Parisite Skate Park

Small Center Engagement

With growing popularity, this once informal public space drew the attention of city officials who questioned the legal implications of operating such a recreational space. The skaters approached Small Center for technical assistance in protecting the park and design assistance in continuing its build out. Small Center’s work began by building capacity for the young organization. Annie Frederick of New York’s Hester Street Collaborative led a strategic planning and fundraising bootcamp. The skaters formed a Louisiana nonprofit corporation called Transitional Spaces to negotiate with City Hall. Through this process, Transitional Spaces became strong advocates for the park, and not only convinced the city to declare the site an official skatepark, but succeeded in getting a set of ramps placed on the site through a donation by Red Bull/Sphon.

In addition to support during this advocacy work, Small Center worked with Transitional Spaces to develop a vision for the park. This masterplan included specific designs for an entrance to the park, signage, planting, benches and handrails to make the skatepark a welcoming community park space. Planted areas address the need for stormwater catchment and filtration from the skatepark and the highway overpass. Small Center constructed the entryway and commissioned signage to physically reframe the park and provide official recognition of the space.

Partner Organization

Transitional Spaces is dedicated to designing and implementing quality public skate parks that focus on safe recreation and educational opportunities for youth. The organization began as a group of skaters who took advantage of a vacant under-utilized space beneath the I-610 overpass by building a DIY skatepark.

Outcome

The skatepark opened with a ribbon cutting on February 28, 2015. Mayor Landrieu noted “By working together we have created a unique place that can inspire our young people and give them an opportunity to stay physically active and out of trouble.” The opening also featured remarks from Councilmember Jared Brossett, NORDC CEO Victor Richard, Aaron Spohn of Spohn Ranch Skateparks, Small Center Director Maggie Hansen, and Skylar Fein of Transitional Spaces.

Transitional Spaces has taken on the responsibilities for keeping the skatepark clean, posting clear rules for safety, and programming official skate events. Small Center has continued to serve an advisory role as Transitional Spaces advocates for the park, and looks for opportunities to realize their full masterplan. Transitional Spaces has successfully fundraised, designed, and constructed the next phase of their park. We look forward to seeing the continued evolution of this space.

Collaborators

Transitional Spaces

• Ooti Billeaud
• Jackson Blalock
• Ally Bruser
• Skylar Fien
• Perry Hohlstein
• Andre Mills
• Joey O’Mahoney
• Julian Wellis

Dana Brown and Associates