An estimated 13 million Americans own and ride skateboards, with more than a million children taking up the sport every year. This increase in popularity has prompted many cities to develop parks to be used by skateboarders, in-line skaters and BMX bikers. Read on to learn more about design, rules and regulations, inspections and liability exposures associated with skate-parks.
Skate-park Design Considerations
Consult with a professional skate-park designer or builder with a quality portfolio. Focus on safety during the design phase, paying attention to the following items:
- Ramps and pipes should not be over six feet in height
- Fence in the skate-park to control access, keep out small children and animals and protect bystanders
- Provide adequate lighting; 30-foot light poles are recommended to reduce shadows
- Design the skate-park to accommodate skaters of varying ages and skill levels by using colors or numbers to represent the degree of difficulty of each area (e.g., 1-5 scale, with 1 = beginner and 5 = expert)
- Provide a grassy area or benches for spectators outside the fenced-in perimeter
- Secure benches to the ground so skaters do not move them inside the skate-park
- If providing bleachers, consult with your architect or bleacher company to ensure they meet current safety standards
- If irrigation is used in the area, ensure that water does not hit the skating surface
- Provide water fountains
- Provide fixed or portable bathrooms in the vicinity of the skate-park
- Provide garbage cans outside the skating area and ensure they are secured to the ground
- Install an emergency blue light tower or call button for emergency situations
Note: The above recommendations are for skate-parks only—additional recommendations may be necessary for BMX parks.
Skate-park Rules and Regulations
Skate-park rules and regulations inform participants on how to safely enjoy the facility and should be the first thing participants see when entering the park. Rules may vary from park to park, but will at a minimum address the following:
- Notification that the skate-park is an unsupervised facility, and the user assumes all risk of injury or damage
- A responsible adult must accompany skaters under the age of 12; supervision is encouraged for all skaters under the age of 18
- Skate-park hours; close parks at dusk (unless equipped with lighting) or if surfaces are wet or icy
- It is strongly recommended that all skaters wear personal protective equipment, including a strapped helmet, knee and elbow pads and wrist supports (Check for state-specific requirements regarding safety gear in skate-parks.)
- Only allow one person per ramp at a time
- Food and drink are not permitted in the skating area
- Drugs, alcohol, and smoking are prohibited
- Do not permit loose items, such as backpacks, inside the skating area
- Reckless conduct, loud music, disorderly behavior, etc., is not tolerated at any time; non-skaters are to remain outside the fenced-in area (if fencing is provided)
- No pets in the skate-park
- Be courteous and respectful to other skaters
The sign should also indicate who may use the park. If the park is designed only for use by skateboarders, this should be stated. If the park may be used by skateboarders, in-line skaters and BMX bikers, indicate this as well.
Note: If acceptable use is not clearly stated, it is likely that all three groups will use the park.
Skate-park Inspections
Skate-parks require routine inspection and maintenance to ensure structural elements and equipment are safe for use.
- Complete inspections weekly
- Document all deficiencies and repairs in writing
- Require that the person responsible for park maintenance sign the inspection
Inspections will differ, depending on the type of construction (e.g., wood, steel, concrete), but should generally cover the following items:
- Skating surfaces: cracks, splits, holes, graffiti, debris, sharp edges, protruding objects and puddles
- Coping: cracks, burrs, chips, voids and looseness
- Railings: cracked welds, missing components or other damage
- Signs: damaged, missing or graffitied
- Fencing: holes, exposed metal wire ends, loose bracing or damaged gates
- Benches and bleachers: trash under and around, missing components or loose hardware
- Supporting facilities: damaged, vandalized or nonfunctioning emergency call towers or buttons, drinking fountains or restrooms
- Landscaping: damaged vegetation or irrigation, trash or debris, broken lighting, etc.
Skate-park designers/builders should provide a specific checklist that explains inspection and maintenance requirements. Encourage skaters to inspect the park before use and remove any trash and debris that may be present.