Tips To Get A Concrete Skatepark On A Budget
We 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.
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.
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[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.]
