. That leaves much to interperation; here are a few things to consider when looking at any warranty;

• Items not covered
• What is considered normal wear and tear
• What does the replacement include, installation/labor, removal, shipping (if necessary)

Up until recently the industry standard on a concrete facility has been; one (1) to two (2) year unconditional warranty from defects in workmanship and material quality, not caused by normal wear and tear. Guaranteeing all approved materials to be new and free from defect. This is what we would consider a short-term all encompassing warranty, offering removal and replacement (ie labor, materials), leaving the client with a skate-able quality facility.

Lately, with the introduction of Pre-Cast parks, we have seen a new type of warranty that is fifteen (15) to twenty (20) years. Typically, offering a five (5) year warranty, then a ten (10) to (15) year limited warranty. This would be a long-term warranty with numerous limitations.

After doing some research and speaking to clients, we have made a few surprising discoveries regarding these so called long term warranties (15 to 20 years).

#1 – Only the piece in question is covered, meaning the client is responsible for freight, installation, removal and all flat work need to seamlessly replace the defective product.

#2 – The warranty does not include environmental and or site condition issues, such as concrete settling.

#3 – A monthly maintenance check list is required in order for the warranty to stay valid.

We are perplexed as to how a company can warrant a piece of the Skatepark leaving the park un-usable and the necessary construction needed to fix the park at the owner’s expense. Shipping large pieces of concrete can be an exuberant amount of money. But even more astonishing is that the removal and disposal of the defective piece is also not covered, meaning a specialty company will need to be hired to remove and dispose of the defective piece(s).  Finally, the owner must hire someone to then seamlessly fit the new piece to the existing Skatepark.

In regards to site conditions and environment, if a park settles and or shifts, it is possible the necessary reviews and precautions were not taken during the design phase, ie a Geo-Technical Report. This is yet just another example of why it is IMPARTIVE to have a qualified, licensed designer handle the design. If a Geo has been completed and the soil was conducive to concrete construction, then settling would be a sign of insufficient compaction. Either way, should the owner be responsible for the hired companies neglect to proper procedures and protocols?

As a design firm, we want to offer our clients the best, most feasible option for them and their community. Anyone doing their due diligence would be interested in hearing about a long-term warranty but we feel it is our duty to inform our clients and possible clients of the limitations of these types of warranties.

Concrete facilities designed and constructed properly will stand the test of time, normal wear and tear will occur but minimal maintenance is needed to keep your Skatepark in great condition. Quarterly reviews of caulk and sealant, riding surfaces for divots and chips (larger than ¼), coping and rails as well as the removal of debris and dirt (when necessary) is what consist with normal maintenance a concrete facility.

Whatever type of park fits your community best, we urge you to not be mystified by the long-term warranties. Make sure you have a qualified, licensed professional that stands behind the design and an experience specialty construction company that can attest their quality and longevity; then the need for the warranty becomes a bonus instead of a safety net.

For more information on Skatepark facilities and how we can help your community, please contact me at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com .

Here’s some awesome BMX footage from the Bethune Point Skatepark in Daytona Beach, FL. Pillar Design Studios served as Skatepark Designer and Landscape Architect on this project. The park was built by Breaking Ground Contractors using some pre-cast elements from Spohn Ranch.

For more information on Bethune Point Skatepark please visit Bethune Point’s page on Pillar Design’s website.

Is your community looking for a world class action sports facility? Contact nicole@pillardesignstudios.com and she’ll get you started on the skatepark design build process.

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The Pillar Design Studios‘ blog was launched in January of 2010 to inform, aid and educated our followers, communities, municipalities and users alike regarding the Action Sports Industry. We strive to provide concrete ideas, information and tools regarding Skate, BMX and Moto to our readers.

We were recently contacted by Online Schools, to let us know that we have been selected as one of the top Skateboarding Blogs in 2010! The award recognizes the very best blogs to learn about skateboarding. Awards were given out to blogs in the 99% percentile (meaning only the top 1% of blogs receive awards). The blogs were rated by 20 different attributes, including content, frequency of updates, amount of advertising, length of posts, and readability.

We thank you for your continued support and strive to continually bring you up to date and informative information. To learn more about Online Schools and their criteria go to www.onlineschools.org/top_skateboarding/about/.

To hear how we can help you and your community during the Skatepark process, contact me at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com.

The Crown Hill neighborhood in Seattle is preparing for their new Skatedot designed by Pillar Design Studios. (A Skatedot is a small skateable area in Seattle measuring about 1500 sq feet.)

Brad Siedlecki, Principal of Pillar Design Studios, facilitated one of many public meetings in Seattle, WA on Aug 2,2010.

1,500 square feet may not sound like much but with the right design this Skatedot can make a big impact on the Seattle Skateboard community.

The final design is still being drafted with input from the community but I’m sure Seattle will be very happy with the end result.

(Article in Ballard News-Tribune regarding Crown Hill’s skatedot and Pillar’s public meeting.)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Success of a Skatepark Design/Build Project

There are many ways to measure success of a Pillar Design Studios‘ design/build project. We can study user statistics and skateboard industry or media coverage. Pillar Design Studios prefers listening to our audience.

Pillar Design Studios measures the success of our skateparks by listening to our users by monitoring social networks, including Facebook and YouTube. When we come across videos like what’s posted from KevinloveESS on YouTube we know we’ve done our job right and designed something special the city.

(Please note: at the time of this article Northside Skatepark in Norfolk, VA is not complete or officially open. Pillar Design Studios does not encourage skateboarders to trespass and use our skateparks during the construction phase or before the official opening.)

Want to learn more about Pillar Design Studios and how you can begin the skatepark process for your town? Contact Nicole Licari at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com and she’ll get you all the necessary information.

Since we recently posted about the advantages of the Design/Build process we felt we should also address the Design-bid-Build process and its advantages. Always remember no matter what method you choose it is imperative to select an experienced and qualified Action Sports Specialist.

The Design-Bid-Build approach allows the client to put both the Design and the build out for bid to qualified companies. With this method, you have a Skatepark Specialist available to you to guide you through this unfamiliar process, they offer assistance in not only design areas but also bidding and construction.

The major advantages to the Design-Bid-Build process:

PROFESSIONAL ACTION SPORTS DEVELOPMENT DESIGNER

You have the option of choosing the most qualified, licensed and insured Landscape Architect that specializes in Action Sports Development. Not only does the Landscape Architect seal their own drawings but also has extensive knowledge on the construction process, landscape design, drainage systems and retaining walls. They have worked with municipalities and communities and are very familiar with the public process. This is a major asset to the client because it reduces their liability, as well as offers extensive expertise and experience to you and your community.

DESIGNER ASSISTANCE

The Design team will be available to guide and answer any questions that you might have during the bidding and construction process. This is an asset for two reasons, competitive bidding and design assurance. Since the design and the build is completed by two different companies you can be assured of selecting the most qualified, experienced company, firm or team for the best possible price. Often, the design of the park can be changed during construction which can cause the price to increase and or the design structure to be compromised. With the Designer visiting the project site at key stages, the client is protected from any unwarranted changes.

CONSTRUCTION ADVANTAGES

With the Design-bid-build method, your Skatepark Designer will provide you a design and cost estimate throughout the entire design process, so when the Skatepark goes out to bid for construction you are aware of the average price and able to select the best bidder. They will also provide a detailed set of construction documents to ensure the design created and approved by the municipality and community is also the park that will be constructed. The Contractor awarded the construction of the skatepark is selected through the public bid process, thus guaranteeing only qualified contractors can apply. For the project to be built per plan the contractor needs to be licensed, bonded and insured – as well as posses the experience necessary to construct Skateparks.

Please remember when selecting any firm, company or team to design and or build your Skatepark, they should have experience in Action Sports Design and construction, be licensed professionals in their fields and carry the necessary insurance required by the State. Choosing a designer that has Skateboarding or BMX riding experience is key to the success and efficiency of y our facility.

Lastly, if the general contractor that is selected does not have Action Sports experience, then we urge you to look into specialty companies that can handle the specialty aspects of the park, such as fine grading, coping fabrication and installation, shotcrete application and finishing. We understand what goes into a project such as this and want to make sure you end up with a quality and successful facility!

Want to learn more about Pillar Design Studios and how you can begin the skatepark process for your town? Contact Nicole Licari at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com to get all the necessary information.

]]> http://skatepark-blog.com/2010/07/skatepark-design-bid-build-process/feed/ 1 http://skatepark-blog.com/2010/07/skate-history-memorable-moments-in-skate/ http://skatepark-blog.com/2010/07/skate-history-memorable-moments-in-skate/#comments Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:06:23 +0000 admin http://skatepark-blog.com/?p=371 Tweet

Memorable Moments in Skateboarding

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here are just a couple of Pillar Design Studios‘ favorite skateboarding moments through the years – Check them out.

Mike McGill invents the McTwist
Bones Brigade Video Show
Chris Miller’s infamous slam at Upland
Steve Rocco starts World Industries
Tony Hawk’s Gigantic Skatepark Tour
Everyone leaves Powell Peralta (Including Stacy Peralta)
Skaters start their own brands
Burnside Skatepark is designed and built
Bob Burnquist loops a full pipe
Danny Way kills the DC Video (see the above video)

What are you favorite skateboarding moments over the years. Leave a comment and post a link to any photo or video.

Want to learn more about Pillar Design Studios and how you can begin the skatepark process for your town? Contact Nicole Licari at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com and she’ll get you all the necessary information.

Pillar Design Studios has always believed that Skateboarding is a healthy activity for kids (and adults.) We posted an article on 5/19 citing the benefits of Skateboarding. Now here’s proof that skateboard is a healing activity.

In the war torn country of Afghanistan boys and girls alike are retreating to Skateistan. Skateistan is a free indoor skatepark that teaches the basics of skateboarding to anyone who is willing to participate. Pillar Design Studios applauds the effort of anyone who continues to promote skateboarding in a positive light.

Please click on this link to be directed to an article in USA Today – Skateboard school helps Afghan kids ramp up morale

The new skatepark in Poolesville, MD is done and (almost) ready for everyone! The official grand opening will take place on July 10th. This 6,000 sq. ft. concrete skatepark is located at 19630 Fisher Ave. (behind McDonalds.)

Here’s a link to the project information on the Pillar Design Studios website. More information about the Poolesville Skatepark can be found on the Poolesville Skatepark Facebook page.

This marks another successful skatepark design build project between Pillar Design and Artisan Skateparks. Thanks to everyone from the local skateboard community, city leadership and everyone who helped make this park possible.

If you are interested in getting a skatepark designed and built for your city please contact Nicole Licari at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com.

In today’s society were children and adults live a sedentary lifestyle filled with T.V, video games, computers and cell phones why the negative connotation regarding Skateparks? Skateparks are an important part of recreation facilities and promote a healthy, active lifestyle the whole family can enjoy.

With childhood obesity and the rise of diabetes becoming an epidemic in America today, why not support and aid your local Skatepark. “Skateboarding is the sixth largest participant sport in the United States, more than 9.3 million skateboarders will take to the streets in the U.S. each year,” American Sports Data and RAND Youth Poll. Yet there are more communities without a Skatepark then with one. How times have you driven past an empty football field at your local park, now think of how times you have driven past an empty Skatepark. Children are crying out for activities to get them off the couch and outside. Unfortunately for many Skaters the only place they can practice their sport is in parking lots and city streets. This not only is illegal in most cities, it is dangerous for the users and not advantages to the local business.

Skateparks are not just for your local youth, it can provide recreational fun for all family members and be a great way to spend together. When a Skatepark is designed and built correctly it can and will contribute to a healthy and active community. Does your community have a Skatepark, does it meet the needs of the people in your community? If not, get involved and make it happen. Skateparks only happen with organized local advocacy.

Skateparks support a healthy and happy family! Get involved and play a role in creating skateparks where you live!

If you are thinking about a skatepark for your town, city, municipality or backyard? Let us help! Contact Nicole at nicole@pillardesignstudios.com for more information.