Site: Once a specific scale has been proposed, we can use the dimensions of the site to estimate the potential of the project. It is always a good idea to determine whether the sizes are set or flexible as layouts can sometimes be improved by a change in proportions. Consideration should also be given to for residents, how close are they? This may determine whether to allocate a budget cost towards our noise-reduction system for the ramps.

Budget: We believe that a potential budget needs to be set so that we can tailor a design to your specific requirements within your financial allowance. GBH will offer the best value for your budget and produce a design which will maximise equipment use so that functionality is never compromised.

Surface: Within the budget should be an allocation for surfacing if needed. This produces a safe and smooth park that the user will appreciate during the life of the project. GBH lay surfaces to meet all requirements and specifications and meet BS 4987 - 1 and BS 4987 -2. A quote can be supplied once we receive all required details.

Fundraising: Staging fundraising events can prove to be an effective means of meeting a budget. GBH can help with this by offering advice on event ideas and providing equipment. We have a very successful. Finance plans are also available to particular groups who may have difficulty in raising the total cost in one go.

Phased Developments: In order to help those groups who do not have immediate access to large  budgets or are unsure about the popularity and viability of a skatepark, GBH can phase any development so that the parks can be pre-planned to grow. This allows parks to begin on a small scale but with a more immediate start, which can later be expanded. It is worth taking this knowledge into account when determining budgets, sites and plans.

Enclosures: The decision to fence a skatepark should be carefully considered. By creating an enclosure you risk creating the illusion that the users have been confined and imprisoned reducing the freedom that the users would otherwise experience on the street. Remember the majority are free thinking teens with desires to feel independent. Many failed examples of fencing exist, the most common be made of thin mesh design. This has proven to be a product that has time and again been ripped, cut and even driven over to create access and allow better ride lines into the park and ramps. GBH can supply many forms of enclosure, but its most successful design is a more robust product that sits lower to the ground creating a more open feel but with the strength to withstand heavy impact from vandals. GBH feel that this best meets the needs and requirements of both the council and its users.

User Group: The main users will be BMX’ers, Skateboarders and Inline Skaters ( commonly known as bladers). The ages will vary between 5 and 40 although a large percentage will be between mid-teens and twenty something. Having knowledge about the user group for the area will also help in deciding the right layout. Older groups will desire higher ramps and more extreme designs which will have an effect on the cost of the project. Please take into account that GBH will always conduct user consultation when requested, as this forms an integral part of the skate park design.

References: It is always wise when opting for formal tender to make sure that the companies you intend to use have a proven track record. We suggest that you acquire at least 10 references as we feel it is all too easy for a company to satisfy just a small number of councils. You may also find that a company isn’t really a specialist in this field and has merely branched out into the industry simply to capitalise on this growing market.