(2012-2020) Builidng the only public skatepark in New Orleans
Established in 2012, Parisite Skatepark is the only public skatepark in New Orleans, providing a safe and accessible space for all users by fostering a positive and nurturing community. As a core member of the skater formed non profit organization Transitional Spaces, I worked alongside community partners and local government to transform Prasitie from a small illegal DIY skatepark in a derelict space to a 50,000 sq ft vibrant public park. This project received the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence and the Design Corps Seed Award.
Timeline
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![A 1,600 sq. ft. DIY skatepark built by skaters in a vacant lot under I-610 highway. The site is chosen because of its rain cover and central location. City engineers visit the park for an inspection and threaten to shut it down. Skaters form Transitional Spaces so that they can represent their interests with city officials and begin working to legalize the park.]()
![Red Bull, working alongside Transitional Spaces, donates the ramps from their Mississippi Grind project (a skatepark barge) to Parisite Skatepark. Using the Action Skatepark Alliance as a pass through, the funding comes from Red Bull Europe. Additionally Spohn Ranch Skateparks donates their design services.]()
![Transitional Spaces upgrades the existing DIY infrastructure and enters into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with New Orleans Recreation Department (NORDC). Now legalized and fully up to code, the skatepark opens as NORDC property. A ribbon-cutting is held with mayor Mitch Landrieu and NORDC leadership.]()
![Built in collaboration with Tulane School of Architecture’s Albert and Tina Small Center. Tulane University architecture students design and build a landscaped entrance to the park. Transitional Spaces runs a Kickstarter campaign, which raises $52,000 to expand and improve the park. These funds go towards an 8,000 sq. ft. skate bowl that ties into the Tulane entrance.]()
![Transitional Spaces runs a second Kickstarter campaign, raising $44,000 for capital improvements to the park. In another build completely designed and builts users, skaters build a concrete “peanut pool” next to the existing bowl.]()
![Transitional Spaces is working closely with NORD-C and Capital Projects to secure funding for an additional 14,800 sq. ft. of skateable infrastructure. We are collaborating with park users and LSU architecture students to design a street plaza.]()
Human-Centered Design and Planning
The design of the original DIY was piecemeal. Each new feature was designed in response to the previous features. As the project scaled and legitimized Transitional Spaces developed a master plan which informed how the multiple phase builds with vairing community partners would function as a whole.
It was important that park users maintained agency when the park shifted from a DIY to a development process with more red tape. This was achieved through human centered design charrettes, placing skaters on design teams, and community forums. Design considerations included program, varying skill levels, park flow, sightlines, and green spaces that prevent localized flooding. Over the years dozens of stakeholders worked together to build a well lit, vibrant, fun, and inclusive park.
Community Partners and Fundraising
Parisite is built by the community. By skaters, architects, engineers, civil servants, PR firms and strategic partners donating time and resources. Partnerships include the Tulane School of Architecture’s Albert and Tina Small Center, New Orleans Recreation Department, and Capital Projects Administration. Developed 100% independently of New Orleans’ city budget, the community-supported enterprise is funded by grants, public and private partnerships, social marketing and crowdsourcing. Between monetary contributions and donations of goods and services our development budget is roughly $450,000. Over $100,000 of this coming from 2 kickstarters and a gofundme campaign. The success of these campaigns are supported by our story and banding and funded by our community.
Story and Branding
Parisite’s community driven success story is infectious. And its ability to establish itself not only as a skatepark, but as a brand is a huge asset. Over the years we’ve collaborated with local New Orleans graffiti artists on a series of skateboard decks, hoodies, hats, and T’s. Our coveted kickstarter prizes were very cool and at a great value. $35 got you a personalized tile permanently installed in our phase 4 peanut pool. Skaters and park supporters around the world proudly wear Parisite gear.
Transitional Spaces
Jackson Blalock
Ally Bruser
Skylar Fien
Ross Harmon
Perry Holhstein
Andre Mills
Joey O’Mahoney
Mark Steuer
Julian Wellisz
Scott Whorton
Grantors
Black Rock Arts Foundation
Tony Hawk Foundation
Brees Dream Foundation
Ryan Scheckler Foundation
New Orleans Plat Forms Fund
Rudy Bruner foundation
Jackson Blalock
Ally Bruser
Skylar Fien
Ross Harmon
Perry Holhstein
Andre Mills
Joey O’Mahoney
Mark Steuer
Julian Wellisz
Scott Whorton
Grantors
Black Rock Arts Foundation
Tony Hawk Foundation
Brees Dream Foundation
Ryan Scheckler Foundation
New Orleans Plat Forms Fund
Rudy Bruner foundation
Community Partners
The Albert and Tina Small Center
Tulane University
NORD Foundation
Capital Projects Administration
Mayor’s Office, New Orleans
Dana Brown and Associates
Louisiana DOTD
Eustis Engineering
Design Office
Metro Studios
Hooley, INC.
Red Bull
All the Parisite DIYers
So Many Others!
The Albert and Tina Small Center
Tulane University
NORD Foundation
Capital Projects Administration
Mayor’s Office, New Orleans
Dana Brown and Associates
Louisiana DOTD
Eustis Engineering
Design Office
Metro Studios
Hooley, INC.
Red Bull
All the Parisite DIYers
So Many Others!