Indoor skate parks are ideal in areas where the outdoor weather prohibits skateboarding during the fall, winter and early spring weather because of ice, snow and rain. Privately owned skate parks provide a controlled environment to learn the basics of skateboarding and practice more advanced moves. A private park can offer more extensive facilities than one funded by a city, county or state and there's no red tape to cut through to stage a contest or demonstration.
Location Counts
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Skate parks require a lot of space, so a warehouse might be the ideal location as far as square footage is concerned. However, most warehouses are located in industrial parks, away from residential areas where young skateboarders live. The ideal location is one that is close enough to neighborhoods for skaters to have easy access but still has space for the more complicated ramps and pipes.
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Events, Contests and Demonstrations
Draw in the crowds with special events. Skateboarding is considered an extreme sport and while it's not yet an Olympic event, it does have its own celebrities. Demonstrations by skateboarding champions bring in other skateboarders. Contests do as well.
Stellar Security and Safety
Litigation costs you money. Parents want to know that your skate park is safe, drug free and well-supervised. Provide an atmosphere that appeals to the skateboarders, but also to parents with younger children. Monitor the ramps, rails and pipes for any problems. Enforce behavior rules, but don't get hung up on dress codes.
Price It Right
You only make money when the skate park is being used. Develop a pricing strategy that encourages return visits but still gives you plenty of cushion to make a profit. For example, discount the park during school hours to draw in older skateboarders, such as those attending college. Offer memberships where skaters can purchase a monthly pass, or pay for eight visits and receive 10. Price by the hour or by the day, whichever gives you the better profit margin.
Spread the News
Market your skate park. If most of the target market is older, say in their 20s, that requires different marketing strategies than a high school crowd. Set up an online presence to show off the different rails and ramps. Create social media accounts so skaters can post about their experiences at your park. Advertise in selected mediums such as college newspapers.
Concessions Means More Money
Rather than running a full-fledged snack bar with hamburgers, fries, pizza and other food skateboarders like, let someone else run the snack bar on a concession basis. They pay you a monthly rental fee and a percentage of the revenues generated from food and beverage sales. Other concession shops include one selling skateboards, accessories and clothing, or a video arcade and games shop.