Let’s Fix The Skatepark!
Williamstown’s 15,000 square foot, prefabricated skatepark is now 20 years old and at the end of its useful life. We are renovating the facility into a concrete skatepark that is safe, inclusive and representative of the town’s character.
Existing Conditions
When the current skatepark was constructed, prefabricated ramps on asphalt were a common but temporary skatepark solution. Heavy structures on soft asphalt sink with each freeze-thaw cycle, creating dangerous cracks at the intersections. Although these seem immaterial from a distance, skateboards have small wheels that fall into these cracks, rendering the ramps dangerous for use.
The Opportunity
Safety & Durability
Poured-in-place concrete parks are monolithic, uniform structures without bolts or plates. As a result, they are far less susceptible to the cracking and deterioration that causes prefabricated parks to become dangerous. Some well built concrete parks from the 70’s are still thriving today.
Design
Concrete lends itself to interconnected rounded transitions that are more inclusive of a ranges of abilities and a wide variety of equipment (bikes, push bikes, scooters, inline skates, bmx, and skateboards)
Landscaping
Given the generous site, there is sufficient area for an amorphous skatepark that incorporates softscapes, improving stormwater retention, carbon capture, and integrates with the surrounding environment.
Character
With the versatility of concrete, designers are able to mirror local features like mountains, and rivers. Or features can take on more literal forms like UBC’s skateable book stack.
Diversity, Inclusion & Community
Providing a viable skatepark increases the range of activities supported by the town, which sends a message of inclusion to individuals who favor skateboarding over more conventional sports.
As an individual sport focused on accomplishment rather than competition, skateboarding allows freedom of expression. Participants don’t have to wear a uniform, and can show up as themselves.
