Toms River Skate Park Design
Systems Engineering II
Self & Design Evaluation
I. Scope of the Project
One of the most overlooked but growing problems in today’s society is the pressing issue of children that lack a fun and safe environment in which to skateboard. Although it may sound ridiculous, this is a very real problem that faces skateboarders of Dover Township everyday. Each day, skaters are constantly being harassed, hassled and even arrested for doing something that they love. It is this predicament that was the driving force behind this project, to design and model a skate park that fits the needs of Dover Township. Since the start of this endeavor, a great deal of work has been completed, and the following is a detailed account of the final constructed solution, as well as the failures that took place and multitude of knowledge gained throughout the course of this design project.
II. Description of Solution
The final skate park design solution is a “hybrid” design (see Alternate Solution #3), combining the plaza style street park with numerous vert and transition ramps. The plaza section consists of a raised platform, with stairs and banks on all sides. The stairs include single sets, double sets, and stairs to bank. Each stair set includes dual hubbas and handrails. Traveling around the park clockwise, the first ramp is a large corner bank, with a sub-bank on top. Next, the skater is greeted by a large box with triple banks, a hubba, rail and a small step-up. After that there is a bank flybox with an aluminum bench on top. The main attraction of the park is its large, double half pipe with a spine, multiple roll-ins, and hip quarter pipes off each deck. At the back of the west end of the half pipe is located a large bank, with a long sub-quarter and a small stair set with hubba. Lastly, there is a large, triple-sided flybox with a hubba, and a long curved flat rail. In addition, in the middle of the park, there is a kicker with a picnic table, a small multi-level fun box, and two flat ground rails. This solution, because of its unique fusion of both street and vert elements, provides the skater with a new environment in which to invent new tricks and unlimited lines. This design scored the highest score in the design matrix test, and the material that this solution is to be made with, Pro Series, is the finest, safest, and lowest maintenance material available.
III. Discrepancies in Final Constructed Solution
Despite meticulous attention to detail and strict adherence to the initial park layout plans, there does exist a limited number of discrepancies between the original design and the final constructed solution.
VI. Additional Learning
Throughout the course of this project, there was much learning that took place, and there were many skills that were gained and refined. Firstly, my woodworking skills where significantly refined, through the use of the scroll saw, belt sander and hand tools. I also learned much about working with aluminum flashing as a modeling material, which I had never done before. In addition, I gained knowledge concerning many new and interesting facts about the true depth and complexity behind skate parks, which I was not aware of previously. I found out first-hand what it takes to design the skate parks seen in today’s world, and what it takes to make them a reality. Indeed, I gained many new and beneficial skills and knowledge from this project.
XII. Skills Improved
A. Improvement of Problem Solving Skills
This project greatly improved my problem solving skills. Throughout this project, I gained a full understanding of the design process, which is helpful in solving many problems. Each of the phases of this project posed a new problem or obstacle that needed to be accomplished, and the steps used to work out these problems significantly improved my problem solving skills.
B. Improvement of Communication Skills
This project also improved my communication skills. The rendering and dimensioning of each of the technical illustrations on CAD required for this project advanced my computer drawing skills to the next level. Brainstorming and discussing this topic at home, with my mentor, and in the classroom with my peers helped to improve my speaking skills. In addition, my writing skills were enhanced through the writing of the various reports, evaluations, and web folio pages that accompanied the skatepark design. All in all, by improving my drawing, speaking, and writing skills, this project ultimately increased my communication skills.
C. Improvement of Organizational Skills
This project also improved my organizational skills. Because it was a long and extensive project, it required a lot of organization and time management. For example, breaking the web folio assignments into pieces and setting goals to complete them was one of the techniques I used that improved my organizational skills. Therefore, the organization and planning and time management required to complete this project on time significantly improved my organizational skills.
IX. Conclusion
This project to design and create a fishing lure has been a very interesting and fun undertaking. I experienced many successes, as well as a few failures. Through the course of this project, I gained a significant improvement in my problem solving, communication, and organizational skills. I also refined my woodworking skills, and gained many new skills, such as several modeling techniques. I learned that if I work hard and really put my mind into a task, I can complete anything. One important thing that I gained from this project and will use in the future when faced with similar problems is the design process. In conclusion, the project was an exciting and advantageous experience that will benefit me greatly for years to come.
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