Public skateparks aren't automatically inserted into a city plan like most traditional sports, despite action sports being among the fastest growing recreational activities. Because of this, it often takes the effort of local advocates or municipal leaders working with their community to create a new public skatepark in their town. Thankfully, this process can be learned.

The typical public skatepark project route is fairly straightforward, with a few key steps. The order shifts a little bit, as some items happen around the same time. The order below is representative of how a regular citizen (advocate) would approach the project steps. Additionally, city employees run successful skatepark projects from within city hall quite often. They can infer an appropriate route from the information below and are also encouraged to seek our guidance.

1) Build your Core Group (your local crew(s), parents of kids who skate, general supporters.)

2) Establish Regular Meetings (weekly or bi weekly, time and location)

3) Make a Plan (name of group, size of park, main points, general guidelines of the project: be positive and prepared)

4) Connect with the City (Parks and Rec, City Council presentation, site selection, etc.)

5) Connect with a Skatepark Design/Construction Firm (continue refining your plan, begin design process)

6) Find a Place for Donations (most likely a local service organization as your bank/fiscal sponsor)

7) Fundraise (most of the work, but there are a lot of fun events; you’ll meet the whole town, establishing yourself and team as the group creating the skatepark)

8) Prepare for Construction Process (take steps to ensure quality, qualification process, construction bids, etc.)

9) Let it Happen!

As you can see, there's a lot to learn and even more to do. This is not a process that happens overnight, and volunteering to lead a civic action project like this isn't for everyone. However, if you have a need for a skatepark in your community, can communicate fairly effectively, and have a passion to see it through, it's likely that we can help you take things in the right direction. It takes a little bit of work every week or so for about 2 or 3 years.

We can tell you from experience that it's worth it, but only you know if something like this is right for you.

There are informational resources on our website. Do some research and reach out to us when you’re ready to talk about your community.