The Journey
This project unfolded slowly, and that mattered more than we expected.
We began with research, skate park layouts, safety standards, geometry, physics, and examples of community-designed spaces. Early on, our work was messy and uncertain, and we didn’t always know what direction to move in. That uncertainty became part of the learning instead of something to avoid.
Key turning points included:
Our first round of community feedback, which challenged our assumptions
Realizing our designs looked better than they functioned
Understanding that math errors translated directly into safety issues
Shifting from “cool features” to intentional flow, spacing, and accessibility
As our thinking evolved, we began grounding design decisions in math and physics instead of intuition alone. For example, when designing ramps, we calculated slope using slope = rise ÷ run, realizing that even small changes in height dramatically increased speed.
We also considered kinetic energy using simplified models, understanding that increased velocity meant higher impact forces. These calculations directly influenced ramp height limits and transition curves.
We used scale ratios as well to ensure our drawings reflected real-world dimensions. Several designs were discarded once we realized they exceeded safe space constraints.
Over time, our thinking became more precise, more careful, and more community-centered, and we started designing with responsibility instead of just creativity.