What makes skateboarding so fun and so thrilling – besides the death-defying twists and turns, the hops, the skips and the jumps? Well, that’s about it, the hops, the skips and the jumps, except maybe the building of the concrete skate ramp.
So how do you build a skate park? Here are 10 steps.
Build Your Own Skate Park
- Zoning: Go to your city or your county zoning office and find out what the regulations are. Can you build one in your backyard? What are the requirements? Are there height restrictions? Do you need a permit?
- Location: Where do you want to build it? Get everybody’s input. Maybe you want to stay away from the windows or the fences. How about the garden? Take a look at the trees. Big, overhanging branches can put a damper on the more daring feats.
- Money: How much do you want to spend? Set a budget. Part of the cost may include buying the tools – maybe a jigsaw – that you may need for the project.
- Plan: How much space will you need? How big can you go without needing special building permits? What about the weather? Will the ramp be piled with snow six months of the year? What about the kids? Who will use it and how serious are they about skating?
- Collecting: It’s time to start looking for a blueprint or construction plans. Search for skate park plans on Google or hire a designer. Find the one that fits your needs and goals. Begin gathering materials. Don’t skimp.
- Tools: Start organizing, borrowing or buying the tools you’ll need for this project. Also, start building your labor force. The pool of skaters might be a good place to start.
- Ramps: Start building the ramps first. These, obviously, are the foundation of your skate park. Use a jigsaw to cut the curved pieces. Fasten horizontal joists into the curved pieces. Screw the curved ramp of plywood sheets into the joists. Follow closely the instructions from your plan.
- Grind: You have to have grind rails. Use different types and lengths. Grind rails allow skaters to practices ollies and toe grinds. You can use welding tools or buy grind rails.
- Cement: Cement bowls are absolutely necessary for a proper skate park. Those rounded landscapes create fun and challenges for serious skaters. Be careful and go to the experts for concrete. One mistake, like a bump or an indentation, and it’s permanent. Concrete dries quickly.
- Safe: While helmets and knee and elbow pads provide a level of protection, skating is inherently a risky venture. Make safety your top priority. Incorporating safety actually begins at the beginning of the project. Ensure everyone involved are aware of the risks and the precautions of a skate park. Skaters should always be wearing the proper attire to prevent injuries and dangerous structures should be a safe distance away.
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Del Zotto Products has been providing quality equipment and creative ideas to the concrete industry for more than half a century. Our equipment works well with any type of concrete. Contact us today.