Testimonials
“It is with great pleasure that I recommend Spectrum Skateparks. Spectrum led us through the entire skatepark process efficiently, with integrity, professionalism and passion. I was confident that our project was deemed a priority & their efficiency and attention to detail proved this to be true. They went well above and beyond, and were a pleasure to deal with from design through to dealing with donations in-kind to construction completion. I highly recommend Spectrum to any community that is looking to build a skatepark.”
-Darren Patmore, Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture, North Grenville, ON
“Spectrum worked tirelessly and came through with a park that met everyone’s needs and expectations. The construction crew were highly skilled, dedicated and hard working. We always had confidence in the work. The amount of extra effort was very much appreciated. Brian Savard and the crew were a pleasure to work with and their passion for skateparks is clear. Jim Barnum’s professionalism, enthusiasm, construction expertise and overall project management skills made the project a huge success for everyone involved. We highly recommend Jim Barnum, Brian Savard and Spectrum Skateparks for design and construction of skateparks.”
-Amanda Ferraro – Manager of Recreation and Culture, Township of Uxbridge, ON
“Spectrum did a great job! They sure finished in a timely manner. The kids are extremely excited – it’s exactly what they wanted. Thanks for your hard work – this has been a great project.”
-Jay Granley – Director, Community Services, Town of Whitecourt, AB
“We have had comments about the design being world class and already it is attracting users from neighbouring communities. I highly recommend Spectrum to anyone contemplating building a skatepark.”
-Randy Wagner – Superintendent, City of Armstrong, BC
“Spectrum came up with a great design for the group. They were realistic dealing with the budget, changes, and had a positive attitude which really helped keep the club and kids motivated. The skaters love the park and say there is nothing that could make it better.”
Ted Riehl – Superintendent, Burns Lake, BC
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you. It was a pleasure working with your firm!”
Tom Kraft – Assistant Engineer, City of Cranbrook, BC
“I am humbled by your generosity, & your genuine interest & commitment to my community. Spectrum is a true ambassador of the sport. The workshop was extremely successful and local youth were empowered to express their collective spirits in taking ownership of the park that they helped to design. The project was completed on time and on budget. It is 14,000 square feet of pure workmanship, and it has become the gem of our recreational facilities in Westlock. The construction practices and technique undertaken by Spectrum were exceptional, the quality of the park has exceeded our expectations. At all times during the construction, the staff of Spectrum kept our people well informed as to the progress and details of the construction process. The project is a success due to the commitment and expertise of the Spectrum staff. We are extremely pleased and thankful that we selected Spectrum to design and construct our skatepark.”
Darrell Garceau – Manager, Town of Westlock, AB
“That’s one of the best parks ever….If Spectrum is in charge, we have confidence that you’ll end up with a high quality park.”
Tony Hawk, Pro Skater, 1st Skater to land “The 900” & Founder of the Tony Hawk Skatepark Foundation
“I was much impressed with how you facilitated the group and got them supercharged to move forward. Once again thanks for a great job, you truly love your work and it shows.”
John “Johnny Zee” Zandarin – Recreation Coordinator, Prince Edward County, ON
The instant success of the skatepark…can be mainly attributed to the input of Spectrum.”
Kyle Ripley – Park Development Coordinator, Calgary, AB
“In our opinion, the parks you are designing are amongst the best in existence. You have almost single handedly made Canada world famous for its skateparks. Congratulations for what you have done-& continue to do-for skaters & skateboarding.”
Chris Hildebrand & Mark Hubbard – Grindline Skateparks, WA, USA
“The design is top notch and the location is well thought out. I hope other cities will look to Bonsor when designing their skateparks. Congratulations in a job well done!”
Heidi Lemmon – Executive Director, SkatePark Association of the USA
“Spectrum was incredible. Jim went far beyond the call of duty for us on a regular basis. They designed us a cost-effective park that fits perfectly into the Lower Vancouver Island skate scene. Our local skaters love it.”
Brad Patterson –Youth Coordinator, Juan de Fuca Parks & Recreation, BC
“We found Spectrum to be very helpful and knowledgeable. Spectrum found time to not only guide us, but also took time to follow up on our progress with our local government, club members, and fundraising efforts. Once we were on a solid footing and understood the scope of the project, we contact several firms and scrutinized their proposals and found Spectrum to be our best option. The design, construction and engineering phases went extremely well. The Rotary Club of Huntsville is very happy with the expertise, the follow up and the overall result that Spectrum and their team have brought with them to give us the best skate park in Ontario.”
Jeff Carter – Co-Chair, Rotary Club Youth Park Committee, Huntsville, ON
“Staff at the Parkgate Community Centre and the community alike thoroughly enjoyed working with Spectrum on the design and development of the Parkgate Skatepark. Jim was really open to new ideas, and to hearing the needs of all skaters (beginner to pro). Our skatepark has been a tremendous asset to the community. Spectrum was awesome to work with!”
Arleta Beckett – Executive Director, Parkgate Community Centre, N. Vancouver, BC
“Jim is an absolutely incredible person and has been an inspiration to our skaters, in understanding their passion and helping them realize their dream. He dedicates as much attention to small projects like ours as to his bigger and higher profile ones. Our park could not have happened without the expertise, experience, flexibility, foresight and creativity of Jim & Brian’s honest, dedicated, reliable and highly professional design & construction services. The team delivered on time and on budget. The high workmanship is unquestionable and surpassed our expectations. It was a pleasure to work with all of them.”
Natalie St. Denis – Alexandria Skate Team Committee Chair,
“I would like to say thanks to you, Jim. You are keeping skating interesting, pushing boundaries and staying creative.”
Paul Machnau – Pro Skater
“As someone who has skated hundreds of skateparks, I find the Bonsor skatepark in Burnaby BC to be one of the most well rounded skateparks in the Pacific Northwest. Aside from the high quality design and finish work of the park itself, the location of the park is another large contributor to its success….a destination that appeals to the whole family.”
Brock McNally – Regional Director, Skaters for Public Skateparks, USA
“Thank you, Spectrum. Jim guided us through the design and construction of a great skatepark. Every time we called he had an answer. The encouragement we received to involve our youth has paid big dividends. What we like most about our park is that it caters to the kids from 5 years old and up, and yet the better boarders and pros who visit our park love the flow and speed of the park. What Jim did in Madoc was a catalyst for all the parks that are springing up everywhere in our area and most of them are having the Spectrum stamp on them. Jim has a passion for what he does and it helped us give the youth in Centre Hastings a park that they truly own.
Carman Donato – Centre Hastings Skatepark Committee Chair, Madoc, ON
“There are the companies that wish they were Spectrum, the companies that try to be Spectrum… & then there’s Spectrum. Spectrum’s complete package from introduction to completion was first rate & I would professionally go on record to state that it is one of the most rewarding projects I have been involved in. Spectrum offered any support needed. Any follow-up questions were answered. The project management was excellent….Beyond my wildest dreams. This is by far the best investment the City could have made; it’s packed all the time. The kids shovel out the park in the winter to ride it!! There’s been little or no deterioration, only regular maintenance if any at all. It is a destination park that complements the voice of all users. If you have the opportunity to work with Jim Barnum and his Spectrum Company…grab them and run!
Barry Reynard – Manager of Community Services, Kenora, ON
“It is with great pleasure that I write this letter to commend the team at Spectrum for their tremendous job on our new sk8park. Without their dedication to the project, & their support to me, it could not have been a success. Jim led me through the process with Professionalism, honesty & integrity. Although small on their scale of project sizes, I was confident that our project was deemed a priority & their efficiency proved this to be true. Myself, as well as other members of the community, contacted them on an almost daily basis, & their extensive patience & courtesy in dealing with us was exceptional. In future, I will gladly deal with Jim Barnum & Spectrum. Our sk8park has added a new richness to our community & has positively influenced a segment of our population that was often overlooked. I recommend Spectrum to anyone interested in constructing a sk8board park.”
Jennifer Coolen – Recreation Director, Village of New Minas, NS
“Our park is a fabulous success in every aspect; the aesthetics, functionality, design, quality of build and popularity with the skate community and community at large. Our project was on the smaller side, yet we received service as if we were their largest customer. These gentlemen and their team were reliable, responsive, flexible, creative and professional, from design through construction.”
-Bev Brooker – Chair: County of Brant Skatepark Facilities Committee, ON
Awards
British Columbia Achievement Foundation, 2014:
-Winner Applied Art and Design, Carter Wosk BC Creative Achievement Awards
Ready Mix Concrete Association of Ontario, 2013:
-Architectural Hardscape Award
International Olympic Committee/ International Association for Sports & Leisure Facilities (Germany), 2011:
-Bronze Sports Facility Award
Ready Mix Concrete Association of Ontario, 2010:
-Architectural Hardscape Award
Ready Mix Concrete Association of Ontario, 2009:
-Architectural Hardscape Award
Urban Design Awards, City of Brampton, ON, 2009:
-Best New Hardscape
Ready Mix Concrete Association of Ontario, 2008:
-Architectural Hardscape Award
Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, 2007:
-Excellence in Innovation
BC Ready Mix Concrete Association, 2007:
-Excellence in Concrete Construction: Special Applications, Artistic Merit
Skaters for Public Skateparks (USA), 2007:
-Terrain Diversity Award
North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, 2006:
-Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
BC Recreation and Parks Awards, 2006:
-Facility Excellence Award
Mayor’s Urban Design Awards, City of Calgary, 2006:
-Award of Excellence, Civic Design
SBC Skateboard Magazine, most recent Yearly Awards program:
-Skatepark Design/Build Team of the Year
SkatePark Association of the USA (SPAUSA), most recent Yearly Awards program:
-Quality of Design
-Quality of Construction
-5 Year Achievement
-Yearly Contribution
-Best Use of Public Land
Georgia Straight Skatepark Awards, most recent skatepark Yearly Awards program:
-Best International Showcase Park
-Best Bowls
-Best Night-Riding
-Best Sea-to-Sky Area Park
Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, 2003 Awards:
-National Honour Award, Professional Awards Program (CSLA’s highest level award)
Ontario Recreation Facilities Association, 2002
-Yearly Recognition Award
Transworld Skateboard Business Journal, (USA), 2002
-the only Canadian firm in the “Seven Most Innovative Builders of Concrete Skateparks in North America”
Seymour Community Services Society, North Vancouver, 2001
-Recognition of Excellence