About
The Skatepark School is a specialized online learning platform dedicated to training the next generation of skatepark designers. Created by seasoned professionals who have delivered over 700 skateparks across Australia and around the world, the school brings three decades of industry knowledge into a structured, affordable curriculum. The flagship course, 'START Designing Skateparks,' uses SketchUp — a widely accessible and cost-effective 3D design tool — as its core platform. Students learn step-by-step how to bring skatepark ideas to life through clear, accurate, and professional 3D models and concept plans. The self-paced DIY course includes 6 design modules, more than 7 hours of video content, a Skatepark Design Cheat Sheet, and access to a members-only Facebook community. The Skatepark School positions itself as a powerful alternative to traditional pathways like a Landscape Architecture degree ($35,000+) or an Advanced Diploma of Building Design ($25,000+), which require years of study before students even touch skatepark-specific content. This platform lets learners jump straight into skatepark design and determine within weeks whether it's the right career path — without the massive upfront financial or time commitment. Ideal for skateboarders, aspiring designers, landscape professionals, and community advocates who want to turn their skatepark vision into reality, The Skatepark School is accessible from anywhere in the world.
Key Features
- Self-Paced DIY Course: Instant access to 6 comprehensive skatepark design modules with 7+ hours of video content, available on your own schedule with unlimited lifetime access.
- SketchUp-Focused Curriculum: Step-by-step training using SketchUp, a low-cost and highly accessible 3D design tool, to produce professional-grade skatepark models and concept plans.
- Industry Expert Instruction: Learn directly from professionals with 30+ years of experience and over 700 skateparks delivered across Australia and internationally.
- Skatepark Design Cheat Sheet: A curated quick-reference resource to accelerate your design workflow and apply best practices from the field.
- Members-Only Community: Access to an exclusive Facebook group where students can share progress, ask questions, and connect with fellow skatepark design learners.
Use Cases
- A passionate skateboarder wants to turn their dream skatepark layout into a professional 3D model to pitch to their local council.
- A freelance designer looking to break into the niche skatepark design industry without enrolling in a costly 4-year degree program.
- A landscape architecture student wanting to supplement their general education with specialized, hands-on skatepark design training.
- A community organization or non-profit seeking to create concept plans for a new skatepark to secure funding and community approval.
- An aspiring entrepreneur exploring skatepark design as a career path who wants to quickly validate their interest before making a major financial commitment.
Pros
- Affordable Alternative to Degrees: At $497 (or $135 in installments), the course is a fraction of the cost of a Landscape Architecture degree ($35,000+), making skatepark design education accessible to everyone.
- Built by Real Industry Practitioners: Content is developed by designers with 700+ real-world skatepark projects, ensuring the curriculum reflects genuine professional workflows.
- Globally Accessible & Self-Paced: Fully online format means students anywhere in the world can start immediately and learn at their own pace without fixed schedules.
- Quick Path to Skill Validation: Compressed curriculum lets learners discover within weeks if skatepark design is the right career fit — before committing years to a traditional degree.
Cons
- Niche Focus: The curriculum is specifically tailored to skatepark design, limiting its applicability to broader landscape architecture or general CAD design roles.
- SketchUp Dependency: Training is built around SketchUp, so students unfamiliar with the software may face an initial learning curve before engaging with skatepark-specific content.
- No Accredited Certification: Completion does not result in a formally accredited qualification, which may be required for certain professional or municipal contracting roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any prior design experience to enroll?
No prior design experience is required. The course is built for beginners and walks you through every step of the skatepark design process from scratch using SketchUp.
What software will I use in the course?
The course is built around SketchUp, a widely used and cost-effective 3D design tool. The instructors highlight that professional skatepark design can be done with low-cost or even free software.
How long does the course take to complete?
The DIY course is fully self-paced with unlimited lifetime access. The content spans 6 modules and 7+ hours of video, so completion time varies depending on your schedule and pace.
Is there a payment plan available?
Yes. You can pay in full at $497 or choose the installment plan at $135 for 4 weeks. Both options give access to the same course content.
Who is this course best suited for?
The Skatepark School is ideal for skateboarders, aspiring designers, landscape enthusiasts, community advocates, and anyone who wants to learn how to professionally design skateparks without committing to a traditional multi-year degree.
