SERVICES
Skatepark Design
I provide a full range of skatepark design and documentation services and will guide you through the entire process to let you know what information is relevant for your project.
Skatepark Assessments
A skatepark assessment is the best way to check how your skatepark is performing and be confident that it’s in perfect working order for everyone to enjoy.
Think about your skatepark and ask yourself these five questions:
Is it safe?
Is it functional?
Is it used?
Does it need maintenance or repairs?
Does it comply with AS EN 14974:2021?
If you are unsure about the answers to these questions, you need a skatepark assessment.
Funding Applications
Designs for funding applications can give your project a kick start to show you are serious about your skatepark, gather support and investigate potential funding sources.
These are generally quick plans and images that show what is possible for your site and give an indication of how much it will cost.
Community Consultations
Meeting with local skaters, government, community and select peer group representatives can help determine the design parameters for the skatepark. Everyone can have their say at the meeting, or online, and the comments can be collated to form a design brief.
The next step is to prepare a concept design and present it back to the group for further comment and refinement.
Concept Designs
Determining the type of skatepark you want is an important step in the process – plaza, street course, bowl, etc. Following the consultation outcomes (or design brief) a basic concept design can be prepared that allows everyone to critique the design, and then refine it. I use 3D computer programs and clear layout plans to make the designs easy to understand for everyone involved.
Typically concept design documentation includes:
Site plan
Layout plan
Perspective views / 3D views
Design summary
Construction Documentation
Construction documentation is more detailed and technical in nature and is used to construct the skatepark.
Typically construction documentation includes:
Existing conditions plan
Site plan
Set out plan
Dimension plan
Grading plan
Surface finishes plan
Cross sections
Details
Technical specifications
Construction documentation also involves the use of consultants for structural engineering, land surveying, geotechnical investigation (soil report), landscape architects, lighting engineers, etc.
Skateparks rarely need planning permits or building permits, but this should always be confirmed with the responsible local government authority.
Contract Administration
Having the designer check quality, accuracy with the construction documentation and design intent is a wise investment as they have usually been involved with the project from the first consultation meeting all the way up to approval of the final construction documentation. It makes little sense to remove the knowledge gained from this process at the very last stage (which can sometimes make or break the skatepark).
Skateboarding is always evolving and progressing; skatepark designs should respond quickly to this and be adaptable.
Construction documentation is necessary to get a project built, but it should have some degree of flexibility for on-site changes. While all technical details will be resolved on the plans, sometimes issues with new layouts or unique designs only become apparent when they are set out on site.
Changes requested by the builder, local skaters or the designer should always be carefully considered as they are generally suggested to improve the skatepark. Often at little or no cost.
A better skatepark at no cost?
Sounds good to me!
Collaboration
Collaboration is a strong focus for me as I believe the best designs come from a collective pooling of resources and expertise.
Peer Review Panel
Baseplate has always sought feedback and advice from skaters on the skateparks we’ve designed. The response, positive or negative, always helps to improve the next skatepark and this is why it’s so valuable.
It’s been an informal process in the past, but now it’s official through our Peer Review Panel.
Independent
While I have worked with nearly every skatepark builder in Australia, Baseplate is not connected to a construction company, which avoids any conflict of interest during procurement, and always guarantees independent professional advice on the best outcome for each project.
The Skatepark School
Combining our skatepark expertise with a desire to spread knowledge and empower others, We launched The Skatepark School to create the next generation of skatepark designers.
We have students from all over the world who are starting to design skateparks - America, Australia, France, Greece, India, Latvia, London, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru and Russia.