SKATEPARK ADVOCACY RESOURCES
HERE'S THE SITUATION
POOR PHYSICAL HEALTH
MANY YOUTH SPEND SO MUCH OF THEIR TIME CONSUMING MEDIA AND UNHEALTHY FOODS, AND THEIR PHYSICAL HEALTH SUFFERS FOR IT.
DECLINING MENTAL HEALTH
CURRENT EVENTS HAVE LEFT THE YOUTH OF OUR COMMUNITIES FEELING ALONE AND ISOLATED. STRONG RELATIONSHIPS & SOCIAL CONNECTIONS ARE CRUCIAL.
INCREASING CRIME RATES
WHEN YOUTH ARE BORED, LACK PURPOSE AND DON'T HAVE AN OUTLET, THEY ARE FAR MORE LIKELY TO GET INTO TROUBLE WITH THE LAW.
NOW, MORE THAN EVER, COMMUNITY-BASED ACTIVE LIVING IS A KEY INGREDIENT FOR BREAKING THROUGH CURRENT SOCIAL CHALLENGES.
HERE'S 6 BENEFITS OF HOW A SKATEPARK WILL HELP YOUR YOUTH & COMMUNITY.
1
SOCIAL CONNECTION
Skateparks are the fourth most used recreation space in terms of total weekly use hours...found to be more popular than sports fields, play areas, fitness zones and dog parks when comparing the total weekly use hours.
(The First National Study on Neighborhood Parks - Implications of Physical Activity)
2
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Skateparks attract families from other communities, positively impacting local businesses. A well-designed community skatepark stimulates a new market for related equipment, increasing business presence and bolstering economic benefits for a community.
(Tribu Expérientiel - Economic Growth and Entrepreneurship)
3
INCLUSIVE CULTURE
Skateboarding and skateparks facilitate a sense of community among participants. Research shows that through the skatepark, participants develop the ability to communicate and build relationships with others from diverse backgrounds.
(University of Southern California - Beyond The Board Study)
4
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Skatepark activities (such as skateboarding) improve mental health and encourage resilience in participants. As well, research has shown that youth and adults get their recommended cardiovascular exercise with skateboarding at skateparks.
(The Skatepark Project; Cal-State University San Marcos Skateboarding Cardio Study; University of Southern California - Beyond The Board Study)
5
REDUCED CRIME
Skateparks provide a positive outlet for youth, curbing illicit behavior before it takes root.
A well- located skatepark has shown positive impact on the relationship between youth and law enforcement, and reduced instances of damage and trespassing on public and business property.
(Police Study, The Skatepark Project)
6
ACCESSIBLE
Skateboarding is the third least expensive sport out of 21 of the most popular sports, providing opportunities for families they wouldn't otherwise be able to afford for their children. Skateparks can also be designed to be used with a variety of wheel types that families may already own, including accessibility for wheelchair use.
(Aspen Institute/Utah State University 2019 National Youth Sports Survey)
SKATEPARKS ENCOURAGE YOUTH TO DEVELOP HEALTHY, ACTIVE LIFESTYLES. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT SKATEBOARDING AND THE COMMUNITIES THAT FORM AT SKATEPARKS HELP YOUNG PEOPLE BUILD CONNECTIONS THAT BENEFIT THEIR SOCIOEMOTIONAL WELLBEING. SKATEPARKS ARE ALSO HAVENS OF DIVERSITY, WHERE YOUTH OF ALL BACKGROUNDS GATHER AND CONNECT THROUGH THEIR COMMON LOVE OF THE SPORT.
TONY HAWK
PROFESSIONAL SKATEBOARDER
& ENTREPRENEUR
SKATEPARK
Advocacy & planning
RESOURCES
The task of advocating for a local skatepark is daunting for most. Use our kickstart library of resources to assist you in beginning your journey!
GETTING STARTED
Begin your journey with a plan. Our Customer Pathway Guide clearly explains each step of the skatepark process. Download our Guide here.
PREPARING A COUNCIL LETTER OR PRESENTATION
Often, bringing a skatepark to your community means working together with your local governing body - whether through assisting with a portion of the funding or supplying property for the skatepark to be built on. Learn how to prepare your letter or presentation here.
FUNDRAISER IDEAS
"Fundraising" and "skatepark project" go hand-in-hand, and with some inspiration from our Fundraising Ideas List you'll be moving the needle in meeting your financial goals. See that list here.
GRANTS
At Drop In Skateparks, we want to see customers maximize their fundraising impact. The reality is that many skatepark projects are not completed because of a lack of funds. Accessing funds available for recreation projects such as skateparks, all-wheels parks, and pump tracks is a great way to accomplish your financial goal! We make it easy for customers to find these grants and receive the support they need. Contact us for grant support here.
IN-KIND DONATIONS
In-Kind Donations are an excellent way to maximize your skatepark budget and include local businesses in your project. Download our In-Kind Donations Info Sheet here.
FIRST NATIONS PROJECTS
Throughout the years, Drop In Skateparks has supported many First Nations communities on their skatepark projects. From public consultation and design planning to accessing funding for a skatepark project, our goal is to help your community thrive. Contact us here to find out about our past First Nations skatepark projects and to assist you with accessing funds specific to First Nation communities.
OTHER HELPFUL TIPS
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Create awareness of the need for a new or revitalized skatepark. This can be done effectively in a variety of ways including creating social media groups and accounts, hosting skate meets and events promoting the skatepark project, developing merchandise, or producing articles for local news outlets.
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Partner with other local community groups. This is a great way to gain knowledge from others who have petitioned for previous projects. As well, when multiple community groups are collaborating on the skatepark project you access increased volunteer support which can generate increased awareness surrounding your advocacy efforts.
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Talk to a skatepark design-build firm, such as Drop In Skateparks. This is an important step that can save you a lot of time in figuring out all the details for the correct steps to take in your skatepark project. A skatepark design-build firm specializes in the construction and engineering of a safe skatepark facility, concerning themselves with the specific quality required of the final product which impacts rideability and longevity. These two factors alone set them apart from a general contractor with extensive concrete experience. Set up a meeting with us to discuss your project.
