Skateboarders often utilize skateboard parks to master new maneuvers in a controlled environment. In various parts of the United States, regulations and laws make it illegal to skateboard on public and private property. Skateboard parks allow you to skate without the worry of receiving costly fines or tickets. While each skateboard park has a unique facility, parks often share standards involving the obstacles and rules.
History
The increase in skateboarding's popularity in the early 1970s led to a demand for new riding terrain. According to Skate Log, many of the first skateboarding parks were built throughout the 1970s and often had a concrete construction. The Skateboard Directory states that the Derby Park located in Santa Cruz, California remains one of the earliest skateboarding parks that still stands today. The primitive skateboard parks rarely featured the obstacles of modern parks. The Derby Park consists of a simple "snake run" that features a winding concrete riding trail.
Function
Riders commonly use skateboard parks for the same standard function. Skateboard parks remain the best place for you to learn new tricks for a variety of reasons. Riders who skate obstacles on the busy streets, known as street skating, often run into hazards including cars and pedestrians. In a skateboard park, you can focus primarily on learning new and more difficult tricks as opposed to worrying about your safety. Skateboard parks also function as a positive environment for children and young adults to congregate and socialize.
Features
Modern skateboard parks often share a standard set of obstacles to offer skaters various types of riding terrain. Ramps remain a standard obstacle in virtually every skateboard park across the globe. Common skateboard park ramps include mini ramps that feature a U-shaped design with a height of around 4 to 6 ft. The shape of the mini ramp enables you to maintain a steady momentum without having to push your skateboard forward. Launch ramps allow you to execute aerial maneuvers that involve flipping and grabbing your skateboard.
Types
Skateboard parks often have one of three standard types of constructions. Concrete remains the most durable type of architecture for skateboarding parks. An outdoor concrete skateboarding park can easily withstand the detrimental effects of rain and prolonged sun exposure. Skateboard parks may have obstacles constructed with a heavy duty plastic material. Plastic ramps cost less than concrete yet also have the ability to last. Wooden skateboard parks often consist of an indoor facility. Rain and sun exposure can damage the wooden construction of the skate park obstacles.
Prevention/Solution
Skateboard parks often have a standard set of safety rules to ensure you remain safe while on the grounds of the facility. According to the Skatepark Rules and Regulations of the Baltimore Country Department of Recreation and Parks, skateboarders must wear safety equipment at all times including knee pads, elbow pads and a protective helmet. Skateboard parks throughout the United States share similar safety standards. According to the rules of the Albuquerque, New Mexico skateboard parks, any person under the age of 18 must wear a protective helmet while riding in the skateboard park.
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