Saturday, January 30, 2010

Northside Skatepark Interview


I woke up the other night stressing out about the new Northside skatepark. I had recently discovered that a local contracting company had won the bid for the construction and I worried that a bunch of people more used to building roads and offices would royally fuck up Norfolk’s first skatepark. After doing a bit more research I discovered that Pillar Design Studios would be doing the construction observation to ensure that all the work was done correctly. I caught up with Brad Siedlecki of Pillar to see what’s up with the upcoming park.

What is your job title and duties?
President of Pillar Design Studios L.L.C. I handle and or over see all design, design development, construction documentation and construction management.

What is Pillar's relationship with Artisan?
Pillar handles all the design and construction documentation portions of the projects while Artisan constructs them!

What was your role in the Virginia Beach, Woodstock Plaza?
I co-designed the park and completed the construction documents, though I would like to note I was working for another firm at the time.

What features do you have to talk people out of building? Fullpipes, etc... I don’t like to talk any one out of building anything…everyone has a different style and likes to skate different elements. The one point I always try to make is “Less is more”. You don’t have to cram elements into your park to make it great! The key is to listen to the users and create a park that everyone can enjoy.

How much do you have to change the initial plans you get? Did you have to make many changes to the Northside plans?
It’s pretty rare that I get a design then have to “tweak” it. In the case of the Northside Park, I was brought in by the engineers to make sure that the ideas that they received from the local skaters were properly translated into the skate-able design.

What do you think of the Northside Park?
This park will be great. Everyone likes to skate different elements and I think this design hits all types of styles. Overall I think the Northside Park will be a great competition course.

What part of the process is most frustrating? Politics, there are a lot of aspects involved in the Skatepark process and unfortunately it takes many years of effort before the design stage can even begin.

Do you run into difficulty with contractors not experienced with skateparks?
Yes I have. If a City must use an inexperienced contractor then I would recommend construction observation visits. This will allow me to check over there work periodically throughout the construction process. Though we always recommend having a specialty construction crew involved in the process.

Do they try to cut corners or use methods that are OK for parking garages, etc but not for skateparks? They don’t try to cut corners, they just do not have the experience or expertise to allow them the in-depth knowledge and understanding of what makes each element skate-able. In the past I've had to have contractors remove concrete because they did not meet skateboarding specifications.

What do contractors have the most trouble with?
Transitions! That is why we recommend specialty Skatepark contractors involved in every Skatepark build!

What are common mistakes they make?
The most common mistake would be, inconsistency in the coping reveals.

Do you have a timeline? A start date, an estimated completion date? Opening date?
Construction has started and should be complete by the summer of 2010.

Do you have a favorite skatepark that you have worked on?
Marsh Creek Skate Park in Raleigh, NC that park stands out in my mind. Every part of that park is original.

What exciting trends do you see in skateparks these days?
I see a lot of trends in Skatepark design and build, but what I’m most excited about is the progression in every aspect of skating. We don’t just see street skaters or just trani skaters, we are starting to see all-terrain skaters. And I believe that is because cities are now providing people a chance to ride something they don’t typically have access too.

Do you think the Skate spot/skate dot concept could catch on? Yes, I truly believe in the skate spot idea. Check out my website for more info. Skating from spot to spot and everything in-between is the root of skateboarding…at least it is for me.

(this was the last image I saw as the plan for the park. I think it has changed since then, but this is what I've got)

Friday, January 29, 2010

Christopher Radtke Part

Lanky German Christopher Radtke does some pretty rad shit in this part.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Sk803 Issue 21

Sk803 is up to issue 21.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

YSBR Montage 10

The skating starts at about two thirds of the way in to YSBR montage 10.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Broke Tape Issue 9

Broketape is back with a sick issue #9.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Truman Hooker leftover part

Irvine Sucks has leftovers from Truman Hooker's Hesh Law part.

Friday, January 22, 2010

See You Wed.

I'm not sure if See You Wed means Wednesday or marriage. Either way it is a full length Spokane, WA video you can see here in parts.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

WiSkate Min Video 62

With 62 mini videos under their belts you know to expect quality from WiSkate. From goofing off to getting down, WiSkate never disappoints.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Robert Klausner Bonus Part

Robert Klausner has a full part's worth of leftovers from Framed.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Sam Giles Quick Flick Teaser

I am stoked to report that Australia's Quick Flick series will continue. Sam Giles teases it with these leftovers.

Monday, January 18, 2010

The 5th Summer Tour Video

5th District put their summer tour montage online. Oh to be warm again...

Friday, January 15, 2010

Ryan Thomas Montage

Here is a new montage from Ryan Thomas.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Eat Sleep Skate Highlights

Eat Sleep Skate has a montage of 2009 highlights.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Spaniards in Bulgaria

Here we have a minute of footage from a few Spaniards skating in Bulgaria.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Kevin Love Photo Blog

I just stumbled across Kevin Love's photo blog. Good shit from the local scene.

Site of the Week

Big thanks to Skate Daily for making MostlySkateboarding Site of the Week. This is the second time we've been featured on Skate Daily and it is a big honor. Welcome to all the new readers check the archives and come back often. We post new shit five days a week.

Streets of Kobe

Here is a jazzy little clip from the streets of Kobe that can serve as a reminder to have fun while skating.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Phelps Throwaway

Filmed By Phelps has a fun new montage. Do you think there are good skate spots at the big rock candy mountain?

Friday, January 08, 2010

Two Deet Media Montages

Deet Media has been quiet for months but is starting the new year off right with two new montages. One Two.

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Sk803 Issue #20

Sk803 dropped issue #20 on Christmas. Sorry your gift is late...

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Mika Movia

Mika Edin turns in one of the best parts I've seen in a while in Mika The Movie

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Stay Stackin' New Montage

Stay Stackin' starts the new year off right with a new montage and new page layout.

Monday, January 04, 2010

Marcelino Castro from Dogway's Día a Día

Dogway has Marcelino Castro's part from their Día a Día video.

Friday, January 01, 2010

Jordan Zuppke Welcome

Wolf Pack welcomes Jordan Zuppke to their family and I welcome you to the new year.