Publications

Management plans

Development Plan for Washington Reserve incorporating the 'Flyover Skate Park'

The design

Concept Plan-Washington Reserve and the 'Flyover' Skate Park

"The Flyover" is designed for skateboarders and in-line skaters. Built in stages, it will eventually provide a variety of challenges, making it a popular destination for local skaters and visitors to Christchurch.

To maximise the safety of skaters, the park is situated in a highly visible, exciting urban setting which is already noisy and busy. It will feature the following areas:

1. A quieter flat area for learners
2. An opposed transition area, starting at 0.75m, rising to 1m using escalators and splitting into two opposed transitions of 2.5 and 2.25 radii
3. An area for street type skating. This area will include:
   • a two-tiered pyramid
   • stairs and handrail
   • an extension forming a small pyramid on the apron
   • a tighter radiused extension wedged on to the apron
   • a wedged section of wall
   • a vertical extension
4. A larger more snow/surf oriented area with an average height of 1.8m. This area will contain:
   • an extension of vert ramp proportions with escalators
   • a peninsula tapering from a 4m sq top to 1m with an excalated extension behind
   • a vertical wall ride 0.8m high rising from a 1m high transition
   • a 4m table top with kickers on two sides facing a bowled corner and large radius landings on the other two sides
   • a 1m bubble protruding from the 1.8m high transition
   • an asteroid, comprising four bowled corners back to back, 1m high dropping to 0.3m in handrail type spines
   • a pump hump

Andy Wylie hopes that all three stages will be built soon. "I think once the first stage is constructed and people see the number and cross section of those using it, their eyes will be opened." He predicts the first stage will be so popular it will be used in shifts, with young skaters there during the day and older skaters using the park at nights.

Although the Waltham bowl is attracting skaters from all over the city, it is too challenging for beginners.

It is likely that the Washington skate facility, if fully built, will attract international attention.