Things to Know About Opening a Skate Park

The decision, or desire, to open a skate park in a community is an undertaking that needs to be carefully considered before proceeding. A skateboard park presents unique concerns and benefits, and understanding what is involved in opening one is the best way to begin such a venture. Knowing exactly what to expect before and after you open a skate park will help you decide whether the endeavor is worth pursuing to you.

  1. Location

    • Choosing a location for a skate park will be one of your primary decisions. You will need to make the location easily accessible and centrally located. In an urban area, this would mean close to a public park or community center. In more rural areas, consider a skate park on the outskirts of town, yet easily accessible by primary roads and public transportation. In either case, you will need to abide by all local zoning and noise ordinances, which will also dictate where the skate park is actually located.

    Access and Security

    • Considering having a locked gate, attached to a fence surrounding the park, can help stave off unwanted visitors during unacceptable times of the day or night. Though this option will require extra manpower to open and close the park on a regular basis, it can help control noise and activity, thus appeasing residents who live near the skate park.

    Cost

    • Cost is always a consideration when planning a building project, and no skate park comes cheap. The skate park will need to be built from scratch, so unless you are wealthy and looking to contribute to your community, you will need to have supporters and investors on board well before pitching the idea to the local community. Consider offering advertising space, such as signs or banners in the park, to help secure funding.

    Community Concerns

    • A skate park requires the community's approval. After attracting investors and preparing a business plan, collect the names of the kids and adults in the community who support the idea of building a skate park. You will need to make a presentation and request a permit at a town hall meeting or zoning hearing. All communities are organized differently, and you will need to follow the local procedures. Contact your city and county governments to inquire about the process for applying for the necessary permits.

    Legalities and Formalities

    • Depending on the legal requirements of your community, you may need to seek the advice and services of a lawyer to get waivers and forms drawn up so the skate park can be used. Consider having everyone who skates at the park sign a waiver, releasing any investors or the community itself from liability in the event of an accident or injury. Though this is not always a requirement, it is something to keep in mind. In addition, prominently place signs around and throughout the skate park stating that skaters must sign waivers to use the park and that all skating is done at the skater’s own risk.