Final Design for Holland Park Skate Plaza – Elizabeth, New Jersey, originally uploaded by spohnranchskateparks.

As we mentioned earlier this week, construction is underway on one of three New Jersey Spohn Ranch design/builds that will be coming to fruition this summer. Not sure if we can really call this first project in the City of Elizabeth a skatepark, because it sure doesn’t look like one!

The space is a part of a larger re-development project and was originally slated to be a venue for social gatherings such as concerts and farmer’s markets. When the forward-thinking prime architect, Suburban Consulting Engineers, wanted to bring wheeled sports into the mix, we were invited to join the design team and lend our expertise. The goal then became a vibrant multi-use plaza that would primarily cater to skateboards and bikes, while remaining a welcoming space for the entire community.

The thought was that the non-skating population would enjoy watching the action, as well as appreciate the sculptural nature of the skateable elements. And for skaters, a skatepark that doesn’t look like a skatepark, is truly a dream come true. Rather than feeling like an enclosed space where you are sentenced to ride, it feels like a naturally-occurring environment that just so happens to be perfect for skateboarding.

This innovative project is moving quick, so stay tuned for updates!

There’s going to be some good handrail skaters coming out of Avenal, California! We just wrapped up construction of the local skateboarders request to add a legitimate stair set to their outdated park. Also built a nice ledge and return quarter-pipe to get speed for the bump-to-ledge. Enjoy kids!

The Spohn Ranch crew arrived in Monte Rio, California late last week to begin building the new concrete skatepark at Creekside Park along the Russian River.  Here’s a great overview shot of the site, where the crew is already making great progress on staking and layout.

We’re proud to announce that our latest Minnesota project is breaking ground next month in the City of Wyoming! It’s one of three Spohn Ranch concrete skateparks coming to the Minneapolis area this summer.

The project would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of local parents, Russ and Lois Janke. With active skateboarders in their household, they knew a safe, designated space for the City’s youth would be a worthwhile fight. Over the past two years they worked in conjunction with the City to organize the community, select a site and raise funds. Probably their most commendable act though, was participating in a polar bear plunge into the frigid waters of Forest Lake last winter to raise funds and increase awareness for their project.

The park’s design was largely dictated by the small budget, so our goal was to provide a variety of terrain in a condensed space – while maintaining a clear and safe flow. We also included a tribute to Wyoming’s rich history, with a sculptural stage coach wheel embedded into the heart of the skateable terrain. Stay tuned for construction updates!

Final Design for Happy Valley, Oregon Skate Spot, originally uploaded by spohnranchskateparks.

While our state-of-the-art skatepark in Bend, Oregon continues to move through the design process, another Spohn Ranch skatepark has just broken ground a few hours up the road in Happy Valley. More of a skate spot, than a full-fledged park, this 4,000 square foot space will become a thriving neighborhood destination.

The project’s origins date back to 2005 when local residents delivered a petition with 200 signatures to the City requesting a skatepark. Fast forward 7 years and Spohn Ranch was contracted for community workshops, conceptual design and technical construction drawings. Stay tuned for construction updates!

Miami, FL- North Trail Skatepark Open!, originally uploaded by spohnranchskateparks.

Spohn Ranch’s latest skatepark design/build for Miami Dade County, Florida is officially open at North Trail Park. Our friends at Sugars Drop Shop are running the park and from what they’re telling us, the locals are calling this park Miami’s best yet!

A big thank you to our friend Matthew Roy for the amazing photography.

After several months of consistent rain and poor weather, the final landscaping and site amenities are complete at the new concrete skatepark in Junction City, Oregon. That means the park is officially open for shredding!

Shout out to Benson from Tactics Board Shop for the great photos of one of our latest design/build projects.

Fort Bragg, NC, originally uploaded by spohnranchskateparks.

We’ve been battling the snow since the year began, but Fort Bragg, North Carolina’s new concrete skatepark is nearing completion. From the looks of the wheel marks and wax, some local rippers are already getting a taste!

Miami, Florida – North Trail Park, originally uploaded by spohnranchskateparks.

The crew is just wrapping up our fourth concrete skatepark in Miami Dade County. Tight little rectangular space, nestled in-between walking paths and basketball courts, but will definitely be a fun one! The park features a hipped mini-ramp, multiple stair-sets, an a-frame combo and some sculptural manual pads – should have a really solid flow. Also gave the park those signature Spohn Ranch aesthetic details like stainless steel edging, integral color tint, brick stamp and pool coping.

More photos from our friend Matt Roy coming soon!

Sandwich, Illinois Skatepark Officially Open, originally uploaded by spohnranchskateparks.

Driving through the small Midwest community of Sandwich, Illinois – population 7,000 – you would probably never imagine that the town’s central park would feature an architecturally-striking skatepark on par with some of nation’s most innovative skateboarding spaces. For the skateboarders of Sandwich though, dreams came true when Spohn Ranch was selected as the design-build partner for the 8,000 square foot skatepark project.

Never ones to settle for a typical approach, we designed a vibrant space that stands out from the rural background. An array of elevated areas combine with cantilevered sculptures to mimic the urban landscapes of nearby downtown Chicago. A tasteful injection of Spanish Gold concrete tint gives the park a modern aesthetic, while sections of pool coping pay tribute to skateboarding’s formative years in Southern California.

Although the Midwest is now blanketed with snow, local skateboarders were fortunate enough to get a few sessions in at the new park. Look forward to seeing more photos and videos in the spring!

Bellevue, Pennsylvania – Phase-2 Addition, originally uploaded by spohnranchskateparks.

Hard work pays off. In September of 2012, years of advocacy and fundraising by Bellevue, Pennsylvania skateboarders culminated in the grand opening of the Bellevue Skate Plaza. Since then, skateboarders from throughout the Pittsburgh area have been enjoying the 4,000 square feet of fresh concrete in Bayne Park.

Last month we got word that the Borough of Bellevue and the Quaker Valley Council of Governments received grant funding for a 2,500 square foot addition to the skatepark. As with phase-1, we collaborated with local skateboarders on the design to ensure that the daily users of the park were riding their dream park – not ours. The second round of funding was fairly small, so we weren’t able to replicate the size of phase-1, but the phase-2 addition does add some solid flow and an increased variety of elements.

Taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather, construction is currently underway! While we anticipate the phase-2 addition being complete in the spring of 2013, we’ll continue working until the snow gives us a firm “No!”. Stay tuned for construction updates and click the image above to see a few different angles of the skatepark design.

Marquette, Michigan – Skate Plaza Construction, originally uploaded by spohnranchskateparks.

Construction is underway on Marquette, Michigan’s new concrete skatepark!

Located just outside of Pittsburgh, the small community of Bellevue has been working hard over the past several years to build support for a designated skateboarding space. In 2011, the Borough was awarded a grant and Spohn Ranch was chosen as the design/build partner for the project. With construction now officially underway, this former asphalt slab is well on its way to becoming a state-of-the-art skatepark. We are proud to match the passion and dedication of the local skateboarders and Borough officials with our design/construction efforts. Phase-1 is scheduled to be skateable by early-mid August, with phase-2 completing the project in spring of 2013.

The construction for the O’Fallon, IL skatepark has officially begun!

The crew is charging ahead. Empty lot to concrete playground in 4 weeks – let’s do this!, originally uploaded by spohnranchskateparks.

The guys on set are giving relentless effort to get this park up and running as soon as possible! Get stoked for a skatepark that’s sure to be worth checking out.

Gardena, California is a wrap! 5 years of site visits, design workshops, city council meetings and construction has finally come to an end. We have packed up all of our tools/equipment and are leaving behind two beautiful skateparks that will hopefully inspire generations of Gardena skateboarders to come. Thank you again to everyone who helped make these parks possible.

We are excited to announce that the second and larger of the two skateparks we are building for the Fairfax County, Virginia Park Authority will begin construction next month at Lake Fairfax Park in the Town of Reston. Our 6,000 square foot concrete addition to the Wakefield Park Skatepark in Annandale, Virginia is currently under construction.

This 16,000 square foot park is a true skate destination, featuring well-rounded terrain and an array of unique obstacles that will help any skateboarder evolve their skill sets.  With acclaimed Spohn Ranch parks in North Laurel, Maryland and Suffolk, Virginia , we know local skateboarders are really looking forward to this one.  Stay tuned for updates as construction gets underway!

Cole Park Skatepark – Alamosa, Colorado, originally uploaded by spohnranchskateparks.

In 2011, Spohn Ranch was chosen among six of the nation’s top skatepark builders as the highest-ranking respondent to a request for proposals in Alamosa, Colorado.  Since then, we’ve engaged in a comprehensive and collaborative design process with the local youth, working towards an inspiring final design.

Now this design/build project at Cole Park is officially under construction. Our crew just started the staking the site!

Fairfax County, VA – Wakefield Park Skatepark, originally uploaded by spohnranchskateparks.

Construction of the 6,000 square foot addition to Wakefield Park Skatepark in Annandale, Virginia is coming along nicely as the Spohn Ranch crew has finished pouring all of the elements. Our crew will now move onto forming and rebar for the concrete flatwork that will connect all of the elements. The integral colored concrete is looking great and skaters are already peeking over the fence with anticipation for the official opening.

Originally constructed in the mid 2000′s, Wakefield Skatepark is an important facility in the Northern VA and Washington DC skateboarding scene. The existing skatepark was built with lumber and has seen considerable wear and tear over the years. This year we were approached by Fairfax County Park Authority to design/build the concrete, plaza-style addition that the local skaters had been asking about for some time.

As our crew wraps up here, they will be moving onto our second design/build skatepark project for Fairfax County in the Town of Reston, Virginia.

ribbon, originally uploaded by spohnranchskateparks.

With the ribbon placed, balloons blown, and city officials ready at the mic, the latest design/build project by Spohn Ranch Skateparks was ready for it’s grand opening. Skateboarders flocked to the new Johnson Skatepark in Gardena, California; eager for it’s official opening. After a few short words and thanks to all those who helped make the skatepark a possibility, the ribbon was cut. As the two halves of the ribbon fell, a whirlwind of anxious skateboarders were released. Kickflips flew over gaps, and crooked grinds were thrown down the park’s new handrail. Skaters couldn’t be more excited to have such a well designed park in their new home town.

The next day we visited the skatepark for a quick skate session. Even in the early gloomy weather, town locals were at the park bright and early tearing it up. New tricks were being done, and new lines were being discovered in the park. The local skate scene was still just as excited about the park as the day prior during its grand opening.