RICH Landscapes was engaged to develop the concept design for a new destination skatepark at Saxton Field, creating a facility capable of serving everyday community use while supporting progression through to national and international-level competition.

The design was developed through a collaborative process with Skate Nelson Bays, Council and local riders, with user feedback playing a significant role in shaping the final concept. Rather than creating three isolated skate areas, the park is designed as a continuous landscape with multiple lines and connections allowing riders to move naturally between different terrain and skill levels.

Three principal zones provide a progression of experiences across the park. The first combines beginner and progression terrain with a sheltered flow bowl and transition features. The central zone provides a large technical street environment incorporating ledges, rails, hubbas, banks and changes in elevation, with multiple options for linking features into longer runs. The final zone is centred around a large competition flow bowl reaching approximately 12 feet in depth, with varied pockets, hips, transfers and transition lines designed for advanced and competition-level riding.

Accessible circulation, seating, shade, spectator areas and landscaping are integrated around the skate terrain while maintaining clear riding lines and visibility throughout the facility. The concept accommodates skateboarders, BMX riders, scooter users, roller and inline skaters, and adaptive/wheelchair users.

The result is an ambitious regional facility designed to give Nelson and Tasman a genuine destination for wheeled recreation, progression and competition.

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