How to Open a Skateboard Park

Every skateboarder's dream is to have a skate park to practice his craft without being kicked out, risking arrest, or trespassing. Skate parks take away many of the dangers of skateboarding such as traffic or poorly designed obstacles. Although skate parks have many advantages, getting one built in your local community can be a challenge. By using techniques to raise community support and the funds to build a skate park, you should gain an understanding of how to open a skateboard park in your own community.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • Phone
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spread the idea of creating a skate park among the local interested community. Do not discriminate against rollerbladers and bicycle riders; the more people you can get interested, the higher the chance of success. According to SkateParkGuide.com,"All members should be asked to put aside any hang-ups regarding the involvement of a mix of skateboarders, in-line skaters and BMX freestyle bikers."

    • 2

      Create a skate park committee comprised of local interested people. Elect well-spoken representatives for the committee who will interact with politicians and local residents.

    • 3

      Contact skateboard park companies to compare designs and prices for a possible skate park. Compare different designs and costs within the community, and make sure the city does not build something the community does not want. According to Skaters for Public Skateparks,"When the skatepark at Kettering, Ohio, was built, it set a new standard in skatepark design. More importantly, it was the catalyst needed for thousands of ordinary skaters to approach their Parks Departments and City Halls and declare that THIS is what they want."

    • 4

      Spread the word in every way possible. Contact local news organizations, knock on doors, and hang out fliers. Start a fundraiser for the skatepark among the community and get people to sign a petition supporting the construction of a local skate park.

    • 5

      Meet with those interested on a regular basis. Plan to meet at least once a week at an easily accessible place, such as a local skate shop or community center. Discuss new strategies for gaining support and recruiting more people to join the committee. Strive to meet the needs of all who are interested by openly discussing skate park design, features, and location.

    • 6

      Associate your committee with prominent and respected members of the local community. Contact religious officials, nonprofit agencies, the business community, and local law enforcement. These organizations can help influence the idea of a skate park faster then skateboarders and also strive to make an impact on the local youth. Convince those in power that a skate park will positively affect the community.