How to Operate a Free Skate Ramp
Operating a free skate ramp starts with your local laws and city council. You must have a plan of action and know what materials you will be using to build the skate ramp. Insurance and whether it will be supervised or not must also be considered. There is much planning involved in operating a free skate ramp.
- Find a location where you would like to have your skate ramp. The best choice is in an area with little street traffic.
- Take measurements of the area and base the size of your ramp on those measurements. You will want enough space to allow for maneuvering the skate boards around the ramp and for them to get a running start toward the ramp.
- Decide what materials you will use for the skate ramp. There are two primary types of skate ramps: modular and concrete. Modular ramps are pre-fabricated kits made of wood or steel and are designed to be placed on an existing concrete area. Concrete ramps are built on-site using traditional building procedures.
- Consider whether you will want your free skate ramp supervised or not. Many skate ramps are not supervised following suit of other athletic facilities. You may want to supervise the ramp for the first few weeks then opt to go unsupervised later.
- Make a list of rules that you want to implement. Decide on basic rules, such as if helmets and safety gear are mandatory or if food and drink are allowed on the premises.
- Call the city council in your area and make an appointment to meet with them.
- Present your proposal of the free skate ramp to your city administration.
- Negotiate any problem areas with the city council to help obtain your goal.