Our Story

Adam’s journey began in 1999, when he moved from Sweden to Portland, Oregon. It was there he discovered Burnside Skatepark, a legendary DIY project built by skateboarders, for skateboarders. Burnside became the birthplace of modern skatepark building, inspiring Adam to pick up both a skateboard and a trowel.

Growing up around the early pioneers who went on to found Dreamland and Grindline Skateparks, Adam learned the craft of concrete skatepark construction from the ground up. From the age of 13 to 24, he skated and volunteered at projects all along the U.S. West Coast, including Washington Street Skatepark in San Diego.

His travels and work later took him across Europe and Australia, contributing to projects such as Enghave Plads and Hullet DIY in Copenhagen, and major parks throughout Queensland, New South Wales, and Tasmania with Convic and Concrete Skateparks.

In 2016, Adam joined Betongpark in Norway, where he spent almost eight years helping to build over 50 skateparks nationwide. During this time, he refined his skills in environmental management, construction leadership, and sustainable material use.
In 2023, after collaborating with Collective Concrete, founded by one of the original Burnside builders, Adam decided to establish his own company: Northland Skateparks AS.

At Northland Skateparks, we place great emphasis on environmental responsibility and sustainability in every aspect of our work. Our approach to building concrete skateparks is guided by conscious choices that reduce environmental impact while ensuring long-lasting quality and functionality.

Every member of our team shares an awareness of sustainability and environmental care. We aim for each project to stand not only as a place for physical activity but also as an example of modern, sustainable design and construction.

Adam holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Conservation, an interdisciplinary education focused on sustainable resource management, environmental protection, and climate considerations across both private and public sectors.
His studies provided deep insight into ecological principles, environmental law, natural resource management, and practical environmental leadership.

As part of his training, Adam worked extensively with the ISO 14000 series, international standards for environmental management, gaining expertise in how organizations can use ISO 14001 to establish and continuously improve Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
This includes experience with environmental aspect analysis, risk assessment, legal compliance, and developing measures to reduce environmental impact.

“Through theory and practice, I’ve developed a strong understanding of how environmental management can be integrated into everyday operations, creating both environmental and economic benefits.”
— Adam Watson, Founder

With a foundation built on craftsmanship, sustainability, and a lifelong connection to skate culture, Northland Skateparks AS continues to create spaces that inspire communities, celebrate creativity, and stand the test of time. In 2023, after working with Collective Concrete, led by Sage Bolyard, one of the original Burnside founders, Adam decided it was time to start his own company. Combining two decades of international experience with deep community roots, Northland Skateparks AS was founded.