Skate parks

Positioning

Site setout

Park users

• Provide shaded seats for spectators or parent/caregiver supervision (with clear sight lines) near the sports and games area and outside the safety clearances. 

Clarify entry

• Group embellishments at the entry to provide clarity and a reference point, e.g. an activity entry sign (at the primary entry) in a garden bed, bike racks and rails and a waste bin. 

Link areas

• Provide a pathway from the car park to the primary entry to the skate park. 
• Provide pathway connection to nearby facilities i.e. accessible shaded seating, drinking fountain, toilets
• Provide pathway connections to external pathway networks and transport e.g. bus stops. 
• Changes of material, level changes, signage and seating can also assist to define desired movement areas and delineate borders.

Safety

• Perimeter safety fencing should be considered if there is a hazard, such as a busy road. (See LIM Fences and gates for further guidance on the positioning and design of safety fencing). 
• Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles apply.
• Ensure shade sail or shelter posts do not provide collision obstacles.

Shade in relation to skate parks

• Skate parks should be positioned with regard to sun exposure. Shade trees and shade sails are to be sited to ensure equipment is protected from the sun. For example:
  • plant trees to the northern and western sides of the playground for future shade provision.
  • skate park seats are to be positioned facing south to prevent excessive heating by the sun of the slide surface, unless otherwise shaded.

Noise mitigation measures

• Consider noise mitigation measures where feasible, with consideration of, (but not limited to) the following:
  • surface types and finishes (concrete/steel)
  • orientation of the skate bowl
  • acoustic fencing.
  • distance from nearby residences.

See also: Environmental Protection Act (Noise),and Sunshine Coast Planning Codes.

Layout of skate parks

• To be designed by skate park professionals.

See Figure 1: Plan – elevated skate park for council’s general requirements for design. 

Site vehicle access

• Consider access for emergency services vehicles in the design.
• Provide access for maintenance vehicles 

See LIM Fences and gates for further guidance.

Figure 1: Plan – elevated skate park

Site setout – skate elements

• Allow ample space for run up and landings at the beginning and end of elements to reduce conflict and enhance safety (particularly important for the installation of shade sail posts).
• At transition areas, consider safety issues and drop off hazards, and provide safe level changes, and batter planting.

Skate park – safety zones

As per AS EN 14974:2021 Skateparks - Safety requirements and test methods: 

• Each skate element is to have a safety zone of around it’s circumference, with the exception of rails, curbs/ledges, as specified in the standard.
• Safety zones may intersect one another and must be free of obstacles.
• Safety zones are not intended as a viewing platform for spectators.
• The surface is to be made of bound uniform material (such as concrete), NOT loose material such as sand.
• Plants are permitted in the safety zone if they are arranged in a way that does not pose a risk to users.
• A safety zone is not required in the adjacent area behind a skate element which is provided with a platform or behind a wall.

Clearances

See LIM Shade sails for further guidance.

Table 1: Positioning guidance offsets