My contact in the parks dept. recently asked me to put something together outlining the
needed obstacles for a small skate spot that is being planned for Seaton in North
Pickering.
Pickering.
Let me know what you think,
Agree/disagree, in the comments. PS IDK why the spacing and layout is so messed up
Agree/disagree, in the comments. PS IDK why the spacing and layout is so messed up
HI City of Pickering Staff
As per our discussion, here is some info on simple skate spots.
A skate spot of 150msq to 600msq does not allow for a multitude of obstacles so it is
best to start with the basics and build from there. A ledge (Approx 40-50cm high,
60-100cm wide and 3m or more long) and a
60-100cm wide and 3m or more long) and a
flat rail (Approx 40-50cm high, 10cm wide and 3m long) are the fundamental elements of a
skate spot.
skate spot.
Thompson Skate Spot in Aurora has these two features laid out in a ‘skate path’ style.
The next step up from this set-up would include a Ledge/Manny pad combo.
This three obstacle spot is Jubilee Skate
Spot in Georgetown. It features a
Spot in Georgetown. It features a
Ledge/Manny pad, a small ‘A’ frame bank
and another ledge element. It is short one flat rail.
and another ledge element. It is short one flat rail.
Chatfield District park includes a quarter
pipe and an ‘A’ frame with rail and hubba
pipe and an ‘A’ frame with rail and hubba
(down ledge) in a ‘V’ shaped layout.
Holland Landing’s new skatepark in small yet includes all the major features.
It was also well planned and has no in park drainage. Water runs off the concrete without
puddling on the park surface.
Many small parks are laid out in a line. An advantage of these ‘Path Style’ skate spots is that
they can be designed for areas where traditional sport courts won’t fit. They work well
when built adjacent to the main path or wrapping around another park feature.
Angus Glen Skate Spot wraps around a basketball court.
Leithcroft Skate Trail is adjacent to the main walking trail.
Secondary features to include if there is room would include a small quarter pipe and/or a bank.
The small quarter at ARC is very popular. A Quarter Pipe 18-24” tall with a 5’ radius
would work for all rider levels.
Long and low ‘A’ frames (with or without extra features like gaps and rails) are easy for
novice riders but can be enjoyed by more advanced riders.
Here are a few examples of transition (bowl) based skate spots
12 Oaks, Vaughan & GWNP- mini bowl, Markham
Other features that can help a spot stand out include patterned concrete or brick at the
entrance/exit. It signifies the start and end of the skate zone.
A laser cut support for a flat rail would be great for displaying the parks name or some
inspiring words.
inspiring words.
Another way to go for a skate spot is a sculptural piece of art that is made to be skated
but with Pickering’s limited skateparks I feel that would be better left for a later spot when
there is already some existing terrain. Here are some examples.
Ray St skate dot, Markham.
Quebec City Plaza features include several skatable sculptural pieces.
Thanks as always for including me. Two smaller skate spots have opened in Scarborough in
the last year at Neilson Park and Fundy Bay Park. I suggest you and staff take a field trip to
some local spots and get a sense of what might work but I’ll emphasize: Flat Ledge, Flat Rail -
Then add from there.
Scott
Other info can be found here.
