Northside Skatepark in Norfolk, VA officially opened on October 2nd, 2010. Skateboarders in Norfolk now have a safe and legal place to skate.

One group looking forward to using the park is the Maury Skateboard Club. The high school organization meets weekly to discuss skateboarding trends, demonstrate techniques and exchange tips. The groups sponsor, teacher Rich Presas, said providing open space helps ease the stereotype that all skateboarders damage property, spray graffiti or cause other annoyances.I’ll stand by my students, he said. Theyre very smart and intelligent. Theyre good kids.

Providing a safe and fun environment for skateboarding and biking helps promote healthy athletic activity, says Darrell Crittendon, director of the city recreation department. (Please visit hamptonroads.com for more information on the locals reaction the new skatepark in Norfolk, VA)

Pillar Design Studios is proud to help the skateboarders of Norfolk. Enjoy your skatepark and keep the skate videos coming!

Let us know what you think. Have you visited the new Northside Skatepark in Norfolk, VA? What are your thoughts on the design and construction of the skatepark?

For more information on Skatepark facilities and how Pillar Design Studios can help your community get a skatepark, please contact  nicole@pillardesignstudios.com

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If 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.]

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

In so many under developed communities kids are looking for an outlet for their energy and angst. Richmond, CA is no exception. Pillar Design Studio’s skatepark gives these kids an outlet to expend their energy, learn from one another and come together as a community.

Please read this article and watch the video posted in the Richmond Confidential and hear what they have to say first hand.

(Richmond Confidential :Youth find cross-cultural kinship at Nicholl Park)

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

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.

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If you found this article helpful or of value please click the Facebook ‘share’ 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.]

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.

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.

[Pillar Design Studios received this letter from Chris at The A-Skate Foundation. We are happy to help this foundation however we can. Please take a moment and read the letter and see how you can help. There is a link at the bottom so you can download and redistribute the letter in its entirety- Thanks!!!]

To Whom It May Concern:

Skateboarding has always been counterculture. Even as it edges closer to the mainstream, skateboarding remains on the fringe. It’s still an emblem of rebellion, still a little outlaw. Skaters don’t follow the herd. They’re often thought of as different. Those of us who skate view skateboarding as an outlet to express our individuality and creativity.

What better sport to represent kids who are too often thought of as outsiders?

Autism is a severe developmental disability that affects speech and social interaction. Children with autism have a difficult time communicating and relating to others socially. They may also suffer from a heightened sensitivity to sensory input–which can cause them to retreat even further into isolation.

The A.Skate Foundation is as 501(c) 3 non-for-profit that was created to introduce kids with autism to the world of skateboarding. It’s our belief that skateboarding can help autistic children connect with the greater world around them. Playing team sports is out of the question for most children with autism. They find it very hard to follow directions and because they struggle with language, communicating with coaches and teammates can be difficult. Skateboarding and autism are a great fit: no team, no coaches, no rules!

A.Skate Foundation holds free skate clinics for children with autism. Raising kids with autism can be expensive; A. Skate offers grants to those who can’t afford skateboard gear. We also help promote autism awareness in the skate industry.

One of our major initiatives this year centers on Go Skateboarding Day. On June 21, skateboarders around the globe will celebrate the pure joy of skateboarding by dropping everything to go skate. On that day, we would love to see skateboarders everywhere make the day even more special by taking a child with autism skateboarding. It’s a crazy idea, but one that’s perfectly suited to skateboarding.

Here’s where we need your help. We have a campaign in place ready to implement but we don’t have the means and resources to take this idea national. That is our ultimate aim—to see skateboarders in towns around the country invest part of their Go Skateboarding Day taking a child with autism skateboarding. Please take a moment to consider being a part of this fledgling but important movement.  You can contact Autism Speaks to find your local chapter by going to this link: http://www.autismspeaks.org/community/chapters/index.php

or you can contact us directly to find out how you can help. Visit askate.org to find out more about who we are.

Five years ago, approximately 1 in 150 children were diagnosed with autism. Today, the number has risen to 1 in 100 children, with 1 in 70 of those being boys. That’s an alarming number. Autism might even have touched someone close to you. For us, autism is a daily reality—both of us are parents of an autistic child.

Children with autism can flourish given the right circumstances–they are bright, creative and sensitive individuals who need venues where their uniqueness can be celebrated. Let’s help them find a place to express themselves through skateboarding.

Sincerely,

Chrys Worley Founder, A.Skate Foundation chrys@askate.org

John Pike Co-Founder, A.Skate Foundation john@askate.org

www.askate.org

[To download this letter as a .pdf to redistribute please click here]

Click here to view the embedded video.

Warren County Skatepark in Front Royal, VA officially opened on April 17th, 2010. The Warren County Report was on hand to capture the opening on video and interview some of the skatepark users.

Thanks to all the skaters, BMX riders, County Officials, Artisan Skateparks and everyone else who helped make this park a reality.

Keeping with the theme of a Top 10 list we wanted to give a shout to our 10 favorite skate shops.

1. Movement Skateboards – Oswego, NY
2. Stratosphere Skateboards – Atlanta, Ga
3. Ujamaa Boardhouse – Durham, NC
4. 5boro NYC – NY, NY
5. Cowtown Skateboards – Tempe / Phoenix, AZ
6. 158 Skate & Surf – Kitty Hawk, NC
7. AZPX – Phoenix, AZ
8. Skatepark of Tampa Skateshop – Tampa, FL
9. NJ Skateshop – Edison, NJ
10. Skateboard Heaven – Ocean Beach / San Diego, CA

There they are. We encourage you to support your local skate shop. Did your local shop make the list? Leave a comment and post a link to your favorite shop.

Here’s a quick List of Pillar’s Top 10 Favorite Skateboarders

1. Mike V
2. Matt Hensley
3. Frankie Hill
4. Mark Gonzalez
5. John Cardiel
6. Tom Groholski
7. Danny Way
8. Sean Sheffey
9. Barker Barrett
10. Omar Hassan

Who are your favorite skaters? Leave a comment and let us know…

Another busy month has past us by we are excited to see a few parks breaking ground, a few projects kicking off and another park opening!

Last month the Buckwalter Skatepark located in Beaufort County, SC opened and has been a huge success. This 11,000 sq. ft. Skatepark has a little bit for everyone from beginners to advance Skaters to Bikes.

Another Pillar/Artisan Project is about to open. The final walk through was completed today everything looks great. We will keep you posted with Grand Opening events and completed photos.

Construction is almost complete at the North Side Skatepark, located in Norfolk, VA. We just completed a Construction Observation visit this week, construction is scheduled to finish in about 4 months. Construction photos are coming soon.

We are also currently working on a “swimming bowl” at a private residence. This is a fully functioning swimming pool that becomes a skate bowl during the winter season. This way the owner gets to use his facility all year round!

Construction kicked off at the Gainesville Skatepark, FL. Pillar collaborated with Spohn Ranch on this mix of pre-cast and poured in place elements. The park is scheduled to be completed by the end of April! This park will offer majority street elements with a separate square kidney bowl. The separate bowl was constructed by Artisan Skateparks, Inc.

We recently kicked off the Bedford Skatepark Project, located in Bedford, VA. The county selected the Pillar Design Studios, LLC and Artisan Skateparks, Inc for this Design/Build project. Brad has been working with the local Skaters and the County to create a design everyone can get behind. The first Design Review is in the works, we hope to have a few concepts posted for you by the end of the month. We are moving forward quickly with this one and hope to have the park open by fall of 2010.

We are gearing up for another busy month, thanks to all the team members involved in our recent parks. Keep advocating and spreading the word, a Skatepark in your home town can become a reality.

Click here to view the embedded video.

More video from the guys at Savannah Skates. Thanks guys!

Click here to view the embedded video.

The best part of our job is when we get to see skaters using our skatepark design to the fullest. Check out the video from the guys at Savannah Skates ripping the Buckwalter Skatepark in Bluffton, SC

If you have video of you and your friends skating one of our parks send us a link and we’ll get it posted on the site.

For more information about Pillar Design Studios or how to get an action sports facility email: nicole@pillardesignstudios.com or check out our website: www.pillardesignstudios.com