https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWEq_bcu4LU

I've been working on a spot map as a side project for the last few years, and it's finally live. My main goal is to give skateboarders a better experience in finding new spots in their area or in new cities. Either in daily sessions or on big skate trips. With a user account it's also possible to save your favorite spots, which comes in handy when you're on the go. It is completely free and without ads.

Now the map is missing some spots. I would be happy if you could take a look and add your favorite spots, a registration is not mandatory! You can take a look at https://spots2skate.com.

Thanks!

This is my first time doing something like this. I built a wood qtr pipe once. I was thinking of making a qtr pipe maybe against a wall or a little spine. The backyard is grass so I need to make run up/landing. Was thinking concrete. Approximately what would it cost for the cement mix and whatever else I’d need? Would it be better or cheaper using wood? Any info, price guide, tips, or any other helpful info will be greatly appreciated!

Need a lot key place to build a diy skatepark in Sydney preferably around areas such as wolli creek, Marrickville, Hurstville, Redfern, and other places in that vicinity

Is there any difference in skateability of a galvanized pipe vs an untreated steel pipe?

I always see median strips at local DIY spots but I checked all the main stores and i cant find anything

https://preview.redd.it/09zi0smxo1n91.jpg?width=2000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a728d0fdc2429da23ff9edf6b0f2c42ac4821e4d

Probably raising the funds for your community project(s) in general or getting the budget together for specific skateboarding projects like a new spot or a skatepark, in particular, is probably one of the most difficult parts for most people to get started with their own project.

While funds and grants seem to be a good opportunity for starting a project, in my opinion, the project itself is the most important. Especially if you are looking toward a long-term independent project, I advise creating your own sources of regular income rather than being dependent on donations. Maybe a combination of creating your own income stream together with local supporters could also be a good approach since Funders, in general, prefer to see that you already have made a variety of efforts — hopefully successful — to help yourself and your community.

The good news is, that many ambitious people before and after you have already been successful and realized their ideas from improving their local skate spots to creating projects with a positive impact on their communities. Remind yourself about this when still in doubt before actually getting started or maybe later in frustrating times when things aren´t working out as expected or are not moving forward as you wished for. Just get started and don´t give up and always keep an open mind: adapting to your individual situation with open eyes can lead your project also in a different and better direction than you maybe could have ever imagined before.

Start with what you have

I recommend always starting with close friends or people who are actually willing to invest their time and energy to create something together. Therefore no matter how small your beginnings, always start with what you have, with what you easily can get access to, and then keep an open mind, be open for opportunities, learn from the lessons and you will surely find your way(s) forward in the process. Actually, Skateboarding has always had a do-it-yourself ethos. The very first skateboards were cobbled together by off-season surfers from wooden boxes and roller skate wheels back in the 1950s. Even as skateboarding has boomed and boards have modernized in the 90s, skaters everywhere still build their own ramps and obstacles out of wood, metal sheets, concrete, mounds of dirt, and whatever they can find.

Find a place to skate and start your project with your friends

Most Skateboarders know the struggle of being chased away from spots, therefore finding your own spot, where you can always skate is one of the nicest possibilities. If this potential spot has some good flat, maybe you start with some wheelie tables and ledges and even if the place doesn´t even have a ground, then go and build a small mini ramp or bowl. Please keep in mind, that really owning or being allowed to use a place and having a clear understanding of who are the owners, can save you and your friends a lot of hustle in the future. On the other side, some of the most fun DIY projects worldwide sadly all had an expiration date.

Start fundraising with Family & friends

So, you’ve finally started your own project. That’s fantastic! You’ve got your team of enthusiastic friends & volunteers together with some resources you need to kick start your ideas, and you are now turning your attention to how to fund the first or next steps of your project. The setup costs of your project will of course vary depending on what type of idea you are starting, nevertheless step by step start to inform your friends, neighbors, and family of what you are up to and tell them how they could support you and your project.

Start to continuously raise Awareness in your community and organize (Fundraising) Events

A fundraiser is a great opportunity to get your volunteers together for the first time to work together and raise the first funds for your project. It’s also a great way to engage with the community and spread awareness of your new idea. You can fundraise basically anywhere, such as on the streets (this may require a permit) or somewhere in your community. At first, a fundraising event may seem challenging and unrewarding, but with the right people and attitude, it can be a fun and worthwhile way of ensuring sustainability and long-term impact for your community project while having a good time sharing your passion. Most People are often reluctant to ask others for help, whether it’s for financial support or even advice, but there are plenty of people who are willing to help, most probably also in your community. Don’t be afraid to ask the people around you to support your plans and projects so that they can grow to help many more in your community.

Start to create a support base by continuously creating & selling stuff for your project

One of the good ways to fundraise is probably by creating something and selling it. Stickers, Shirts, Hoodies, or even your own skateboards could create a basic and long-term income stream to cover for example material costs for your project. If you start with your inner circle and explain to your friends and family about your creations you probably will find people who buy your merchandise & products in order to support your project.

Start to get in touch with other local initiatives, clubs, and organizations in your community

First, gather your community partners: Your partners may be a club or the city council, an afterschool program, or a local initiative. Think it through and pull people together to start talking about possible collaborations and your project.

Start to found your own club or an organization to have an official & legal structure

Another good direction and usually a catalyst for (community) projects are to have an official structure for your community project like a sports club or registered (non-profit) organization or company to improve your likelihood of receiving grants or support from both governments, organizations, and companies.

Start to get in touch with companies

If you’re starting a local community initiative, local businesses are likely to be interested stakeholders. Local businesses want to see the communities they work in thrive and you might be able to get them on board to be a part of your project. Contact the business and organize a meeting with the manager or whoever is responsible for sponsoring projects. Bring them through what the project is and the impact it will have on the community. Explain the costs to set up the project and the funding you are asking for. Communicate the benefits they will receive (as well as greater wellbeing in their community!) — for example, a mention or branding on a project sign, website, newsletter, or in press. Having a connection to a company will definitely help you get a foot in the door when looking for a business to sponsor. Funders also like to see that you have found ways to get in-kind donations: materials, supplies or services, or people’s time and talents, rather than simply asking the funder to pay for everything.

Start to use online crowdfunding platforms

One of the most popular fundraising methods today is crowdfunding, thanks to the power of the internet. The key with this method is to write and present a convincing concept explaining what the fundraising is for and how it´s going to be beneficial to your community.

No excuses: Keep getting motivation & inspiration from other communities & projects

Personally, one of my favorite projects is the legendary skatepark of the Uganda Skateboard Union, which Jackson Mubiru & his friends started back in 2004 without any budget by collecting materials on construction sites in order to start building their first mini ramp with concrete in Uganda´s capital Kampala. After a while, the little constructions became eventually East Africa´s first skatepark and a century later a safe and inspiring place for the whole community turning this place into an empowerment hub for young and older generations which even get a shot now to send a team to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris:

Me and the homies built a little kicker then followed it up with a pretty big quarter. I was thinking about going to a townhall meeting or something, but figured that might not be a good idea lol. Anybody have any suggestions? Would be priciated