2004 Skatepark Report
Despite some fears that the skatepark-building craze is just a fad, the opposite appears true. Skating and biking on ramps and obstacles shows a consistent growth trend. The demand is still there, and shows no sign of abating.
Camps are always looking for innovative programming ideas, and for many, skateparks help fit the bill.
We compiled information from eight companies who provide a wide array of skatepark systems, from permanent concrete parks to portable, modular systems. These companies are actively working with camps.
To help you research the options we sent surveys out to companies who provide these skatepark options to camps.
Here, we're offering an abbreviated version of the full survey, which is available at www.camp-business.com. Scroll down and click on Product Surveys.
What you'll find on-line is a breakdown of each company's offerings into products and types of systems, materials used, price of most basic system, standard and custom features, pre-installation (or construction) requirements, installation (construction) services and options, routine maintenance requirements, design services offered, warranty policies, post-sale services offered and contact information.
We'll publish an annual update each year to keep you informed of changes and upgrades. Your input is valuable and we invite you to let us know if there's any other information we can help provide.
American Ramp Company (ARC)
Products and type of system: ARC offers three distinct product lines, representing all possible construction methods available for above ground skate parks: Pro Series (modular steel framework/steel riding surface); X-Series (modular steel framework/polyethylene substrate/Skatelite Pro riding surface); and Stealth Series (lumber and polyethylene framework/polyethylene substrate/Skatelite Pro riding surface)
Materials used:
Pro Series –- 7 gauge (3/16") steel riding surface, 10 gauge (1/8") steel framework, all TGIC polyester powder coated, tamper resistant stainless steel fasteners.
X-Series –- 12 gauge steel substrate, 1/2" polyethylene underlayment, 1/4" Skatelite Pro riding surface, with same modular framework and fasteners as Pro Series.
Stealth Series -- 2 x 6 lumber framing, with 1/2" polyethylene substrate and 1/4" Skatelite Pro.
Price of most basic system: Since ARC builds using all the available methods, it can sell a grind rail for as low as $100 up to a skatepark costing $1 million. ARC will use the method that best suits the budget and need.
Contact information: American Ramp Company (ARC), 601 McKinley, Joplin, MO 64801, (877) 726-7778, (417) 206-6888 (fax), sales@americanrampcompany.com, www.americanrampcompany.com.
Huna Designs
Products and type of system: Huna manufactures permanent modular systems that can be added to and rearranged, if desired.
Materials used: Woodward Ramps and Rails are made of all galvanized steel construction, with the exception of the skating surface that utilizes triple-layer construction, which begins with formed steel beams as the base support system. On top of that is a layer of 14 gauge steel for a solid underlayment, followed by an acoustical layer of 1/2" polyethylene for maximum noise reduction. The top layer is Skatelite Pro. In addition, Woodward Ramps and Rails provide: Stainless steel hardware (exposed hardware only), bolt-through, tamper resistant surfacing and frame connections, 14 gauge perforated steel powder coated sides and backs, large fully adjustable levelers, 4" zinc plated and powder coated steel edging, 2-3/8" 10 gauge coping and 1/4" galvanized and powder coated steel transitions (10 gauge and 12 gauge steel plates are welded together to form a strong transition plate with a low entry and exit threshold).
Price of most basic system: Since these are fully modular systems that are built to the needs and budgets of the user, there is no standard starting system price point.
Contact information: Huna Designs, 1000 Buffalo Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837, (800) 430-7407, (570) 522-9000, www.hunadesigns.com.
Skate Concept Skateparks
Products and type of system: Skate Concept skateparks can be either semi-permanent or permanent. The modular design allows the components to be moved or added onto in the future. (This idea is incorporated into the design of the parks as well). The components are concrete so their weight restricts kids from moving pieces around, or pieces being removed from the parks. Moving these components in a semi permanent configuration will require a crane. Parks installed in-ground are permanent.
Materials used: Skate Concept is manufactured using high strength pre-cast concrete, minimum compressive strength, 6,000 psi (pounds per square inch). Coping, transition plates, edge protection, and all BMX protection pieces, grind rails and guard rails are created using high grade stainless steel. Components used in "plaza" configuration include high strength concrete and granite.
Price of most basic system: The company builds complete parks and plazas, working with communities to create custom parks based on their budgets and plans for the future. In some cases, a few temporary pieces are required until the entire park can be built. In these cases, the temporary parks can be less than $10,000. The most basic parks start around $14,000, an average park will cost $50,000-$100,000, and for the ultimate in world-class skateparks it can be up to a million-plus dollars.
Contact information: Skate Concept Skateparks, Barkman Concrete Ltd., 909 Gateway Road, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R2K 3L1, (800) 342-2879, www.skateconcept.com, skate@barkmanconcrete.com.
Skateparks International Inc.
Products and type of system: Skateparks International Inc. offers 683 different steel skating obstacles. Approximately 60 of these are "mini session" obstacles, which are portable and can be temporary. The larger structures are permanent, but can still be moved with proper equipment and manpower.
Materials used: Skateparks International Inc. uses 100-percent 3/16" (6 gauge) structural plate steel on each obstacle's skating surface. Under the structure is also 100-percent steel, 2" x 2" tubing.
Price of most basic system: Each park is different and custom, ranging from $10,000 up to $500,000. An example of an average park is on a tennis court size of 50' x 120'. The existing pad will have room for approximately $40,000-$50,000 of skating equipment.
Contact information: Skateparks International Inc., 13080 Cavanaugh Mile Rd., Hudson, CO 80642-7625, (303) 655-9006, (303) 659-9326 (fax), www.sk8parks.com.
Skatewave
Products and type of system: Skatewave skatepark equipment is considered permanent. However, it can be moved/rearranged with pallet jacks or fork lifts.
Materials used: All steel. The skating surface is coated with TekTrak, a proprietary performance-riding surface the company says is preferred by pro riders. All remaining steel is PVC-coated for sound and heat absorption and corrosion resistance. Back frames and panels are designed to keep riders and spectators safe from the possibility of flying boards.
Price of most basic system: Pricing varies by obstacles chosen. Parks can be designed from about $10,000 to an unlimited amount. Price includes other value-added services beyond just the equipment.
Contact information: Skatewave Modular Skatepark System, 601 7th St. South, PO Box 198, Delano, MN 55328-0198, (866) SK8-WAVE (866-758-9283), (763) 972-3185 (fax), www.skatewave.com.
Solo Ramps
Products and type of system: Reconfigurable modular concrete skatepark ramps and elements.
Materials used: Ramps are made of high-tech Domflex concrete and hot dipped galvanized steel and tamper-proof stainless steel hardware. Street elements are hot dipped galvanized steel with certain elements having recycled plastic inserts.
Price of most basic system: Each park is different.
Contact information: Solo Ramps, 825 Theophile-Saint-Laurent
Nicolet, Quebec, Canada, J3T 1A1, (877) 293-4384, (888) 321-8947 (fax), www.soloramps.com, sales@soloramps.com.
Spohn Ranch Inc.
Products and type of system: Spohn Ranch provides skatepark equipment designed to be transportable. The equipment can be set up at temporary locations, then moved to a more permanent site.
Materials used: The company offers a wide variety of construction materials, ranging from wood, concrete, plastic, steel and composites.
Price of most basic system: Depending on which ramp series is chosen, Spohn Ranch offers cost-effective portable equipment for the budget-conscious to high-end hot-dipped galvanized steel.
Contact information: Spohn Ranch Inc., 15131 Clark Ave., Unit B, Industry, CA 91745, (626) 330-5803, (626) 330-5503 (fax), www.spohnranch.com, info@spohnranch.com.