SKATEPARK DESIGN AND CONSULT

For over 15 years, I’ve collaborated with leading landscape architecture firms and skatepark builders as a consultant and designer, contributing to the design and development of several major skateparks across Tāmaki Makaurau.

I am currently contacting to Auckland City Council as their skatepark consultant. 

Skatepark Photos by - https://www.eastskate.co.nz/ 

 PAPAKURA

I played a lead role in the design of the new section of the Papakura Skatepark, contributing the full concept for all obstacles in the space. Key design elements — including the volcano, curved ledges, curved quarter pipes, down tranny wedges and hubbas  were developed directly from my initial concepts.

Our approach to the design was site-specific and deeply informed by the local environment and history. The park is built on the site of an old car tip, and we integrated those industrial remnants into the design using iron for several items. 

We also honored the natural history of the area by incorporating a coloured pathway that traces the route of a historic local stream that ran through the park. Giving reference to the area in a unique and meaningful way for the local community.

 Design & Consult: Chey Ataria   

Architect: Travis Wooller 

Architect company : isthmus  

photos - https://www.eastskate.co.nz/ 

BARRY CURTIS 

I worked as a skate consultant on the Barry Curtis Skatepark project, one of the largest skateparks in Aotearoa at the time of its development — and a major milestone for Auckland’s skate infrastructure.

The design process was community-led, with strong input from local skaters. I contributed design input specifically to the street section of the park, helping shape features that reflected the wants and needs of the locals. We worked with a list of community-requested elements to ensure the space delivered a well-rounded, functional layout that resonated with the people who would be using it most.

Design & Consult: Chey Ataria   

Architect: Travis Wooller 

Architect company : isthmus  

RANDWICK 

I served as the primary skate consultant for the Randwick Park Skatepark project, working closely with the local skate community and the design team to shape a space that truly reflected the area's identity and needs.

We facilitated multiple community meetings to gather feedback directly from local skaters. These sessions were key in developing a clear design direction. Working alongside the lead community representative, we compiled a list of classic skate elements requested by locals — including pyramids, A-frame rails, flat bars, and more.

In addition to delivering on the community’s vision, we were able to introduce a few unique design features to keep the park interesting and progressive. Drawing from material themes established in earlier projects like Papakura, we used iron sheeting for select ledges and hubbas, adding a raw, industrial edge. We also introduced tile patterns on the wedge banks something new to Isthmus, and included touches of coloured concrete to break up the monotone grey.  

Design & Consult : Chey Ataria

  Architect: Travis Wooller 

  Architect company : isthmus  

TE PAI

I was brought on to design this park for Tom Smithers Park Builders, with a concept focused around a central feature composed of stairs, wedges, a rail and ledges, added  by additional ledge elements and a wedge pyramid. The layout was carefully planned to integrate with the existing park — both in terms of flow and topography — effectively linking the old and new areas into one cohesive space.

Part of the design approach involved reusing existing landscape features and skate elements where possible, maintaining continuity and making smart use of the space and materials already available.

Design & Consult : Chey Ataria

Skate Park Builders : Tom Smithers 

VIC PARK 

Located in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau, Vic Park Skatepark stands as one of the city’s most iconic and well-used skate spaces. I was brought on as a consultant for this project, contributing to a collaborative design process that involved input from the local Skate, BMX, and Rollerblading communities.

The concept followed a plaza-style design, reflecting the popular direction of skatepark design at the time. Drawing inspiration from urban plazas, the park features elements commonly found in public cityscapes — including stairs, ledges, flat open areas, and multi-level platforms. Unlike traditional parks, this layout focused more on technical street features and offered limited transition, which appealed to the community's preferences.

Another key element of the project was integrating local plant life into the layout, creating a balance between concrete and greenery. This helped soften the space visually, while grounding it in the natural and cultural context of its inner-city location.

Design & Consult : Chey Ataria ( + other consultants ) 

  Architect: Travis Wooller 

  Architect company : isthmus  

TAKANINI 

This was a smaller-budget, multi-use project that combined a skatepark, basketball court, and connecting pathway into a single cohesive layout. I had full control over the design and concept, which allowed for a creative and site-responsive approach tailored to the space and its users.

One of the standout features is the grass gap (astro turf) was a creative and fun way to seperate and give a natural type obstacle that can be skated both up the wedge or from the Bball court into the bank also hitting the out ledge to grind up into the court space. 

Additional features include:

• A taco quarter pipe wrapping around into an escalator transition, linking into an extension that flows seamlessly into a down hubba

• Multiple out ledges and hubbas

• A mini Jersey barrier, manual pad ledge, wedge banks, a flat bar, and a curved ledge

Despite the modest budget, the park offers an incredibly fun and versatile layout that reflects the potential of smart, efficient design. It remains one of the most enjoyable parks I’ve both skated and designed — proof that creativity and community function can thrive without large-scale funding. 

Design & Consult : Chey Ataria 

  Architect: Travis Wooller 

  Architect company : isthmus  

EAST STREET MINI RAMP 

community-led event project, this 3.5-foot mini ramp was designed and built in just three days for a skate comp at East Street Hall. I led both the design and construction, working with height restrictions in the venue to develop an elliptical transition — creating a ramp that’s compact yet still offers a dynamic and challenging ride.

Despite the size limitations, the ramp brought out serious energy during the event, proving that tight setups can still deliver. Skaters were able to push the limits, with standout moments like Mikey Bancroft's bomb drop from the upper level showing just how much hype the ramp brought to the space.

Design & Build: Chey Ataria 

Ramp Plan: Rich Landscapes

Built for: Community skate comp @ East Street Hall

Turnaround: 3 days

This ramp was a perfect example of quick design thinking, collaboration, and delivering something fun under pressure — with community at the heart of it.