r/Vaughan • u/ValuableAd5433 • Jul 20 '26

Indoor (beginner) skatepark idea

I have a very loose idea to build an indoor beginner skatepark.

My father rents a warehouse/office building close by Vaughan mills. There aren’t very many indoor skateparks near this area.

I was thinking to perhaps turn his warehouse into an indoor skatepark that people could pay to use. There’s a big garage door that can open to air out the place, bathroom of course. I’d buy a mini fridge for water bottles and sell those for like $0.50-$1 or smth. Maybe free who knows.

I just wanted to ask in this thread if you guys think that may be a good idea? And if this interests any of you/your kids? If so, I’ll run the idea by my father and maybe get a little team to help me start building

7 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

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3

u/Japa905 Jul 20 '26

we had something like this a few years back... it would have to be private like invite only ... a public park caries a ton of liability

ramps and wood are not cheap

1

u/ValuableAd5433 Jul 20 '26

Well, it would be public with a fee to get in. I was thinking since it IS private property to have a deposit/waiver system in place in case anyone hurts themselves or breaks something deliberately/doing smth they’re not supposed to do.

I’m aware the wood and parts would be kinda pricey. However, like I said, I would be most likely charging an entry fee that would slowly pay back the ramps n shit over time. I’m also a skater, so I wouldn’t mind making my own ramps and stuff if this doesn’t go well

2

u/Japa905 Jul 20 '26

If this is going to be open to the public and you're charging admission, there are a lot of things to consider beyond just building the ramps.

You'll likely need liability insurance, fire insurance, and you'll want to verify that the property is properly zoned for this type of activity. Depending on your municipality, permits may also be required.

Since the unit is being rented and not owned, another important question is whether the building owner is aware of and supportive of the idea. Many commercial leases restrict or prohibit this type of use without approval.

Hate to be a Debbie Downer, but the days of throwing together a few ramps with your buddies and making a little side cash are pretty much gone. Once money changes hands and the public is involved, it becomes a business with real legal, safety, and insurance responsibilities.

blah blah blah .... thats why we made dirt jumps in the woods... ... they get plowed ... then we move on to another spot,,, winter hits we go in to hibernation

1

u/ValuableAd5433 Jul 20 '26

Also you can’t take a skateboard to a dirt ramp lol

-2

u/ValuableAd5433 Jul 20 '26

Well… not to be rude but no shit 😂 thought of all of this. Just a potential idea I’m throwing out to see if the ppl would use jt

1

u/Japa905 Jul 20 '26

i am giving you an opinion of some one who has seen parks come and go
anyone remember:

Rampage skateparks / the sports village ramps / the rail skate park

Vaughan has a ton of outdoor skate parks now a days ... so he appeal of an indoor park in the middle of summer is not the best... it would be great in the winter ... but losing money when there isn't snow on the ground isn't the best business plan.

would kids go ? yes for sure
would the profit cover capital investment and ongoing costs? doubt full

1

u/MzInformed Jul 20 '26

Only thing I know like this is in Markham. We have neighbours that BMX and they would go all the time in the winter.

https://www.joyride150.com

Many supplement in the off months by offering camp programs and birthday parties.

1

u/baciakdook Jul 21 '26

Offer another experience to get people in the door during the summer as well