Proposal - Spohn Ranch - X-Park
Spohn Ranch began as a community,
anchored by Aaron Spohn’s
backyard half-pipe, and grew into an
award-winning skatepark
design/build firm. A cornerstone of
action sports progression for over 20
years, Spohn Ranch’s backyard roots
have spread globally, culminating in
hundreds of cutting-edge creations.
From permanent skateable
landscapes to innovative
installations for high-profile events,
Spohn Ranch has played an
invaluable role in the exponential
growth of action sports. In the private sector, Spohn Ranch became a household name by designing/building
courses for film, television and world-class action sports competitions. In the municipal world, Spohn Ranch
has consistently been a pioneering firm, most recently taking a lead role in transforming skateparks into
vibrant community spaces with architectural finesse and sculptural elements that double as visual focal points.
SPOHN RANCH – HISTORY
The roots of Spohn Ranch date back to the days of backyard ramp building in the late 1980’s, but the company was
officially founded in 1992 and later incorporated in 1998.
GROUP DESCRIPTION
SPOHN RANCH AT A GLANCE
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SPOHN RANCH – PRESENT DAY
Headquartered in Los Angeles – birthplace and continued epicenter of skateboarding industry/culture
14 in-office staff – drafters/designers, project managers, estimators and support staff
30 in-the-field staff – shotcrete nozzlemen, concrete craftsmen, carpenters and equipment operators
East LA fabrication shop – 25,000 square foot space for steel fabrication and equipment/tool storage
Licensed general contractor in multiple states (CA #761475)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA)
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
American Concrete Institute (ACI)
American Shotcrete Association (ASA)
Concrete Specifications Institute (CSI)
American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM)
World Skateboarding Federation (WSF)
INSURANCE
Spohn Ranch maintains, at a minimum, the following coverage. Certificates are available upon request.
Errors and Omissions / Professional Liability - $2,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate
Workers Compensation and Employers Liability - $1,000,000
Automobile Liability for owned, non-owned and hired vehicles - $1,000,000 per occurrence,
$2,000,000 aggregate
Comprehensive General Liability or Commercial General Liability covering all operations or job
specific - $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate
Excess Liability / Umbrella - $9,000,000
FINANCIAL STABILITY
2015 marks twenty-three years of uninterrupted service, focused solely on skatepark design and construction.
We take pride in being a passionate and responsible family-owned business
Zero bankruptcies, changes of ownership or operation under a different name
Zero liquidated damages
Zero instances of E&O insurance being used
We are currently bonded with Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, with a bonding capacity in
the amount of $6 million aggregate. We have a spotless bonding history over 20+ years of business – none of
our bonds or sureties have ever been called upon for any reason.
LITIGATION HISTORY
Spohn Ranch has neither litigation history associated with project performance nor any past or pending litigation
against an Owner with whom we’ve contracted.
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SPOHN RANCH, INC. CLIENT REFERENCES
PLANZ PARK SKATEPARK – BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA (2014)
Client Contact: Dianne Hoover, Director of Recreation and Parks
Email: Dhoover@bakersfieldcity.us | Phone: (661) 326-3014
ROWLEY & JOHNSON PARK SKATEPARKS – GARDENA, CALIFORNIA
Client Contact: Kelly Fujio, Recreation & Human Services Director
Email: Kfujio@ci.gardena.ca.us | Phone: (310) 217-9537
ERNEST MCBRIDE SKATEPARK – LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA (2012)
Client Contact: Anna Mendiola, Park Development Officer
Email: Anna.mendiola@longbeach.gov | Phone: (562) 570-3165
THE SUMMIT BECHTEL RESERVE – GLEN JEAN, WEST VIRGINIA (2013)
Client Contact: Tom Wagner, Trinity Works
Email: Wagnertew@frontier.com | Phone: (304) 573-3978
CAPE MAY COUNTY SKATEPARK – OCEAN CITY, NEW JERSEY (2015)
Client Contact: Michael DeVlieger, City of Ocean City
Email: Mdevlieger@ocnj.us | Phone: (609) 231-8987
COLTON SKATEPARK – COLTON, CALIFORNIA (2013)
Client Contact: Bill Smith, City Manager
Email: Bsmith@ci.colton.ca.us | Phone: (909) 777-3351
SPOHN RANCH, INC. CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“The McBride Skatepark in Long Beach, California is an excellent street-plaza design, with just enough transitions to make
it well-rounded. It has something for all skill levels, and is exactly the type of project, area, and advocacy that we want to
get involved with. It should be an example for other communities to follow.”
- Tony Hawk, Professional Skateboarder & Founder of Tony Hawk Foundation
“In addition to being a pro skater for over 20 years, I am the creative director for the Dew Tour. The Dew Tour needed a
professional class competition bowl that would showcase the best of modern vert and transition skateboarding. The
team at Spohn Ranch was able to take my ideas and deliver a finished product that was not only the world’s first portable
bowl, but one of the best pieces of skate-able terrain ever built.”
- Chris Miller, Professional Skateboarder
“From the initial group meeting with the local skaters, through conceptual/final design and construction, Spohn Ranch
brought their "A" game. Spohn Ranch's knowledge and experience in the design and construction of skatepark is beyond
words. I do not hesitate in recommending Spohn Ranch to design and construct your skatepark. Spohn Ranch's attitude
and passion in skateparks is so contagious that it makes everyone love the sport of skateboarding.”
- Edward Balderrama, City of Alamogordo
“Trinity Works and the Boy Scouts of America selected Spohn Ranch for the Summit Bechtel Reserve because we expected
that we would need the full attention of the best team in the industry to design and build the world’s largest skateboard
and BMX facility. After an exhaustive search of the world’s top action sports companies, your firm was a clear choice due
to unique capabilities, experience and personal involvement of the owners.
Throughout the three years of work on the project, Spohn was consistently attentive, dedicated and professional. Beyond
the fact that you designed an incredible facility and completed construction in the most harsh conditions possible (on the
side of mountain, in the middle of winter, battered by two 100-year storms), Aaron Spohn and his team exceeded our
EXPERIENCE
20+ YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL & PROGRESSIVE SKATEPARK DESIGN/BUILD
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expectations in every regard by always personally answering our calls, working long hours, and doing whatever it took
to get the work done and get it done well.
Given the tight timeline that we were under during the course of this project, it was extremely impressive to be involved
with a firm that not only understood the importance and scope of the work that needed to be performed in this space,
but was also able to overcome so many obstacles with innovative and cost-efficient solutions. You demonstrated
patience and superior communication skills with the many stakeholders involved. Truly, you did the impossible when
you completed twenty-one different courses for full use at the Jamboree this summer. I can't wait to see what you do
next and enthusiastically recommend Spohn Ranch for any action sports project.”
- Tom Wagner, Trinity Works, Inc.
“Spohn Ranch demonstrated again and again a passion for skating, a willingness to work with multiple players, follow
agency protocol and a commitment to make this BIG project run smoothly. I can say wholeheartedly we are
overwhelming pleased with the results and would recommend Spohn Ranch with no reservations.”
- Angela Chambers, Board of Child Care
“Having the opportunity to work with Spohn Ranch was truly a dream relationship. From day one, we talked about a
vision of a grand skatepark that would be considered one of the premier facilities in North Central Florida and every which
way beyond. A class facility that would cater to young and old, boys and girls and beginners to the highly skilled. A venue
that could hold events and tournaments for all the community to enjoy, as well as for those from out of town.
With the excitement, dedication and love shown by Spohn Ranch, it’s no wonder the facility turned out to be a gorgeous
skatepark. Night and day your team worked to make the City’s dream skatepark a reality. As we’ve all heard time and
time again, the proof is in the pudding. It’s by far the most amazing skatepark we could have possibly wished for.”
- Patrick Byrne, City of Gainesville
SPOHN RANCH, INC. AWARDS & RECOGNITION
NEW JERSEY RECREATION AND PARKS ASSOCIATION
Award for Excellence in Design, 2013 (Holland Park Skate
Plaza – Elizabeth, NJ)
IOWA READY MIXED CONCRETE ASSOCIATION
Excellence in Concrete Award, 2012 (Oskaloosa Skatepark –
Oskaloosa, IA)
NEW JERSEY SOCIETY OF MUNICIPAL ENGINEERS
Municipal Project of the year, 2013 (Dealy Field Skatepark –
Sea Isle City, NJ)
AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION – KENTUCKY
CHAPTER
Project of the year, 2014 (Chautauqua Park Skatepark –
Owensboro, KY)
LOUISIANA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION
2014 Community Development Award, 2014 (Fireman’s
Skate & Bike Park – Houma, LA)
CITY OF SPARTANBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA
Award for Excellence in Design, 2010 (Hot Spot Skatepark)
CALIFORNIA PARK AND RECREATION SOCIETY
Award of Excellence for Recreation/ Community Services,
2009 (Fontana, CA)
WORLD OF CONCRETE
Finalist for “Crews that Rock” Award, 2011 & 2013 (Dew
Tour Bowl & BSA Summit)
SKATEPARK ASSOCIATION OF USA
Award for Design and Manufacturing Excellence, 2004
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS/URBAN
LAND INSTITUTE
Award for Excellence Nominee, 2010 (Daybreak Skatepark
– South Jordan, UT)
HUCK MAGAZINE
“The Future of Skatepark Design”, 2008 (Daybreak
Skatepark – South Jordan, UT)
INC. MAGAZINE
Honoree of Nation’s 5,000 Fastest Growing Private
Companies, 2009-2013
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DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
SPOHN RANCH
ACTION SPORTS TERRAIN DESIGNER
AARON SPOHN
PROJECT MANAGER
CHARLIE WILKINS
DESIGNER & DRAFTSMAN
KIRSTEN DERMER
ADMINISTRATIVE
HERMANN DESIGN GROUP
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
McAULIFFE & COMPANY
ARCHITECT
ENGINEERING SUB-CONSULTANTS
B.G. STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
THE ALTUM GROUP
CIVIL ENGINEER
EQUITY SPEC
MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
PETRA GEOSCIENCES
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER
THE PINYON GROUP
DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
CONSTRUCTION
DOUG WALL CONSTRUCTION
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION
& CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
SPOHN RANCH
ACTION SPORTS TERRAIN BUILDER
MARK BRADFORD
SITE SUPERINTENDENT
SPOHN RANCH FIELD CREW
EQUIPMENT OPERATORS, CARPENTERS,
SHOTCRETE NOZZLEMEN, CONCRETE
FINISHERS, IRON WORKERS, ETC.
OPERATION
ACTION PARK ALLIANCE
MARK LAUE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
TORI RAMBERG
ADMINISTRATIVE
TEAM OVERVIEW
& ORGANIZATION
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SPOHN RANCH, INC. – ACTION SPORTS TERRAIN DESIGNER & BUILDER
Aaron Spohn – Spohn Ranch President & Founder
Role: Project Vision & Management
Experience: 40+ years skateboarding, 20+ years in skatepark industry
Aaron is the embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit. When he used a carpentry background to start Spohn Ranch in the
early ‘90’s, he had no back-up plan – he put everything he had behind his passion for action sports. That passion
culminated in a backyard half-pipe that not only gave birth to a community, but eventually an award-winning skatepark
design/build firm. After Aaron helped launch skateparks into the mainstream when he partnered with ESPN to develop
the X-Games, Spohn Ranch’s backyard roots spread globally in the form of hundreds of cutting-edge creations.
From permanent skateable landscapes to innovative installations for high-profile events, Aaron and Spohn Ranch have
played an invaluable role in the exponential growth and development of action sports. Hailed by insiders as a pioneer of
the modern municipal skatepark, Aaron has also spent considerable effort promoting the industry as a whole and sharing
his extensive knowledge.
Featured expert on Spike TV’s “Playbook 360” dedicated to skatepark design/construction (2014)
Consultant for Atlanta Olympics tribute to action sports (1996)
Educational speaker at Global Skateboarding Summit in Istanbul, Turkey (2015)
Educational speaker at ASLA, NRPA & various State Park/Rec Conferences (2000-present)
Founding member of ASTM sub-committee that established skatepark safety guidelines (2002-2006)
The heart of Spohn Ranch for over 20 years, Aaron will be our team’s primary visionary and project manager. He will be
the main point of contact for City staff and our A/E team, shepherding the project through pre-construction stages,
coordinating work and delegating tasks to Spohn Ranch’s deep roster of support staff.
Charlie Wilkins – Spohn Ranch Skatepark Designer
Role: Lead Designer & Draftsman for action sports terrain
Experience: 15+ years as professional skateboarder, 10+ years in skatepark design and construction
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Charlie became a professional skateboarder in 1996 and helped pioneer the Boston
skateboarding scene. While he gained fame with magazine photo spreads and video parts, his passion for Mass
skateboarding transcended way beyond flip tricks and grinds – he spent considerable effort organizing events,
participating in the design and construction of municipal skatepark projects and he was a regular instructor at the Rye
Airfield indoor skateboarding camp.
After making the transition to the West Coast in 2011, Charlie connected with Spohn Ranch through our event work for
the Mountain Dew Tour. He had honed his AutoCAD skills as Alli Sports & NBC’s lead designer since the Dew Tour’s
inception in 2005 – a role in which he designed dozens of world-class event courses for our industry’s premiere athletes.
Charlie’s CAD expertise and ability to work with tight spaces and timelines made him a perfect fit for Spohn Ranch and
he’s since enjoyed a seamless transition into our design department.
In addition to a full-time position as one of Spohn Ranch’s lead designers, Charlie continues a 15+ year career as a highly-
respected professional skateboarder. Charlie also maintains a well-rounded perspective as head judge for World Cup
Skateboarding – one of our industry’s sanctioning bodies for professional competitions.
PERSONNEL
LOCAL RESOURCES & WORLD-CLASS ACTION SPORTS SPECIALISTS
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Mark Bradford – Spohn Ranch COO & Co-Owner
Role: Construction Superintendent for action sports terrain
Experience: 20+ years in skatepark industry, ACI-certified shotcrete nozzleman
In the fields of municipal skatepark and professional action sports competition construction, Mark Bradford is the
most respected and in-demand construction foreman. He has spent his life eating and breathing the world of
specialty construction for wheeled sports, developing an unparalleled breadth of experience. As the primary leader
of all of Spohn Ranch’s major builds, Mark is often on the road over 250 days per year – flying from critical shotcrete
placement to Mountain Dew Tour arena set-up to supervising coping fabrication at Spohn Ranch’s shop. He is
Spohn Ranch’s Superman.
Certified by the American Concrete Institute and American Shotcrete Association, Mark has completed projects in
11 countries, including Japan, Brazil and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. As Co-Owner of Spohn Ranch, Mark has the
authority and responsibility to make sure that every park is perfect. He calls the shots and holds both sub-
contractors and Spohn Ranch’s veteran crew to his industry-defining standards.
As the site information and user input begin to roll in, we waste no time in looping Mark into design discussions. By
tapping into Mark’s years of in-the-field expertise early on in the process, we foster a holistic approach and set the
stage for a unified and seamless transition from design to construction.
Kirsten Dermer – Spohn Ranch CEO/CFO
Role: Administrative
Experience: 20+ years in skatepark industry, 2-time President of Los Angeles Chapter of Entrepreneurs Organization
Kirsten is Southern California born and raised. While attending Venice High in the early ‘90s she and her brother
Mark befriended their new neighbor Aaron Spohn, joining him in his relentless pursuit of skating and building ramps
at his house. It wasn’t long before that house transformed into a community dubbed “Spohn Ranch”. And with
innate ambition and drive, it wasn’t long before Kirsten transformed from one of Aaron’s first employees into the
CEO/CFO that would help Spohn Ranch evolve from a small family business into an award-winning, nation-wide
design/build firm. The counterweight to Aaron’s free-spirit, Kirsten steered the ship through good times and bad,
always keeping the company on course for success.
Intimately involved in the action sports industry for 20+ years, the breadth of Kirsten’s experience is vast. In addition
to earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from UCLA, she has developed expertise in every facet of
skatepark design, construction and operations – with a focus on executing all financial, contractual and insurance-
related matters.
Kirsten has also twice served as President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organization, an
internationally renowned association of successful business owners. Through this affiliation, she is able to interact
with many of the world’s top minds on a regular basis, leveraging this knowledge of business best practices to every
project Spohn Ranch undertakes.
Kirsten is truly the glue that holds the company together. While under her leadership, Spohn Ranch has earned a
number of awards and industry recognition, including being named to Inc. Magazine’s list of 5,000 fastest-growing
private companies 5 years in a row – climbing the ranks every year.
For this project, Kirsten will oversee all financial, legal and administrative matters, ensuring our design/build team is
freed up to do what they do best. This includes review and execution of contracts, insurance certificates, cash-flow
management, payroll, invoicing and sub-contractor documentation.
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HERMANN DESIGN GROUP – LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Hermann Design Group, Inc. (dba Hermann & Associates) was founded in 1995 in Palm Desert, California. Their founding
philosophy was to create a firm by which they are able to select projects that are unique and allow for Mr. Hermann to
lead the design process and build relationships with clients that will last for a lifetime. They evaluate the unique needs
and desires of their clients through creative thinking, and they provide the right solutions for individual projects. In the
desert environment, design solutions have to consider the sustainability of the environment that they value so much.
They have extensive experience designing projects that are LEED certified and include sustainable practices. Their team
has worked on projects for a number of public agencies including CVAG, CVEP, County of Riverside, and most of the Cities
in the Coachella Valley. They have thorough knowledge of the approval process required by these agencies as well as
CVWD and Riverside County Agricultural Commission.
Hermann Design Group was also recently awarded the contract for on-call services with the City of La Quinta, an honor
that culminates their long-term relationship with the City.
Chris Hermann – Principal-in-Charge, California Landscape Architect (#2754)
McAULIFFE & COMPANY – ARCHITECT
McAuliffe & Company, Inc. is a full service architecture firm located in Palm Desert, California founded by its President,
Michael T. McAuliffe, AIA. McAuliffe & Company has been serving its clients since 2006. They specialize in professional
services from pre-design through construction administration for municipal, commercial, tribal, and private clients in the
inland and desert communities of Southern California. Their professional experience includes civic, commercial, retail,
mixed-use, hospitality, tenant improvement, and custom residential projects.
McAuliffe & Company has cultivated a collaborative, program-based working relationship with their clients to jointly
establish a firm definition of their project and project parameters. They endeavor to assist their clients with
understanding, clarifying and documenting their project goals and vision before they begin design work. They believe
knowing ‘what’ to design is far better served when the “why” behind it and ‘how’ it is to be achieved are firmly
understood. McAuliffe & Company has a strong history of repeat clients and personal referrals, attesting to the client’s
experience, their design approach and the quality of their built work.
Michael T. McAuliffe – President, State of California Registered Architect (C 27929)
Milo Rivera – Architectural Associate
THE PINYON GROUP – DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
The Pinyon Group is a full-service real estate investment and advisory firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California. They
excel at untangling and delivering complex urban projects through their coordinated interdisciplinary approach to
problem solving and strategy development. Their Advisory and Consulting business provides sophisticated and reliable
“on-demand” capacity to the planning, land-use, development, financing, and management activities of both institutional
and non-institutional real estate investors, as well as non-profit and government agencies.
Since the firm’s founding in 2010, Pinyon has advised clients on the acquisition, entitlement, development, and/or
disposition of over $500 million of urban and infill real estate consisting of roughly two million square feet on over 100
acres of urban and infill land.
Robert T. DeForest – Founder & Managing Principal, Master of Arts in Urban Planning from UCLA
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THE ALTUM GROUP – CIVIL ENGINEER
The Altum Group is a multi-discipline consulting firm located in the Coachella Valley in Riverside County. Their
professionals have developed refined skills providing public and private clients with consulting services in support of
city general plans, annexations, environmental analysis, CEQA, NEPA, TEPA, zoning, growth management,
infrastructure management, civil engineering design of public infrastructure and private development (including
residential, commercial, industrial, and resort/golf design), institutional design, energy projects (wind, solar, etc.),
parks and recreational planning, and subdivision design. Their professionals’ presence in the Inland Empire and
desert communities of Southern California extends back to 1972.
Michael A. Peroni – President, Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning from CalPoly Pomona
Doug Franklin – Vice President, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from CalPoly Pomona
B.G. STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING – STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
B. G. Structural Engineering, Inc., was established in 1981 in the Coachella Valley. Offices are currently located in Palm
Desert, California and Costa Mesa, California. The firm has two licensed civil engineers, two staff engineers and one
licensed structural engineer, specializing in structural design, and three structural draftsmen. B. G. Structural Engineering
provides structural engineering services for projects in the $100 thousand to the $35 million dollar range.
The firm’s principal, Brian Gottlieb, has 30 years of experience in structural engineering and is a licensed civil engineer in
California and Nevada. He will be the design engineer and principal participant through construction.
EQUITY SPEC – MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
EquitySpec Consulting Engineers is a full service firm which offers mechanical, electrical, and energy engineering services
for commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential projects. EquitySpec has designed over 300 projects in over 50
cities and local jurisdictions in Southern California, as well as projects requiring design and permitting and/or certification
by various regulatory agencies including USGBC/LEED, DPH, DSA and OSHPD. EquitySpec was founded in 1988 by David A.
Celmer. Mr. Celmer remains the principal and is the Director of Engineering.
La Quinta City Hall – central mechanical system upgrade
La Quinta Museum – mechanical systems upgrade
La Quinta Senior Center – mechanical systems upgrade
PETRA GEOSCIENCES – GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER
Petra is a geotechnical engineering and environmental consulting firm founded in 1975 as Earth Research Associates, and
incorporated in 1988 as Petra. Our workforce consists of an interdisciplinary group of professionals including licensed
engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, hydrogeologists, technicians, and administrative support staff.
Their experience comprises 28 years of performing and managing geotechnical and environmental investigations for
proposed development of parks, roads, pipelines and tunnels, landfill improvements and residential/industrial projects.
These investigations addressed the potential effects of adverse geologic conditions (active faulting, landslides, slope
stability, suitability of fill/foundation materials, depth to bedrock and groundwater). They also performed geotechnical
construction management of large earthwork projects involving several million cubic yards of compacted fills.
Alan Pace – Senior Associate Geologist
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DOUG WALL CONSTRUCTION – GENERAL CONSTRUCTION & CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT
As one of Riverside Counties’ leading construction, project and construction management firms, DWC has provided
millions of dollars of construction services since its inception in 1993. Their services span numerous industries,
including public works, education, hospitality, and healthcare projects.
Headquartered locally in Bermuda Dunes, their public facilities experience includes city halls, community centers,
libraries, fitness centers, fire stations, museums, and corporate yards.
They have had a major role in managing programs and projects from inception to completion. Through each phase
of planning, design, construction and start-up, they continuously focus on achieving their client’s goals for cost,
schedule and quality. Their ability to listen, plan, execute and attention to detail is what has allowed them to come
within budget or under budget, saving their clients money at the end of the project. They take great pride in being
capable of exceeding their client’s expectations and develop long standing relationships involving multiple repeat
projects.
DWC offers professional construction management and general construction services on both public and private
sector projects. Their highly-diversified professionals are experienced providing agency construction management,
multiple prime delivery, construction management at-risk, and design-build services. Our techniques combined
with a builder approach adds value to every project as it enables the team to manage budgets, drive schedules, and
ensure the quality of the built product, while maintaining strong relationships with project team members.
Jessie Frescas Jr. – Construction Manager
ACTION PARK ALLIANCE – FACILITY OPERATION, PROGRAMMING & INSURANCE
As Executive Director, Mark Laue oversees the day-to-day operations and serves as the public face of the Action
Park Alliance – the nation’s first and only skatepark management company. The APA currently operates four
skateparks and five retail stores in Texas, California and Washington.
By engaging in unique public-private partnerships with municipalities, the APA serves over one million action sports
athletes each year – conducting skate camps, individual lessons and hosting contests such as the WCMX World
Championships.
A respected leader in the action sports industry for over 17 years, Mark has developed a broad range of connections
across skateboarding and BMX that enable him to create world-class events and engaging programming for APA
skatepark users.
Prior to his pioneering work with the APA, Mark operated the 30,000 SQ FT Real Ride Skatepark in Salt Lake City,
Utah and the 100,000 SQ FT Real Ride Skatepark in Lake Perris, California – the largest facility in the country at the
time. He also produced and hosted major televised action sports events including Tony Hawk’s Gigantic Skatepark
Tour, the ASA Pro Tour, the Dave Mirra Super Tour and the DK Pro Circuit. His most recent production is the D-Town
Throw Down – the premiere action sports event series in the State of Texas.
A fixture in the Coachella Valley action sports scene, Mark will also tap into longstanding relationships to help
achieve design consensus and rally community support for the project.
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PHASE 1 – DEVELOPMENT (ESTIMATED TIMELINE: 4-12 MONTHS)
Task 1.1 Project Kick-Off Meeting – Key staff from the City and Spohn Ranch’s team will be introduced to one another via
an in-person meeting. We will conduct a site tour, review the project goals and refine the scope of work and schedule.
We will compile and distribute a contact sheet with contact information for all persons from Spohn Ranch’s team and the
City who will be involved with the project.
We’ll also launch an online portal for the project accessible by project team members and City staff. The online site will
provide a server for all project files, as well as have a project schedule tracking progress and identifying key milestones -
ensuring everyone is on the same page and has access to the same information.
Task 1.2 Entitlement – Spohn Ranch will collaborate with the City, County/State agencies and our development
consultant, The Pinyon Group, to facilitate entitlement of the land for the purpose of developing a state-of-the-art action
sports facility. The specific requirements and applications will be refined as we move through the process, but are likely to
include zoning, variances, permits, air quality analysis, noise analysis, traffic study, cultural resources study, biological
resources study, CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act), EIR (Environmental Impact Report), etc.
The process will be broken down into the following phases:
1.2a – Due Diligence Process
1.2b – Pre-Entitlement Process
1.2c – Entitlement Process
Task 1.3 Commission Site Studies – During the kick-off meeting, Spohn Ranch and City staff will take stock of existing site
data, studies and any other information pertinent to the project and project site.
Spohn Ranch will tap into our team of local sub-consultants to commission additional site studies vital to both the
entitlement and design processes.
Site survey in AutoCAD format indicating spot elevations, topography, benchmark and/or control point locations,
drain inlets and their invert elevations, location of existing structures/features such as trees, asphalt/concrete
pathways, walls, curbs, light poles, sign posts, fire hydrants, manhole covers, fences, gates, irrigation system
components, visible utilities, known buried utilities, known easements, etc.
Geotechnical investigation analyzing sub-surface conditions. Report will discuss water table depth, soil
composition and provide recommendations for site preparation, drainage, and concrete construction.
We hold a strong belief that a thorough analysis of the site conditions at the beginning of the project is vital to a
successful end result. Developing an in-depth understanding of our canvas ensures responsible design work and helps us
avoid surprises down the road that cost both time and money.
Task 1.4 Launch Website & Social Media Channels – Spohn Ranch will purchase an online domain for the project, build
out the website and create associated social media channels. A robust online presence will not help the community stay
up-to-date with the project, it will also prove valuable during the public input process where traditional in-person
meetings can be intimidating for youth and difficult for busy adults to attend.
PROJECT APPROACH
CORNERS ARE MEANT TO BE CARVED, NOT CUT
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PHASE 2 – SCHEMATIC DESIGN & DESIGN DEVELOPMENT (ESTIMATED TIMELINE: 3 MONTHS)
Task 2.1 Public Design Workshop #1 – Spohn Ranch will host a public meeting to give a “Skateparks 101” presentation
and gather preliminary input from the community. After years of educational lectures at parks and recreation
conferences, Spohn Ranch’s staff have become experts in public speaking and know how to connect with an audience –
whether it’s a young skateboarder or an elderly community member with NIMBY concerns.
The first meeting will be structured as follows:
Project Introduction
Spohn Ranch Background
Skatepark Evolution & Typology
Analysis of Regional Skateparks (Pros/Cons)
Community Input
o Surveys
o Feature/terrain ranking
o Small group sketching & 3D model exploration
Task 2.2 Schematic Design – Incorporating feedback from the first workshop (and Facebook page), Spohn Ranch will
prepare three alternate schematic designs. The schematic designs will address sections of terrain, circulation, access and
identify rough elevations, but not detail the dimensions of every single obstacle.
Task 2.3 Public Design Workshop #2 – Spohn Ranch will return to La Quinta to present the alternate schematic designs
and solicit feedback. The presentation will begin with a video fly-through that navigates through the designs and
highlights the various features. Spohn Ranch will narrate the video explaining the terrain and what factors influenced the
designs. The designs will also be showcased on 24” x 36” poster boards with high-end 3D renderings and
labeled/dimensioned drawings. The second workshop will follow a more organic, free-flowing format, with Spohn Ranch
leading a discussion about the schematic designs and seeking input from the skateboarding community. 2D line drawings
of the designs will be available for participants to sketch out suggested revisions.
Prior to the public workshop, the Spohn Ranch design team will attend a closed meeting with City staff to discuss the
designs and present a detailed construction cost estimate highlighting opportunities for in-kind material/service
donations from community.
The alternate schematic designs will also be posted to the website and Facebook group following the meeting for review
by stakeholders unable to attend the workshop.
Task 2.4 Design Development – The Spohn Ranch team will incorporate feedback from the second design workshop and
Facebook group in order to finalize design development. With access, elevations and circulation established, this step will
allow us to begin focusing on some of the finer details of the preferred schematic design - such as color pallets and the
exact dimensions of specific obstacles.
PHASE 3 – CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS (ESTIMATED TIMELINE: 2-3 MONTHS)
Task 3.1 60% Construction Documents – The Spohn Ranch team will prepare a 60% Construction Documents submittal –
beginning to detail the complete build out of the action sports facility. 60% submittal will include the following:
Title Sheet
3D Perspective
Demolition Plan
Erosion & Sediment Control Plan
Improvement Plan
Materials Plan
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Color Plan
Layout Plan
Jointing Plan
Grading & Drainage Plan
Landscaping Plan
Irrigation Plan
Lighting Plan
Horizontal Control Plan
Architectural Plans – Interior, Exterior, etc.
Sections
Details
Specifications
Construction Cost Estimate
Task 3.2 60% Construction Documents Review – City staff and various County/State agencies will review the 60%
Construction Documents submittal and prepare redline comments. Spohn Ranch’s design team and City staff will discuss
via teleconference or in-person meeting the redline comments and identify actions needed to address the comments.
Task 3.3 90% Construction Documents – The Spohn Ranch team will incorporate feedback from the 60% review meeting
and prepare a 90% Construction Documents submittal. 90% submittal will include the following:
Plans
Specifications
Construction Cost Estimate
Task 3.4 90% Construction Documents Review – City staff and various County/State will review the 90% Construction
Documents submittal and prepare redline comments. Spohn Ranch’s design team and City staff will discuss via
teleconference or in-person meeting the redline comments and identify actions needed to address the comments.
Task 3.5 100% Construction Documents – The Spohn Ranch team will incorporate feedback from the 90% review
meeting and prepare a 100% Construction Documents submittal. 100% submittal will include the following and be
delivered via compact disc and hard-copy 24x36 prints:
Plans (stamped/signed by CA-licensed engineer)
Specifications
Construction Cost Estimate
PHASE-4 – CONSTRUCTION (ESTIMATED TIMELINE: 6-10 MONTHS)
Task 4.1 Pre-Construction Kick Off Meeting – Spohn Ranch’s construction team, including Spohn Ranch COO Mark
Bradford and sub-contractor Doug Wall Construction, will meet with City staff on-site to provide an overview of the
process and discuss any outstanding opportunities/constraints prior to starting construction.
Prior to beginning construction, we will submit a detailed construction schedule, as well as our proposed Quality Control
(QC) Master Plan for all testing of materials and compaction during the build. We will also notify utility companies of on-
site work getting underway.
During the build, there will be daily communication between Mark and the project manager, Aaron Spohn. They will
resolve any problem areas and review the project schedule and budget. Mark will also lead weekly on-site meetings with
City staff to provide an update on construction progress.
Task 4.2 Site Preparation – Spohn Ranch and Doug Wall Construction will prepare the site for construction, with the first
step being the establishment of a safe and organized job site. This includes installing construction fencing, sediment
control fencing, establishing an entrance for vehicles and heavy equipment and coordinating temporary amenities like
restrooms, dumpster, etc.
With the construction footprint established, Spohn Ranch and Doug Wall Construction will lead the team clearing the site,
installing drainage and grading the terrain.
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Task 4.3 Forming, Rebar & Steel Edging/Coping for Action Sports Terrain – With the earthwork substantially complete,
Mark will lead the Spohn Ranch team in preparing the action sports elements/terrain for concrete. Spohn Ranch is the
only skatepark builder that uses state-of-the-art CNC technology to cut all screeds and framing lumber, ensuring the exact
radii, angles and dimensions as specified in the construction drawings.
Task 4.4 Place Shotcrete & Concrete for Action Sports Terrain – Mark Bradford, an ACI-certified shotcrete nozzleman,
will lead the Spohn Ranch team in shooting and placing concrete for the action sports elements/terrain. A concrete mix
design will be refined as we develop a better understanding of the site’s soil conditions and collaborate with a local plant.
Task 4.5 Building, Parking Lot & Road Construction – While Mark and Spohn Ranch’s action sports specialists are
progressing the skate and BMX components, Doug Wall Construction will simultaneously be executing construction of
non-specialty improvements such as the retail store, restroom, parking lot and access roads.
Task 4.6 Landscaping & Site Amenities – With construction of the action sports components and surrounding
infrastructure substantially complete, Doug Wall Construction and additional local contractors will complete the finishing
touches including landscaping and site amenities such as lighting fixtures, shade sails and fencing.
Task 4.7 Construction Closeout – Upon completion of construction, Spohn Ranch will present the City with warranty
documentation, as-built drawings, an owner’s manual and an acceptance letter to complete the construction closeout.
Mark will also lead an educational training session with the City and our operations partner, the Action Park Alliance –
discussing inspection schedules and maintenance routines.
Spohn Ranch offers a 2-year materials and workmanship warranty for cast-in-place concrete and 15-year warranty for
pre-cast concrete elements. The warranty is effective upon the date of substantial completion or first use by Client.
PHASE-5 – OPERATIONS (ESTIMATED TIMELINE: ONGOING)
Task 5.1 Local Hiring & Training – With construction complete, Spohn Ranch will begin transitioning the project to our
operations partner – Mark Laue and the Action Park Alliance. A key first step for Mark will be hiring and training local
staff, many of whom will be respected leaders within the Coachella Valley skate/BMX scene.
Task 5.2 Grand Opening Celebration – Spohn Ranch and the APA will both tap into longstanding connections within the
professional skateboarding industry to create an unforgettable grand opening celebration.
Skatepark demonstration by professional skateboarders
Autograph signing and photo session
Skateboarding instruction and tips for beginner skateboarders
“Product Toss” – giveaway of skateboarding equipment and apparel for the community such as helmets, decks,
trucks, wheels, shirts, hats, etc.
Task 5.3 Ongoing Operations – The Action Park Alliance will be actively involved in the project throughout the planning
process to ensure the facility is optimally designed for operations. This includes a focus on access points to the facility,
lines of sight from the pro shop to all areas of the park for ease of monitoring and responding to any potential injuries.
APA will then be contracted to professionally manage the park, with a focus on programming and developing youth within
the community. Management includes full-time staff to monitor all activities in the park, real-time tracking of all park
users including attendance history and waivers, tracking and dealing with all injuries, safety gear rentals, retail operations
at the pro shop, liability insurance to cover all operations, and a robust calendar of special events throughout the year.
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CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
20+ YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL & PROGRESSIVE SKATEPARK DESIGN
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XPARK - LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIAS
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SHEET TITLE
The use of these plans shall be restricted
to the original site for which they were
prepared, and publication thereof is limited
to such use. Reproduction, publication or
reuse of these plans or concepts by any
method, in whole or part, without express
written consent from Spohn Ranch, Inc. is
prohibited. Title to these plans and
concepts belongs to Spohn Ranch, Inc.
without prejudice. Visual contact with or
any other use of the planset shall
constitute acceptance of these restrictions.
&RS\ULJKW6SRKQ5DQFK,QF
PROJECT TITLE
DESIGN. BUILD. COME TOGETHER.
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6824 S. CENTINELA AVE - LOS ANGELES, CA 90230
OFFICE (626) 330-5803 ~ FAX (626) 330-5503CONCEPT DESIGN 1.4.16
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