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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/03/1994, C-5 - SKATEBOARD PROGRAM city or San ..AIS OBISpo Mmy SM91 COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT 'TE"'NUMBER _� From: John Dunn, CAO Prepared By: Paul LeSage, Parks & Recreation Director Subject: Skateboard Program RECOMMENDATION By motion, authorize the Parks and Recreation Department to offer a skateboard program at Santa Rosa Park. DISCUSSION Several weeks ago Mayor Pinard was contacted by a group of local youths looking for a legal, approved location at which to skateboard. The request was very timely in that the Parks and Recreation Department has been expanding the scope of teen programs, the age represented by many of the skateboarding enthusiasts. It was determined that a program offering supervised skating on a "Street Course" would be most successful because it simulates objects a skateboarder might seek around town. A streets course is made up of small ramps, curbs and other equipment which resemble objects skateboarders are currently negotiating throughout the City. The skateboard program is proposed to be conducted at the cement surface in Santa Rosa Park which is used for basketball and activities requiring a hard surface. The "Course" will be portable and used only when supervised. An Advisory Committee of local skateboarders has been recruited by the Parks and Recreation Department to provide assistance with course design and program development. By offering a supervised approved skateboard location, the Parks and Recreation Department hopes to offer a safe alternative to illegal skateboarding. Safety being a foremost concern, the activity is being designed so as not to create additional unnecessary liability risks to the City. Because safety is a necessary element of the program, all skateboarders will be required to wear helmets, safety padding, and to provide parent and participant signed liability releases. The Advisory Committee advocates the safety and liability requirements of the program and believes them essential to program success. Experienced skateboarders will conduct safety training for beginning participants as well as train staff in safe skateboard principles and conduct safety orientations for participants. Y �►����11� 1=I � city of San Js osispo 1111iis COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Page Two The Departments of Police and Parks & Recreation, along with the Advisory Skateboarders, believe that with this program in operation, the amount of illegal skateboarding in the City should decrease. CONCURRENCES The skateboard program has been reviewed and approved by the members of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Staff members have canvased the neighborhood adjacent to Santa Rosa Park informing the residents of the proposed program. The response has been favorable. FISCAL IMPACT The construction of the skateboard ramps and obstacles will cost $1,000 which has been donated to the City by Robison Electronics. Actual construction will be accomplished by experienced volunteers. Staffing is to be funded as part of the existing Parks and Recreation Department ongoing teen program budget. ALTERNATIVES The alternative to offering a skateboarding program is to not offer one. Local skateboarders will continue to skate in violation of City Ordinance if there is not an alternative. The program has an element of risk. With proper supervision the risk can be kept minimal.