Open Access Journal Article

Shred Central: Estimating the user benefits associated with large public skateparks

by Thomas Kemp a,* orcid
a
Department of Economics, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI, US
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
JEA  2025 4(1):90; https://doi.org/10.58567/jea04010004
Received: 3 February 2024 / Accepted: 6 April 2024 / Published Online: 7 May 2024
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Abstract

Skateparks, often called 'wheel parks,' are becoming increasingly common within communities worldwide. Despite this growth in parks, estimates show that the development of parks needs to catch up to users. Using a count data travel cost model, we estimate the adult user benefits associated with the Lauridsen Skatepark in Des Moines, Iowa – the largest in the United States. We estimate adult user benefits to be $61 per user per day and roughly $488,000 annually. This work contributes to the literature by being the first study to use econometric techniques to estimate skatepark user benefits. Second, we develop a simple and easy-to-apply method to assist municipalities in determining community skatepark needs. Third, our results support the literature showing that skateboarders are increasingly diverse.

Keywords: Count data model; travel cost; skateparks; skateboarding; action sports;
Copyright: © 2024 by Kemp. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

Funding

The Department of Economics, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire (xxxxxx)

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ACS Style
Kemp, T. Shred Central: Estimating the user benefits associated with large public skateparks. Journal of Economic Analysis, 2025, 4, 90. https://doi.org/10.58567/jea04010004
AMA Style
Kemp T. Shred Central: Estimating the user benefits associated with large public skateparks. Journal of Economic Analysis; 2025, 4(1):90. https://doi.org/10.58567/jea04010004
Chicago/Turabian Style
Kemp, Thomas 2025. "Shred Central: Estimating the user benefits associated with large public skateparks" Journal of Economic Analysis 4, no.1:90. https://doi.org/10.58567/jea04010004
APA style
Kemp, T. (2025). Shred Central: Estimating the user benefits associated with large public skateparks. Journal of Economic Analysis, 4(1), 90. https://doi.org/10.58567/jea04010004

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