Skatepark Design Build : PILLAR DESIGN STUDIOS

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.]

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.

The Tony Hawk Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to Atlanta BeltLine, Inc for construction of The Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark in Atlanta, GA.

Here’s an excerpt from a press release found on The Tony Hawk Foundation’s website (www.tonyhawkfoundation.org)

5/4/10 (Vista, CA) – The Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark is a key component of Atlanta, Georgia’s downtown redevelopment effort, the Atlanta BeltLine. It’s also been a long time coming for a city that is one of the country’s major skateboarding hubs, and will help redefine an historic community that is lacking in public recreational space. For those and many other equally compelling reasons, the Tony Hawk Foundation Board of Directors voted last week to award Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (the implementing entity of Atlanta’s comprehensive urban redevelopment initiative) $25,000 to help complete the 15,000-square-foot skatepark.

“The Atlanta BeltLine is honored to be selected by the Tony Hawk Foundation for this generous grant,” said Brian Leary, President and CEO of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. “This is an endorsement of the amazing collaboration between the City, Atlanta BeltLine, and our incredible local skateboard community. The inspiration came from the vision, will, and determination of the community. Combined with the City’s strong support, and now this outstanding gift, the new park—Atlanta’s first fully designed skate park—will be one of the best skate facilities in the U.S.”

“We are proud and honored to support the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark project in Atlanta,” said Tony Hawk. “It represents everything we stand for at THF—community involvement that benefits at-risk youth in an area that traditionally has had very little support for sports like skateboarding. We are excited to be attached to a project that will be such a vital and vibrant part of the Fourth Ward community.”

Pillar Design Studios is proud to be a part of this historic project. We feel we have designed our most progressive park to date to meet the needs of the Atlanta skate community. Groundbreaking is scheduled for late June / early July. Keep checking this site for periodical updates.

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