In the coming months, the new Catoctin Skatepark in Leesburg, Virginia will replace the Town’s aging wooden ramps with a new state-of-the-art concrete skatepark. To turn this idea into a reality, the Town of Leesburg sought out the nation’s premiere skatepark designer and builder for their new skateboarding and BMX landmark.
Spohn Ranch was the clear all-in-one skatepark development choice. Having designed and built the surrounding parks such as Lake Fairfax, North Laurel and recent South Branch Skatepark (nicknamed Shrimptown), there was no doubt we possessed the expertise needed.
Lake Fairfax
North Laurel Skatepark
South Branch Skatepark
The site was previously a wastewater treatment plant, requiring significant soil remediation. Large quantities of urban waste were environmentally contained, then removed and replaced with clean structural fill. Coordinating with a major floodplain that runs through the property also added to the project’s complexity.
The skatepark terrain was shaped by public input. Through various social media platforms and design workshops with local skateboarding advocates, a skatepark design was born.
Challenged with a linear layout, we integrated two triangular planters into the heart of the skateable terrain to simultaneously accomplish 3 goals:
- 1. Create interesting lines and avoid the hum drum of a straight back-and-forth rhythm
- 2. Provide green space to break up the monotony of concrete and create an inviting aesthetic
- 3. Skateable embankments with evergreen trees that will provide shade from the summer heat
The planters and a variety of street elements compliment a beautiful bowl spec’d at 5-7 feet high with a pocket that extends up to 9’. Collectively these features round out the skatepark at 12,000 square feet.
Acting as general contractor, Spohn Ranch’s scope includes demo, drainage, earthwork, steel fabrication and specialty concrete.
The new Catoctin Skatepark will be integrated seamlessly between the auto dealership and fire station. It will also include lights for night-time sessions.
Stay tuned for updated and once complete, you can visit the new skatepark at the following address: 136 Catoctin Circle SE Leesburg, VA 20175
UPDATE: The Leesburg Skatepark is now complete. Visit this link to view finished photos of this amazing skatepark!
