Riding High

Portland Parks & Recreation made a commitment to design and build the most environmentally friendly skateparks in the world. Here's how they say they've gone about accomplishing that goal:

• Treating the stormwater runoff with environmentally sustainable methods.
• Incorporating "fly ash" in the concrete mix. Fly ash is a byproduct of coal combustion that is typically considered a waste product. However, when added to concrete mixes, it makes for a stronger concrete end product with tighter consolidation.
• Using recycled crushed concrete for a base rock under the concrete.
• Use of Forest Stewardship Council certified wood products for framing of concrete forms.
• Balanced cut and fill to reduce off-site hauling which will save energy and landfill space.
• A desire to incorporate reused or recycled materials—jersey barriers, wheel stops, steel, non-perfect granite, etc.
• Use of locally produced or manufactured materials.
• A requirement for separation of recyclable materials from construction waste.
• Use of native vegetation for stormwater treatment and shade.
• Inclusion of interpretive signage to explain these measures.
• Limiting the construction area to reduce compaction of existing landscapes.
• Preservation of existing trees.
• Strict requirements to prevent sediment transport and erosion.
• Supplemental watering to reduce airborne particulates, e.g., dust.
• Strict adherence to the current salmon-safe pesticide usage and application process.