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Established in 2012, Parisite Skatepark is the only public skatepark in New Orleans. It provides a safe and accessible space for all users, 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 Parisite 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.

Phase Building

 Timeline



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. 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. Another build completely designed and built by users. Transitional Spaces runs a second Kickstarter campaign, raising $44,000 for capital improvements to the park. 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







Transitional Spaces developed a master plan which informed how multiple phase builds with vairing community partners would function as a whole. It was important that park users maintained agency as the park shifted from a DIY build 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.