Smaller Skateparks
An Update.
This update is a follow-up to 'Small Skateparks Still Have A Lot To Offer' and borrows heavily from it. It is still a worthwhile read.
Smaller Skateparks have been increasingly popular with large municipalities adding to their action sports networks and small communities build appropriately sized projects for their local users.
In the past several months, there have been a number of small projects announced and completed with varying levels of success. The goal with this update is to provide some insight on creating skateable spaces in smaller, community parks where a full skatepark may not be appropriate.
Skate Spots
The Alton Skate Spot in Caledon. This Skate Spot has the basics - Flat Bar, Manny Pad, Flat Ledge and a QP. There is enough other obstacles like the bank and 'A' Frame Curb to make the spot fun but this as small as a 'full' skatepark can get without sacrificing quality.
Sonny Belch Skate Dot in Belleville. This new addition to Belleville's action sports network looked great in the design but the construction was below industry standards, leading to unhappy locals and a partial rebuild of the main feature after only 3 months of use. It is critical to check Skatepark Design/Build Firms recent projects and get feedback from users, not just city staff who don't skateboard.
Skate Paths
An other type of skate spot is a skate path. These narrow spots are between 8 and 20 feet wide with spaced out features and are great for practicing lines or warming up. Unlike other sports that are played on a field or court, a skate spot can be designed to fit the available space.
Jubilee Skate Spot, Georgetown, ON. Like the sign says "Parks are for Everyone". More photos HERE. Leitchcroft Skate Path, Markham, ON. More photos HERE.
Angus Glen Skate Spot in Markham was designed to encircle the basketball court.
Green Gate Skate Spot, Cambridge, ON. This laser cut flat rail support highlights this small spot and the ledge/manny pad is great. A rail support like this one could be a great way to 'brand' the park.
Skate Dots
One or Two Skateable Obstacles specifically designed for action sports use.
Thompson Park, Aurora, ON. A Ledge and Rail in a small neighbourhood park. Ray Street Park, Markham, ON. A skatable art piece, this simple dot is aesthetically pleasing. Signage designates it as a skatepark but due to its size and proximity to Markham's largest skatepark, it gets less use. Other park users often stop to watch the skaters when they utilize the spot.
McNally St Skate Spot in Georgetown. The obstacle was offset into the grass by the builder. This issue made its use more difficult but remediations to the landing area is coming.
The 'Y' rail is a great, simple feature. Easy to use but complex enough to to provide some challenge to more skilled skaters.
Hillside Park Rails in Orillia. The city installed 2 rainbow rails in a small park. Local skaters should always be consulted on even the smallest skate projects. As fun as the rainbow rails are, a flat bar, like the example from Thompson Park, would have been better.
Shared Community Space
Skateable areas worked into parks.
Stoney Creek YMCA, London, ON. This plaza area was built with metal edging in the ledges to allow for damage free skating.
Victoria Park, London, ON. Known as Ledge Land by locals, this spot in front of the bandstand is also used for public events. It is designated as a skateboard facility by the city and skaters are notified via social media when the ledges are removed for events.
Mount Pleasant Park, Richmond Hill, ON. Wave Ledge installed in this park was meant to used by skaters without designating it a skate spot. This eliminated the need for public consultation. Skaters are free to use the park as is anyone else.
Mary Dawson Park, Richmond Hill, ON. Another skateable ledge in a Richmond Hill park.
The Big O, Montreal, QC. Perhaps the most iconic Canadian skate spot, the Big O has attracted skaters from around the globe. Originally built for the Montreal 1976 Olympics, it was re-purposed by skaters. The president of the Montreal Impact Soccer Club recognized its importance and when the soccer stadium was expanded, the Big O was moved rather than destroyed.
Paix Park (Peace Park) in Montreal had skateboarding legalized after a 2014 pilot program. The Marble ledges are a popular spot for skaters and their presence decreased crime and drug problems in the area.
This stylized bench provides a nice place to sit or a nice spot to skate.
I hope you have found this input useful. Feel free to check out the rest of the blog. It is best viewed in 'Web Version'. I'm happy to consult on any Action Sports Project, totally free of charge.
