Skate Park Fundraising

Arts Council

Lower Paxton Township

Skatepark

Project Narrative

- November 5, 2007 -

The Board of Supervisors of Lower Paxton Township has proposed construction of a skatepark within Thomas B. George, Jr. Park. The Supervisors desire to construct a 15,000 square foot outdoor court area at an estimated cost of $550,000, to be used by skateboarders from the south central Pennsylvania region.

A skatepark is a purpose-built recreational environment for skateboarders and aggressive skaters to ride and develop their sport and technique. Skateparks may contain half-pipes , quarter pipes , handrails , trick boxes , vertical ramps , pyramids, banked ramps, full pipes, stairs , and any number of other trick-oriented objects. Concrete skateparks are now the industry standard, as opposed to parks with ramps and obstacles made of wood frames and plywood. Concrete facilities require few repairs and little maintenance, while providing a surface that is far more conducive to skateboarding.

Skateparks are a relatively new recreational venue, first emerging in Florida and California in the 1970's. There are no true skateparks in the greater Harrisburg area, although there are a significant number of individuals, mostly teenage males, who are active in the sport and interested in the Township's proposed facility. These interested skateboarders, along with other interested teens and their parents, have formed The Freedom Group to participate in the design, development, and funding of a skatepark in Lower Paxton Township . It is the Township's hope that The Freedom Group will be able to raise a significant portion (approximately $250,000) of the funds necessary for development of a skatepark.

Lower Paxton Township has investigated a "design/build" process for development of its proposed skatepark. Such a process is characteristic of nearly all of the best skateparks in existence today. The design/build process makes sure that skatepark features are harmonious and rideable, allowing skateboarders to create endless lines to ride among the many elements within the facility. The Township has obtained a proposal from Team Pain, an internationally recognized skatepark design/build company, to undertake this design/build process at an estimated cost of $50,000. Team Pain has submitted schematic concept plans that can be viewed via the following links.

Skate Park view 1 - Skate Park view 2 - Skate Park view 3

Lower Paxton Township expects that a skatepark in Thomas B. George, Jr. Park will become a destination location, attracting skateboarders and their families to our community. These individuals will not only utilize George Park facilities, they will also patronize local businesses, enhancing the economic viability of the Township and Dauphin County .

Lower Paxton Township also expects that a skatepark in Thomas B. George, Jr. Park will benefit business owners who, at times are in conflict with skateboarders that use private parking lots to practice their sport.  A well-designed, public skatepark, serving the local community, will provide a far more desirable alternative to skateboarders then their current practice of skateboarding on private property.