To get a skate park built, or to get an event of program held at your local, you will need to work with your local governing authority (council or skate park management) to formally arrange this.
Key tips for events and programs
- Know your council’s strategic goals and visions, then align your initiative with it.
- Base your request on research as well as passion.
- Be persistent, the rusty hinge gets the oil!
- Bring the community along by consulting with a number of stakeholders.
- Use the media to portray a positive image for your initiative.
- Research costs (get a quote from a service provider or club).
- Research funding opportunities (grants).
Key tips for skate park development
Before you get in contact with your local councillors of politicians, it is important that you know:
Know the issues
- Know the relevant facts and figures about skate facilities – learn the counter arguments to any arguments they might use.
- Be very clear in your own mind what the key message is (make it positive), and stick to it.
Know the councillors and/or politicians
- Find out his/her name, party, electorate or ward.
- Check if it is a conservative area or a safe seat, or a marginal one.
- Is he/she a Minister or a Shadow Minister? Is he/she on any committees?
Know your objectives
Be clear about what you want them to do:
- Raise the issue in a council meeting
- Make a public statement supporting a skate park
- Lobby fellow councillors, mayors or politicians
Research is King!
Remember you don’t need to start from scratch.
Many local governments have skate parks included in their strategies on:
- Youth Spaces
- Skate and BMX Parks
- Recreation and leisure
If you’re local council doesn’t have one, one of your neighbours will.
It is very important to source examples of success stories and the benefits of them.