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Skatepark Ramp Materials
· Pro Series: This is an all-steel building method that is coated in a durable MaxGrip powder-coat paint finish. Although there are 3 distinct product lines, about 80% of the municipalities we build outdoor parks for opt for the all-steel system because:
1. Safest: Our riding surface is perfectly smooth - no fasteners on any of the riding surfaces! The riding surface for each section is welded to the laser cut framework from the underside prior to being painted. These ribs contain laser cut holes so that the equipment can be bolted together from the underside in order to build components in endless configurations and sizes. All other construction methods require hundreds of fasteners in the riding surface to hold it down, which if not checked regularly, could back out and cause severe injuries.

2. Cooler Temperature: Third party temperature testing shows that our special powder-coat formula is actually cooler than concrete or Skatelite™ during different parts of the day and well below the heat threshold.

3. Grippy Surface: Through our extensive R&D we have formulated our MaxGrip powder-coat paint surface that has the same grip/feel as concrete or Skatelite™ and offers incredible corrosion protection. Electro-statically applied TGIC polyester powder-coat is the standard finish in the playground/recreational equipment industry for all outdoor equipment. This method of painting is far more durable than industrial wet paint.

4. Quieter: Since we use the thickest steel on the market (3/16" thick), our ramps are much quieter than lighter gauge ramps and below dangerous levels. Third party testing showed that our Pro Series only gave off a few decibels more than other building options and that with whatever ramp option you choose, ramp sound will blend in with the background noise within ≈100'. If ever in the future you wish to quiet the ramps down even further, ARC or the customer can install sound dampening to the underside of the equipment very easily, but for most customers it is not even an issue.

5. Warranty: Industry leading 20-year warranty on the ENTIRE system. 100% Steel.

6. Maintenance: There is no such thing as a maintenance-free skate park. It doesn't matter what type of finish you use: steel rusts, wood rots, concrete cracks/pits/chips, Skatelite™ will need to be replaced. However, our Pro Series equipment boasts less expensive maintenance and lower total cost of ownership than concrete, wood, and there is not a paper-based product (Skatelite Pro™/RampX) to maintain and replace. Customers will never have to replace our thick 3/16" thick steel sheets. ARC provides plenty of touch-up paint that has the same texture and color so that if the paint is ever compromised these areas can be easily and quickly touched up. The true value of a Pro Series park may not be realized until a couple years down the road. Composite/Skatelite Pro™ surfaces look “newer” longer when compared to our Pro Series if a maintenance program is not followed with the Pro Series. However, years down the road a mere 0.5% investment of the original park cost will repaint the entire surface (includes labor/freight/materials) to make the park look brand new again. Compare this with replacing Skatelite Pro™ at ≈20% of the original park cost every time this needs to be done (includes labor/freight/installation), or the tens of thousands of dollars it takes to make repairs to concrete skate parks (because of this cost many concrete parks that crack/pit/chip are neglected and make for a rough ride).

7. Thickest Steel: We use the thickest steel for the riding surface on the market (3/16" thick).

8. Value: For an outdoor application, our Pro Series equipment is the best bang for the buck. You will get more equipment with this building method than concrete or Skatelite™ surfaced options (with the exception of wood framed equipment). Although our Pro Series is initially more expensive than a wood frame system, within the first few years it will balance out with the extra cost to maintain wood/concrete/Skatelite™.

9. Fastest: Since there are no fasteners in ARC's thick gauge steel and it will not dent/pit/crack/rot/absorb water, the ride is consistently fast. Thick rolled steel is free from waves inherent with a concrete riding surface. Skatelite Pro™ absorbs water, so when it rains it takes a few days till the sluggishness wears off.

10. BMX Proof: Throw a bike down from 30' in the air and see what happens to a 3/16" thick steel surface...no dents. Then see what happens with the same impact on any other surface.

11. Customization: Through our state-of-the-art engineering department, we have been able to create obstacles that were, until now, only available in concrete. These obstacles include bowls, bowled corners, pyramid radius corners, and volcano hips. We are the only aboveground ramp company to be able to create and manufacture such innovative equipment in an all-steel design. Our Pro Series equipment can constantly be changed, moved, and added onto to keep it fresh. Our ramp frames are laser cut from 3/16" steel for accuracy so that we can bolt modules together in 4’ wide sections with no on-site welding, resulting in seamless transitions between sections.

· Stealth Series: Key features of this system are a wood frame, Ramp Armor™/ Skatelite Pro™ riding surface. This product is very similar to our X-Series but instead of a steel framework a wood framework is used. If Ramp Armor™ riding surface is a must on a tight budget this is the system for you, especially in an indoor environment. This system is priced about 15% lower than our Pro Series.

1. Wood Framework: ACQ treated 2x6 framing and ¾” marine grade interior templates throughout.

2. HD Substrate: ½” high-density polyethylene acts as sound dampening and additional structural support. ¾” poly blend can also be used although our ½” HD has outperformed in third-party engineering tests.

3. Ramp Armor or Skatelite Pro Riding Surface: Pre-engineered, pre-cut, pre drilled and pre-countersunk on our CNC machine to match hole pattern of templates and substrate.

4. Stainless Steel Hardware: Thickest gauge and longest stainless steel screws used in the industry for ultimate protection.

5. CNC Precision: All poly templates/substrate and Ramp Armor™ is pre-engineered, pre-cut, pre drilled and pre-countersunk on our CNC machine to match hole pattern of templates. This is essential for ease of initial install or when it comes time to replace the old sheet with no drilling/cutting or skilled labor required.

6. No Exposed Lumber: Even though this is a wood framed system, no lumber is visible throughout.

7. Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel: All steel (coping, strapping, hip plates, guard rails, rails, etc.) is hot-dipped galvanized after fabrication.

8. Exclusive UNI-FORM Coping: We form a solid ¼” plate (thicker than everyone else’s coping) for a perfect coping “bump” every time without any nasty seams. This also includes adequate protection below (most other companies do not have this essential protection) and above the coping.

9. Maintenance: Ramp Armor™ comes with a 5-year warranty and will need to be replaced eventually. Plan on about 20% of the original park cost every time this needs to be done (includes labor/freight/installation). We recommend someone going out monthly to ensure bolts are tight and inspect the surface for scratches/gouges/chips/cracks to determine if sheets need to be replaced.

10. Warranty: 20 years on steel parts, 10 years on polyethylene, 10 years on lumber (lumber manufacturer offers lifetime warranty), 5 years on Ramp Armor™.

· X-Series: Key features are a triple layer system with an interchangeable riding surface. If Ramp Armor™ riding surface is a must with a long–lasting steel framework in an outdoor environment, this is the system for you. This system is priced about 30% higher than our Pro Series.

1. Steel Framework: Choose between our popular powder-coated or hot-dipped galvanized frame.

2. Triple Layer Riding Surface: The 1st layer is a full sheet of 12-gauge steel with laser-cut holes which allow us to use our bolt through fastening system. The 2nd layer of high-density polyethylene acts as sound dampening and additional structural support. The 3rd layer is an interchangeable riding surface.

3. Interchangeable Riding Surface: At the time of purchase or anytime in the future the customer can pick/change what type of riding surface they want. You can choose between Ramp Armor™, Skatelite Pro™, Ramp X, powder-coated steel, or stainless steel.

4. Bolt Through Design: Stainless steel tamper-resistant hardware with nylon inserts throughout to greatly reduce maintenance. Self-tapping and factory inserted nuts are not recommended due to difficulty to replace when they strip out.

5. CNC Precision: All polyethylene and Ramp Armor™ is pre-engineered, pre-cut, pre drilled and pre-countersunk on our CNC machine to match the hole pattern of 1st layer laser cut steel. This is essential for ease of initial install or when it comes time to replace the old sheet with no drilling/cutting or skilled labor required.

6. Laser Cut Frame Accuracy: the framework on the X-series is laser cut for accuracy like the Pro Series which will also allow for future additions with ease and will provide a look that is seamless rather than looking like an afterthought.

7. Exclusive UNI-FORM Coping: We form a solid ¼” plate (thicker than everyone else’s coping) for a perfect coping “bump” every time without any nasty seams. This also includes adequate protection below (most other companies do not have this essential protection) and above the coping.

8. Maintenance: Ramp Armor™ comes with a 5-year warranty and will need to be replaced eventually. Plan on about 20% of the original park cost every time this needs to be done (includes labor/freight/installation). We recommend someone going out monthly to ensure bolts are tight and inspect the surface for scratches/gouges/chips/cracks to determine if sheets need to be replaced.

9. Warranty: 20 years on steel parts, 15 years on polyethylene, 5 years on Ramp Armor™.

Information Courtesy of American Ramp Company

· Skatepark Design

Essentials in Skatepark Design

q Ramp selection – ARC realizes that each community has different needs and wants. Since skateparks are all we do we are able to offer an enormous selection of individual ramps/rails and endless possibilities for ramp combinations. This means you do not have to settle for a “cookie cutter” skatepark or pick from a short list of ramps, but rather, you can get a custom skatepark from ARC with equipment that previously only existed in the imagination.

q Clustering – This is a fundamental principle in skatepark design that is evidenced by ramps being grouped together. Clustering ramps takes up less space while at the same time increasing the skate value by adding new “lines” and trick combinations. Beware of designs where narrow ramp sections are scattered across the skating area. This can give the appearance of more equipment and a larger skatepark, but in reality it decreases the skate value of the park.

q “Plaza” style – The “skatepark” of choice for many skaters, unfortunately, is the local downtown streetscape. Plaza designs simulate the multi-level platforms, stairs, benches, and handrails found in front of your community’s malls and in business districts. ARC’s unique engineering allows us to create incredible plaza sections to fit within your budget.
q Phasing – There’s no need to wait until you’ve got enough funding to purchase your skatepark in its final form. We specialize in designing small parks that become big parks as funding becomes available. Multiple skatepark phases are ideal for communities needing a place for skaters right now, while working within annual budget constraints. Our Pro Series is ideal for phased projects due to its seamless engineering, and because it is virtually maintenance free, additional funds can be applied to new ramps rather than maintaining the existing equipment.

Information Courtesy of American Ramp Company