One Ollie at a Time
The Chitchat sat down with Oliver from Skater Maps, the entrepreneur who set out to create the leading skatepark website in Australia and possibly even the world. Oliver chose to leave the miserable cold of Victoria and Communist Dan, and settle in the Sunshine State of QLD.
When Melbourne-born entrepreneur Oliver set out to build a database of every skatepark in Australia, it sounded like a far-fetched dream. But fast forward six to eight years, and his website —Skatermaps.com— has become the nation’s most comprehensive guide to skateparks, pump tracks, and BMX parks.
What makes it stand out isn’t just the scale of the project, but the experience. Using the 360-degree mapping skills he picked up while driving around contracting for Google Maps, Oliver wanted users to feel like they were actually standing in the park before rolling in. “Anyone can list skateparks,” he says, “but not everyone can show them like you’re there.”
From Side Hustle to National Directory
Originally, Oliver’s goal was simple: build a platform that could generate income from online ads and organic search traffic.
What began as a clever digital side project soon became an immense national mission. “I’ve personally visited about two-thirds of all the parks listed,” Oliver explains. “The rest come from users who upload photos and details themselves.” The result is a living, growing map of Australia’s skate scene — a mix of personal grit, community input, and digital know-how.
A Go-To Resource for Councils
Over the years, Skater Maps has become a trusted resource for local councils planning or upgrading skateparks. Oliver now consults regularly with councils across the country, helping them connect with builders and designers who understand what skaters actually want.
“There are roughly ten builders I recommend and about five designers who really know their stuff,” he says.
“Unfortunately, most new parks are too gnarly — they’re full of big ramps and complex bowls that scare off beginners. They cost millions to build, and half the time, they hardly get used.”
The Problem with Australia’s Skateparks
Oliver has strong views on the current direction of skatepark design.
“They keep tearing up perfectly good old parks to build new ones that don’t suit anyone,” he says.
“We should keep the old with the new — give riders of all levels a place to progress.”
He argues that councils have overcomplicated the process.
“There’s too much red tape, too much admin and compliance. It shouldn’t take years of paperwork to pour some concrete.” His solution? A systemised approach — like a project home builder, recycling proven designs to save money and get more parks built.
The Next Evolution
Now based in sunny Queensland (“the best state,” he laughs), Oliver’s next step is to partner with government asset managers — the people who drive long distances inspecting parks and public spaces. The idea is to have them update photos and details for Skater Maps while they’re already out on the road, keeping the database fresh and reliable. His platform already serves skaters, scooter riders, and BMXers across the country, and continues to grow as more users contribute.
Aussie Grit Meets Digital Ingenuity
From a small team of dedicated skate enthusiasts, Skater Maps has achieved what once seemed impossible: documenting and mapping nearly every skatepark in Australia. Oliver’s project embodies that classic Aussie mix of determination, innovation, and love of the outdoors — showing what’s possible when passion meets technology.
As Oliver puts it: “At the end of the day, we just want to make it easier for people to find a good place to ride — and to keep the skate culture alive.”
Skater Maps showcases the skateparks of the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast region.
So go check out the website at
https://skatermaps.com/.
Chitchat Newspaper. November 2025.