What does it take to build a spot?
Well, money always matter though to build a small quarter or something is not expensive. But for example Playground cost about 35 000 CZK by now. Anyway the most important thing is to gather people, organise and motivate them. At the beginning is not always fun. Majority of people rather come to the finished work, hehe.
Biggest inspiration?
That is for sure. Pontus Alv. His video Strongest of the Strange, opened eyes to the whole world and has got things moving. Of course in the US already existed DIY spots like Burnside for example, but Pontus showed that is possible to do things smaller and still reasonable.
Any messages to the readers?
How is DIY different compare to normal skateparks?
Nothing is perfect and not along EU standards. You never know what is going to happen, and what it is going to be like for skating. Even better though is the feeling, if everything works and people like to skate your spot.
Everyone can do it. Gather with friends, put a little money together, find an empty place and get started. It is absolutely unique experience that is worth to go for!
What does a DIY spot mean to a local skate scene and the city?
For me personally playground is a place with a unique atmosphere, where I like to meet my friends, have a great session and challenge my limits of skating at this spot. It is a new place to skate for everybody, and can inspire to some new activity. And our city is one shitty place left and plus one that has got a new reason.
Peter Mercell
Text Stepan Lastuvka