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Skateparks - A Guide for Local Authorities
Introduction
This guidance has been produced to provide a broad overview for the many considerations that a Local Authority needs to address when looking at the feasibility of developing local Skateparks.
As part of considerations, importance should be attached to compliance with ‘BS EN 14974:2019 – Skateparks – safety requirements and test methods.
This document applies to skateparks for public use intended for the use of skateboards, other roller sports equipment, and BMX bikes.
It specifies safety requirements and requirements for testing and marking, information supplied by the manufacturer, and information for users. It also addresses inspection and maintenance regimes to protect users and third parties (e.g. spectators) from hazards, as far as possible, when using a skatepark as intended, or as can be reasonably expected.
This standard does not apply to bike facilities modelled from ground, gravel, or rock.
Skateboarding has been a recreational activity within the UK for many years. Yet in some areas it remains confined to almost derelict or unused areas. This is seen by some as leading to conflict with certain communities and yet others who have embraced the culture by providing dedicated areas suggest that it has many positive influences. An Australian website focusing on local government issues suggests “engaged kids are less likely to take part in antisocial behaviour that can result in damage to other local government infrastructure.” Skateboarding also offers multiple physical and mental benefits including stress relief, social interaction, cardiovascular health maintenance, and improved co-ordination.
With skateboarding showcased for the first time at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, and included in the Olympic Games Paris 2024, there is an even greater onus on Local Authorities to consider providing dedicated facilities locally as the sport may be increasing in popularity due to the inclusion in these events.
As the Independent recognises in its piece on skateboarding, ‘skateboarding defies the neoliberal logic of the city by making it a playground for all. Skateboarding has transcended to new levels and is now ‘no longer just for punkish, subcultural rebels – it’s everywhere, for everyone’.
For any local authority planning on developing skateparks, or receiving planning approvals for a development, it is essential that there are two principle areas to focus upon:
- Usability; and
- Functionality
Examples of usability would include such aspects as:
- Speed management within the park
- Degree of difficulty
- Views and flow levels for users to see each other to ensure maximum safety
Examples of functionality would include:
- The park capacity
- Attached seating and social areas
- Safety considerations including appropriate drainage
- Visual appeal
- Appropriate landscaping creating an area where people want to be
For a park to become a success it requires both aspects to be integrated into any design recognising that this is a simple recreational area that should attract people to it so it must be both visually and functionally attractive.
The design must cater for high demand levels. A park that only allows one skater to use it at a time is unlikely to be successful and so designers need to create various ‘zones’ to allow for variations of skateboarding practice to be possible simultaneously.
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