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

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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.]



The Pillar Design Studios approach has always been LOCAL, LOCAL, LOCAL. We understand and believe in the power your local community has. With today’s economic climate the importance of community involvement becomes even more prevalent.

Our approach not only puts funds back into your local economy but also provides opportunity for integration of discounts and in-kind donations. With our process, our Design/Build team works with a local general contractor. This way we are able to provide our clients with the expertise and know-how of Skatepark Design and Construction, while providing local labors, equipment rentals, etc an opportunity to work on the project.

Whether it be hiring local labors for positions such as form work, rebar installation, site cleanup, painting, pressure washing, and caulking, or purchasing local materials, food, acquiring lodging and local equipment rentals. When working with our team we guarantee over 70% of the funds for your project go back to local companies.

A Skatepark facility should be considered a good investment that will have positive long-term impact on your community’s economic growth. The feedback we have received from municipalities and Skatepark managers is that Skateparks draw people from surrounding areas. The Skatepark not only brings children and youth but also their families, which means a rise in revenue for shops, restaurants, gas stations, etc. for the local community.

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

Thrasher Magazine decided to stop by Pillar Design Studios‘ skatepark in Raleigh, NC on the second stop of their Skate Rock tour. What do you get when you mix ripping skaters with a world class concrete skatepark, music and fireworks? Click to see for yourself… (video hosted on Thrasher Magazine’s site)

For more information on Skatepark facilities and how we can help your community, please contact  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/skatepark-design-bid-build-process/feed/ 1 http://skatepark-blog.com/skate-history-memorable-moments-in-skate/ http://skatepark-blog.com/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.