How to Build a Skate Park
Skate parks have been built at record rates in the past ten years, giving skateboarders, BMX riders and in-line skaters a place to hone their crafts. Another advantage to the rapid progression of skate parks in the United States it that the well-planned structures keep skaters from disturbing citizens in residential areas. However, before you attempt to build a skate park, take some time to consider the wealth of planning and development that goes into a park. While you will need a substantial amount of capital to build a skate park, you will also need a well-developed support system. A network of development professionals who will be able to lend their specific expertise to your project. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose the theme of your skate park. The theme of your skate park is the most important decision you will make, mainly because it serves as a hinge to the remainder of your business decisions. Obviously, skaters are your target audience, but you will need to decide which skaters your park will cater to—skateboard, in-line, or even BMX riders. A park that caters to skateboarders will need to be developed slightly different than a park that caters to BMX riders.
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Choose a location for your skate park. Location will heavily determine the amount of business your procure in your formative years. Partner with a local survey company to assess the town's needs and wants. Find out the town's median age group and then decide if the prospective area has enough youth skaters to subsidize your business. You will also need to ascertain the possible monthly cost of your skate park, which should include rent, property tax, and town fees.
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Work with an experienced skate park expert or designer. Communicate your desires to an experienced skate park designer to get a feel for whether they are plausible (or even reasonable). Often, a skate park expert will be able to help you with the placement of ramps, half-pipes, and other portions of your park. The designer will also be able to better communicate your ideas to other design professionals.
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Contact an architect. A seasoned architect will be able to work with your skate park designer to improve the logistics of your park. In other words, an experienced architect will be able to give you the most bang for your buck. Your architect will have final say on where items are placed and will be able to dramatically improve the flow of your skate park. However, you should search for an architect that has prior park-building experience. Possibly a freelance city planner.
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Contact an interior designer. Any indoor areas, such as a food court or arcade, will require the assistance of an interior designer (or decorator). Your interior decorator will afford you the most use for your space and aid you in choosing design schemes and color patterns.
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Choose the materials that best suit your skate park's theme and vision. Fortunately, your architect will have insider knowledge as to the best material to use for your skate park, as well as connections to the cheapest materials in your area.
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Iron out your skate park's business details. Calculate your building, monthly, and yearly expenses, as well as the amount of time it will take you to break-even. You will also need to calculate pricing for access to your skate park. Now, begin the hiring process and watch your business grow.
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Tips & Warnings
Consult a financial planner or Certified Public Accountant before you begin the design process. Calculate your projected cost against your projected break-even point and decide if your desire to build a skate park is financially warranted.
