Daybreak Sculpture Garden, originally uploaded by spohnranchskateparks.

For the November issue of Recreation Management Magazine, Spohn Ranch Skateparks’ President and Founder, Aaron Spohn, was selected to write a guest column related to skateparks.  As a pioneering figure in the skatepark industry, Aaron has developed an in-depth understanding of what it takes to make a truly great skatepark come to fruition.

Municipal skateparks have come a long way since the early 1990’s and to make sure skateparks keep heading in the right direction, Aaron shared some words of wisdom in this issue with “10 Ways to Maximize your Skatepark”.  Watch for the article in the print version, or read it here on Recreation Management’s website.

Daybreak Skateable Art Path featured in Transworld Skateboarding Magazine, originally uploaded by spohnranchskateparks.

Check out the December issue of Transworld Skateboarding that just hit the shelves! Featured in the “Small Talk” section is an amazing shot by Chriz Ortiz of World Industries’ newest rider Anthony Shetler. Shetler is busting a huge crooked grind on one of our skateable art pieces at the Daybreak Skate Path in South Jordan, Utah. The first of its kind, this unique spot features sculptural pieces integrated along a winding park path – the perfect mix of skating and aesthetics!

INDUSTRY, CALIFORNIA -  Spohn Ranch Skateparks placed # 2,950 on the Inc. 5000, an annual ranking of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the nation, accounting for a combined revenue of $184.5 billion and 334 percent growth in 2009.  Spohn Ranch, with steady business even in the face of economic downturn, jumped almost 2,000 spots since their 2008 debut at # 4,798 – a strong indicator of the company’s continuing dedication to progress in the skatepark industry.

“Being recognized by Inc. Magazine is a great accomplishment, but getting today’s youth off the couch and into safe, engaging recreational facilities is the true reward, “said Kirsten Bradford, CEO of Spohn Ranch.  “It’s great to see that even in an economic recession, cities are still committing funds to recreational facilities for the kids.”

According to Inc. Magazine, Spohn Ranch is one of the “innovating companies that is creating jobs, redefining their industries, and shaping our world.” By branching out into new skatepark genres such as skate plazas and skateable art, Spohn Ranch keeps things fresh and is taking the industry to new levels. “Skateparks have come a long way since the early ‘90s when dropping a few steel ramps on a tennis court was considered building a skatepark,” said Aaron Spohn, founder and president of Spohn Ranch.  Consequently, Spohn frequently works with landscape architects and sculptural artists to create custom, integrated parks that become a showpiece for their communities.  “Approaching cities with a diverse project team shows them that a skatepark is not just something for skaters, but a vibrant public space that can be appreciated by anyone.”

By helping to educate cities on the wide-ranging benefits of a skatepark, Spohn Ranch has attracted more funding towards the skatepark industry, with the end result being more world-class facilities for skaters to enjoy.

Check out PoolSnob’s blog over at Fuel TV for further coverage of Spohn Ranch’s recent Spohncrete additions to the skatepark in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  There is a nice interview with Mimi Knoop, who grew up skating in the Bay, with some great photos to go along with it.

Stay tuned to Fuel TV for video coverage of the skatepark installation.

Dunlap Skatepark Spohn Ranch Concrete Skateparks, originally uploaded by spohnranchskateparks.

The Berrics, the most popular skateboarding website in the world, recently hosted the second annual Bang Yo Self! contest on their site. The contest challenged skaters to create a 45 second video with their best footage and post it on the site. The winners were announced yesterday and featured in one of the videos was Spohn Ranch’s very own Dunlap Skatepark in Washington Township, Pennsylvania. Check the footage at the following link (there are a few tricks featured on the slanted manual pad about half-way through the video).

http://theberrics.com/dailyopspost.php?postid=913

Apparently the unique street obstacles built into this park are a hit with the skaters. Click on the photo above for a complete flickr gallery of this innovative skatepark designed and constructed by Spohn Ranch.

Iguana friend, originally uploaded by spohnranchskateparks.

Thanks to Spohn Ranch Skateparks, the skatepark at the U.S. Guantanamo Bay Naval Base just got a whole lot better. Guantanamo Bay, known more for its controversial detention camps than its skateboarding scene, is located in southeastern Cuba and was taken under U.S. control in 1903. As part of the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Program (MWR), the U.S. military hired Spohn Ranch to enhance their current skatepark with the construction of a pre-cast SpohnCrete ™ bowl and a skateable art piece known as a “half-moon” bank. By using Spohn’s state-of-the-art technology, the U.S. military knew they could make their facilities on par with stateside skateparks, and improve their ability to raise the morale of the sailors, their families, and the entire Guantanamo community.

After being chosen for this project in February 2009, the Spohn Ranch team flew from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where they boarded a small twin-engine airplane and began their journey towards the United States’ oldest overseas Navy Base. Upon arrival at the Naval Base, the team observed their stunning surroundings and waited for the colossal barge containing their pre-cast concrete pieces.

Once the barge pulled into the port, Mark Bradford, construction supervisor, immediately began executing the construction plan. Using a 100-ton crane, they transported the sections of the concrete bowl off the barge and onto a concrete slab near the existing skatepark. Then Bradford worked with a local crew made up of Jamaicans and Filipinos to set the pieces in place, pour concrete into the floor of the bowl, perform grout work, and create a top deck. Throughout this process, the local kids watched and waited with gleeful anticipation for the moment they could drop in and begin carving around the smooth corners of the bowl. In addition to the Spohncrete ™ bowl, Bradford and the local construction workers also transported the pre-cast concrete half-moon bank off the barge and seamlessly integrated it into the existing skatepark.

Spohn Ranch’s commitment to the soldiers’ back-smith grinds and promotion of skateboarding around the world rang true when they accepted this unique opportunity. When it was all said and done, the Spohn team left Guantanamo Bay having made significant and unique upgrades to the skatepark in less than a week. These improvements also came just in time for a demo at the park that featured the talents of professional skateboarder Mimi Knoop, which was sure to boost the morale of the Guantanamo community. For further information on this project, stay tuned to Fuel TV for complete video coverage documenting the production process.

Spohn Ranch – the future of skatepark design? | Blog | HUCK Magazine, originally uploaded by spohnranchskateparks.

The blokes over at the UK’s Huck Magazine seem to like our skateable art pieces.

We’ve putting in installations across the country – turning pedestrian paths into mixed-use skateable areas.

This not only creates mixes public sculpture with modern skatespots, but also integrates skaters into the community and recognizes skating as a healthy and legal activity.

Here’s to more skateparks without fences!