Concept Design Released for Sterling

Written on July 12, 2009

During the past few months we have been in contact with Site Design Group discussing our skatepark project in Sterling; Site is a consulting firm specializing in skatepark planning, design and construction services.  This past week we were introduced to the concept design they created for Sterling and got the privilege to meet with Site's director, who actually grew up as a skateboarder around Loudoun County.

The director and I walked around the proposed skatepark site in Sterling to analyze its characteristics and to discuss how the current design features would be implemented.  Afterward, we sat down to discuss the potential design in detail and to go over some important topics in their design services including workshops and public meetings.

Our plans are to host multiple public input sessions, as a part of their service, to receive feedback from the community on the design.  We will then use that feedback as assistance when developing the final design.

Specifications for the design such as cost, measurements, and materials of elements are yet to be determined.

The concept design is currently available for public viewing, but we would first like to point out a few features for better understanding:

• Overall Vision: The setting of the proposed site, being a neighbor to a popular community park, gave us the vision of having a park that is accessible and appealing for both action sport athletes and non-athletes alike.
• Park Features: In the athletic perspective, transition, street, and other skatepark elements were taken into consideration to support all types of skill levels and interests.  For people not active in action sports, we wanted to include features throughout the park that created a pleasing experience for those who walk through and others who might decide to relax in the park.  Additional landscaping and seating features will be considered for the next revision.
• Park Entry: There is a pathway along one of the sides of the park.  This will act as the recommended pedestrian walkway from the sidewalk to the bridge which leads to Briar Patch Park.  This has been included to help reduce risks of skater-pedestrian collision and those 'slow-movers' who like to walk right infront of an obstacle that all of the skaters are practicing on.
• Ground Patterns: There are various materials and patterns on the ground of the park.  These have been set to create an urban feel throughout the park.  Specifications for these materials are currently unavailable, however, we ensure they will be suitable enough for smooth skateboarding.

We hope you enjoy this concept design and highly encourage anyone to give us feedback.  You may give feedback either by commenting below, sending us an email, or filling out a feedback note at one of our upcoming events (All Day Skate Shop Demo on July 12th).

We appreciate all of the support throughout these past years and look forward to moving this skatepark project along SO WE CAN FINALLY SKATE IT!

See previous news post with pictures of proposed skatepark site