HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated August 13, 2002 ITEM # �I
DATE: Auqust 13, 2002
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: Skate Park — Addition to the Municipal Code: Chapter 19, Park
Regulations
BACKGROUND: The Skate Park was designed specifically for skateboard and inline
skaters and the attached rules were developed with participant safety in mind. This facility
was not designed to accommodate bikes, scooters, etc. It would be unsafe for their use
and bikes/scooters will damage the concrete coping, rendering the facility unusable to
skateboard and inline skaters. The dirt bike course located on South 16th Street is a viable
option for bikes and should continue to adequately accommodate their sport.
To assure a safe and long-term quality skating surface staff recommends an addition to
the Park Regulations section, Chapter 19 of the City's Municipal Code to state that only
skateboards and inline skates are allowed to use the Skate Park. Parks and Recreation
staff will make special efforts through the newsletter that is disseminated monthly through
the School District to inform children as to "why" bikes/scooters, etc are not allowed. The
Police Department will also use discretion in writing tickets if it appears a child was
unaware or unable to read the facility rules that are posted at the Skate Park.
The Skate Park is anticipated to open in late August. The rules were developed through
extensive research of other Skate Park facilities and through conversations with the
architectural firm that designed the facility and the City's Risk Manager and Attorney. Staff
has also met with local skateboard enthusiasts and received input and support for these
rules. The Skate Park will not be fenced, nor supervised by City staff. It is being viewed
as other sport facility in the Park System such as basketball, tennis, and soccer.
Participants will drop in for use with no direct supervision from City officials. The Skate
Park will be open from daylight to dusk.
A ribbon cutting dedication ceremony and skating demonstration will occur next spring.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Waive the three required readings and immediately make an addition to Chapter 19 of
the Municipal Code stating that only skateboards and inline skates are allowed at the
Skate Park.
2. Do not waive the three required readings but add an ordinance to Chapter 19 of the
Municipal Code stating that only skateboards and inline skates are allowed at the
Skate Park.
3. Refer back to staff.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
As noted above, the Skate Park was designed for skateboard and inline skaters only— not
bikes, scooters, etc. Skateboard and inline skaters should not be negatively impacted by
another recreational activity— bike riding in particular—that the facility was never intended
to accommodate. Thankfully, we have an established dirt bike course that can adequately
accommodate that specific activity. Therefore, the City Manager recommends Alternative
#1.
COUNCIL ACTION:
SKATE PARK RULES
SAFETY INFORMATION
• Open from daylight to dusk
• For your safety, protective equipment is recommended — helmet, wrist
guards, elbow and knee pads.
• For skateboard and in-line skaters only.
• Bikes are not allowed (minimum of a$50 fine). The Skate Park was
designed to accommodate skateboards and inline skates only. It is not
safe for bicyclist and bikes will damage the facility.
• Skate within your ability level —the chart below rates
the difficulty of each component.
• When the skate surface is wet or icy it is dangerous
and you should not skate.
• Food and drink should be kept in the
spectator viewing area only.
• Alcohol and glass containers of any type
are prohibited from this site.
• Spectators, for your safety please remain
in the designated seating areas.
In the event of an emergency a free phone, to call 911, is located
in the parking lot of Brookside Park.
To report reckless skaters, unsafe facility conditions, or to inquire
about skating lessons please telephone Parks and Recreation at 239-5350.
Have a GREAT and SAFE skating experience!