12/02/1996 Park Board Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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J6*4� Risk Services, Inc. Minneapolis, Minnesota &ass every S94T =2 " 904vot F042 VW �v4� �vnfioC - a- ❖ MANAGING THE SKATEBOARDING RISK •:' The popularity of skateboarding is on the rise again. This is by no means a "new" activity, but, like many other recreational activities, it has undergone refinements and equipment and facility changes along with its upsurge in popularity. Unfortunately, along with this upsurge in popularity, risk management challenges also arise in those communities with active skateboarder populations. This advisory is intended to provide basic information to assist communities in making sound risk management and loss control decisions concerning this risk exposure, while addressing the desires and best interests of the community as a whole. The Issue The scenario is fairly consistent in most communities . . . an increasing skateboarder population begins using streets, sidewalks and parking lots to conduct their activity. Sometimes, these activities begin to interfere with the day-today public traffic and business operations in these areas and give rise to complaints to community leaders. Many community leaders respond by establishing ordinances which either partially or totally prohibit skateboarding activity in public areas. Feeling the pressure of no longer being able to skateboard legally in public areas, the skateboarding enthusiasts take their case to the community's elected officials. Quite often, this takes the form of the skateboarders and their supporters (usually their parents) coming as a group to a council or board meeting to plead for the community to build a skateboarding park so they will have someplace to go to conduct their activity. The pressure now shifts to the elected officials who, under the argument that providing a skateboarding facility will do away with the problem of the "illegal skateboarder~ and also provide a wholesome environment which will help to keep the skateboarders away from drugs, alcohol and other unwholesome materials and activities.