Leisure area in Prague in Čakovice

Young residents of the Prague-Čakovice district have long desired a skatepark that would provide them with a quality space for spending their free time. The district identified an unused plot of land adjacent to a dog park. The original plan of the district was to asphalt the area and place wooden obstacles on it. However, these are not suitable for outdoor environments and, combined with an asphalt surface, are not attractive enough for roller sports enthusiasts or the public. Therefore, we approached the district leadership and offered assistance in the design and realization of this specific public space.
Our greatest inspiration comes from Scandinavia, where buildings of this type are not defined by boundaries but are instead open to their surroundings and do not differ from normal public spaces. They do not give the impression of exclusivity, which makes the public unafraid to visit such places. Therefore, ghettos do not form here, nor do drug users gather here, as many still imagine in the case of the old tin skateparks from the 1990s.
In our design, we tried to preserve the atmosphere of a peaceful place, tucked away behind the Baumit factory, near a pond and a castle park. We also preserved the spontaneous greenery that appeared on the site during its period of disuse. We chose obstacles and elements for skateboarding to ensure they do not disrupt our concept of a resting place due to their size and the way they are used. Thus, the area mainly features smaller street elements aimed at beginners and technical riders. However, thanks to the connection with nature and the unconventional design of the park, we believe that the skatepark will also be sought after by advanced riders.
Access to the dog park at the back of the park is provided by two pathways through the skatepark, made of concrete paving without significant joints that would hinder traveling on a skateboard. This gesture clearly expresses our commitment to openness through the skatepark and fulfills two of our goals: a comfortable connection with the dog park and the preservation of the longest possible space for roller sports.
The most interesting obstacle is a 15-meter-long radius, formed from concrete paving with a pool edge, which is a unique feature in the Czech environment. A basketball hoop for streetball players is also located on the site. As a result, the area becomes utilized by various groups of residents.
The skatepark design also includes furniture (benches, tables, trash bins, and a bike rack) that references the old industrial site of the sugar factory through the materials used. The dog park has been revitalized with greenery, new obstacles, and amenities in the form of a new picnic table.
Right after its opening, the area became very popular among children, teenagers, and even adults from the nearby housing estate and the center of Prague. The unused space has thus returned to the people, and thanks to them, this area can fully serve its purpose.