The Stevens Point Skateboard Park officially opened on Thursday, November 4, 2010. Located across from the boat launch in Bukolt Park, at the end of Bukolt Ave, the park covers 14,422 square feet, including a concrete footprint of 11,321 square feet. BMX bikes without pegs are allowed in the skatepark.

Designed to provide the highest level of enjoyment for skateboarders, the Stevens Point Skateboard Park was constructed with ready-mix concrete provided by County Materials Corporation, including all exterior flatwork and shotcrete for curved, ramped, and vertical surfaces. After researching other skateparks, the designer and Stevens Point park planners determined that concrete would provide the smoothest ride and most durable surface, making it easier for skaters to handle the obstacle courses. Also, the rigidity of concrete can rebound energy back to the skateboard's deck, which helps make trick maneuvers more enjoyable for the rider.

The park was designed to resemble a street plaza. Because concrete is a three-dimensional building product, the designer was able to replicate obstacles within it to look like typical street features, including stairs, walls, railings, planters and even benches. Concrete was also a necessary material for the design and construction of the boomerang shaped pool at the center of the skatepark.

Concrete was a practical material choice to use in the construction of this project given its long lifespan and minimized need for maintenance and repairs. Because of the high cement content in the mixes, contractors were able to successfully use hard trowels to meet the desired smoothness that skateboarders enjoy with less fear of accident or injury. A penetrating sealer was also used to protect the concrete from freeze-thaw damage.

Careful construction techniques ensured that all concrete was placed to the required thickness. Templates were used to obtain the initial shapes. A unique feature within the skatepark was the use of metal coping around all the corners. This method provides a durable edge for skateboards to grind on. Studs welded to the back of coping were used as a means to anchor the coping which is held in place by cast-in-place concrete.

Based on the reactions from skateboarders, the Stevens Point Skatepark's toughest critics, it appears the time and effort put into the design and construction of this unique park were well worth it!

Photos on this page provided by County Materials Corporation.