How to Get a Better Skate Park in Your Hometown

Popular recreation areas for teenagers, skateparks, when designed well, provide a safe social area and youth community hub. Sometimes, however, skateparks do not meet the needs of your community. They may be too small, poorly located or inefficiently designed. You can get a better skatepark in your hometown with the cooperation of your local government, parks department and community members. It may take time and hard work but will pay off when your improved skatepark becomes a town fixture.

Instructions

    • 1

      Assess the current problems with your skatepark. Ask local skaters, nearby residents and the park manager what they view as the park's biggest deficiencies and what they would like to see in a new skatepark.

    • 2

      Compile the list of problems. Rank them by priority and difficulty in changing. If you find the skatepark too small, look for an alternate space or consider ways to expand, both of which may require the cooperation and support of your town government and citizens. Weight that against making upgrades to the existing skatepark, including new fixtures, lighting or seating.

    • 3

      Determine the cost of the necessary improvements. The town's parks and recreation budget may have funds available for skateparks that need only small improvements. Larger improvements will require fundraising or grants.

    • 4

      Present a plan for skatepark expansion, improvement or the construction of a new skatepark to your town's government or parks and recreation board. Include your research, including cost, demand and benefits a better skate park will provide the community. Obtain all necessary approval before beginning fundraising.

    • 5

      Raise the required funds. Apply for a grant or assistance from an organization that supports skatepark construction. Hold a community fundraising event, and advertise in the local paper and at the existing skatepark. Ask local business to sponsor the skatepark.

    • 6

      Build the new skatepark or add the necessary features to your existing skatepark. Use a professional construction company that can make sure the skatepark meets all safety requirements.