Cities with the most skateboard parks per 100,000 residents in the U.S. 2021
Benefits of skateparks
A skatepark can be a significant investment for any community, however, despite the existence of widespread opposition to the installation of skateboard parks they have consistently been found to provide a substantial benefit to both residents and the economic development of the community. Skateboarding is an extremely popular activity that people will choose to participate in whether or not a skatepark is present. Any city that makes skating difficult or illegal encourages more street skating, which can lead to accidents or dangerous behaviour. In addition, the presence of a skatepark brings people into the area for recreational activity; increasing the demand for relevant business which subsequently creates new jobs and contributes to the local economy. Arguably one of the most important benefits that the provision of a skatepark provides is free access to a recreational facility that encourages participation in physical activity. In light of the social and economic burden associated with the health implications of an increasingly sedentary population such access is a vital asset within any municipality.
Skating in the Olympics
In August 2016, sport climbing, karate, surfing, and skateboarding were approved for inclusion in the 2020 Olympic program. Alongside these new sports, baseball and softball were also approved for inclusion, after having been excluded from the previous two summer games.
Olympic skateboarding will consist of two events: park and street. The street course is designed to replicate street skating, with stairs, ramps and rails that riders can use to put together a series of tricks. In each round, the skater’s four highest run or trick scores are added to create their final round score. The park event takes place on bowl-shaped course. Riders use the inclines within the course to build momentum and perform tricks. In each round, the skater’s best of three 45-second runs count as their final round score. The highest and lowest scores for each run are dropped, and the remaining three scores are averaged to two decimal places resulting in the final run score. Links