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Building a Skatepark Is Not Like Picking Daisies Out There

Mark Scot, the co-owner of Dreamland Skateparks, started buildig skateparks proffesionaly a decade or so ago. I guess he needs no introduction but for those of you who don't know who Mark is, he's a lifelong skater whose commitment to skateboarding culture has eventually became his life. Being one of the skaters that were instumental in creation of Burnside, the legendary DYI spot in Portland, Mark likes to continue in that legacy, building sick skateparks everywhere. We hooked up with Mark to talk about the company, skateboarding and the hard work.

18. 3. 2015

1. Hi Mark, what have you been up to lately?

I have been recovering from shoulder surgery and enjoying time with family.

2. Tell us something about the early DIY era. Were things different back then, compared to today's DIY scene? And how?

DIY scene back in the day? I think Burnside kind of started a revolution of DIY. However back yard project could also be consider DIY and people have been doing it for ever.

Hailey Street Plaza

Jim Griffith Memorial Skatepar, Tigard, Oregon

3. Any memorable DIY spots from the 90s?

A few ones I helped with were shut down, then we got lucky with Burnside and that was great.

4. How did the idea of establishing a skatepark building company came around? Many people build their own spots but not so many turn that creation into a company.

We were inspired by other's work and there was a need for experienced park builders, that's how we started.

Holly Farm Park in Portland

5. So tell me about your first project, the phase 1 of Lincoln city. Some people like to get really creative in the building process, is that your approach too?

We were given a clean canvas to paint and took it to heart with our efforts.

LC bowl. Looks like it waits there for you to drop in! Classic.

6. I perceive skateparks as something that is created to create, something that brings a place that is no longer used to life. What is your process? Do you actually like cruise around the city, see a spot and say "hey, this is a great place and I totally see a skatepark to be build here" and then you go to the city council to tell them what your intentions are?

Usually a skate park group is formed showing support for a skate park, they rally the city, fund raise, receive land and make it happen. Or the city takes leadership and sends out a request for proposals to builders and builds. There are a 100 variations of the way you can do it but those seem most common.

Cody Lockwood will tear up any spot - no wonder Dreamland has him on board. Photo: © Daniel Evans

7. What was the craziest idea that never made it to be put into effect? Like super-long gigantic snakerun in the middle of a city or something:)

That's a top secret:)

8. Your work can be also seen outside the US. What is the biggest difference between building a skatepark in the US and Europe?

I'd say different materials, and languages make it more interesting.

Guys working on some sweet lines in Kona, Hawaii

9. Tell me something more about the brick radius spot you built. Where is it? I guess this was one the spots you could really let your imagination run riot.

There are several and the one in Eugene Oregon is very fun. There are "natural" skate spots in Cities that people get kicked out off so these spots are inspiration for parks.

10. What is the hardest part of the job?

Concrete construction is very labor intensive and hard work, it's not like picking daisies out there.

11. Your favorite skatepark/spot to skate? What do you think is your best work and why?

My favorite Parks are the ones I am used to riding (Burny and LC) however, some of my other's include Bologna Italy, and Hailey Idaho. Eugene is pretty epic as well, I just haven't been healed up enough to ride much yet.

Mark shows no signs of slowing down. Here at Eugene skatepark.