In some cities skate features are actually built as everyday fixtures throughout urban areas. The idea is an excellent one, especially for cities that might not have the wherewithal to build large-size skate parks. If you take a close look at what it actually takes to build skating amenities, you will see that they are very rudimentary. The ramps can actually perform other functions when not being used by skaters. Of course these are not to be built in places where they will interfere with pedestrian right-of-ways... rather, they can be placed at more obscure settings with the intention of attracting attention. This skate amenity is not labeled as such. Therefore it is more of an iconic understanding that could alleviate potential insurance risks.
This past summer I photographed a few skaters who had found the 'ideal' skating park in-between the Cobblestone District and the Old First Ward. Instead of adding to the urban feel of a city, they were essentially cast out to a place that is, for the most part, abandoned. These kids were not troublemakers... they were trying to find an ideal place to skate in the city where they would not be bothered by security forces. For a city that is attempting to attract youth back to the city, there is a missed opportunity to welcome the skate culture that other cities around the word are embracing. If The City started to incorporate these types of venues into urban design features, slowly but surely small pockets would come back to life... even on the weekends. The image above is from Sarah Gaventa's book, New Public Spaces. The skate feature is found in Rotterdam, created from an outdated traffic central reservation. Sarah's book can be purchased at Talking Leaves bookstores - Buffalo's oldest independent bookstores located at 3158 Main Street (near UB Main St Campus) and 951 Elmwood Avenue near Buffalo State College.