Skateboard Park For FB?

[admin]

At last night council meeting, Kevin Kane brought up the idea of finding a way to put a skate board park in our town. The toughest obstacle is the cost which also includes the liability that comes with skate parks.

This is an interesting idea, one that can be a very nice benefit to our town if done right. One aspect that was not discussed was the actual operation of the park and that will really need to be reviewed carefully.

Kane mentioned putting a committee together to explore this issue, especially how to pay for it.

What are the thoughts of the readers of this site?

[lisas84]

I absolutely love the idea. I have heard from several people during the past couple of years how this is needed.

I was at the meeting as well and thought immediately -- perhaps we can contact some of the major skateboard manufacturers/retailers for sponsorship to pay for it, and they get the naming rights. This way, it won't cost the town anything, or very little.

[novillero]

any ideas where?

Parks are nice, expenses and liabilities are not. We are looking at hard financial times ahead for the borough and for its residents. We need some fiscal restraint before funding nice ideas.

[lisas84]

Actually, Novillero, this was an idea borne of safety and necessity. Kids love skateboarding, as do some adults such as myself, although it's been years.

There are always kids skateboarding in borough parking lots and on streets. They should have a park that is safe from vehicular traffic in order to avoid the type of tragedy we saw so recently.

So, in my opinion, this is a good idea founded on the right reasons.

[novillero]

Apr 22, 2008 9:20:46 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Actually, Novillero, this was an idea borne of safety and necessity. Kids love skateboarding, as do some adults such as myself, although it's been years.

There are always kids skateboarding in borough parking lots and on streets. They should have a park that is safe from vehicular traffic in order to avoid the type of tragedy we saw so recently.

So, in my opinion, this is a good idea founded on the right reasons.

Lisa, your facts are wrong. A letter to the APP editor by one of the boy's mothers specifically stated that neither boy was skateboarding at the time of the accident. They were walking home from skateboarding in a neighborhood they thought was better for skating. The accident could just as easily have occurred if they were walking home from a skate park.

So, a skate board park would not have prevented this accident.

There are a few skate parks in the county, one in West Freehold. By the way, the families started a fund to erect a community skate park closer to more Township residents) and are doing it through private donations - CPSkatepark.org.

The borough just voted down a school budget (educating their children), do you think the tax paying citizens really want to fund a skate park?

If you can get private funding like the Clawson and Preston families are doing, go right ahead- I applaud you.

[lisas84]

Nov, I do understand clearly what you are saying and thanks for the link!

My whole point on this was to explore the potential and possibility to get funding from a skateboard manufacturer, who would likely enjoy the positive PR. Hey, all we can do is try! If it works, how great would that be.

[quidproquo]

Apr 22, 2008 6:31:35 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

I absolutely love the idea. I have heard from several people during the past couple of years how this is needed.

I was at the meeting as well and thought immediately -- perhaps we can contact some of the major skateboard manufacturers/retailers for sponsorship to pay for it, and they get the naming rights. This way, it won't cost the town anything, or very little.

I absolutely hate the idea

There are only 20 – 25 children in the municipality who actively use a skateboard park. The totality of the community will have no use for the space.

A Skate Board Vendor sponsorship, like OMG thats never been though of. That will happen around the same time freehold becomes an affluent ocean front town.

A municipality assumes very expensive liabilities with a skate park that needs continual monitoring and safety inspections.

Municipal Skate parks require skaters to wear safety equipment at all times i.e., helmet with safety strap, elbow pads and knee pads and skateboarder must wear shoes (no barefeet or sandals)? Current helmet laws are not enforced so whats going to change? These facilities are normally supervised by an on-site Park Attendant, who's going to pay for that?

Skate parks are closed during School hours. Finite use of finite open space? Use will be limited to March through November, Skate Park operation will be curtailed during foul weather. No skating is permitted when surfaces are wet or icy, yet another liability to manage. Summer Hours of operation are normally dawn to dusk. The tragedy of the two dead township boys happened after dark.

Food or drink is traditionally not permitted within the fenced area of a skating park facility, Debris becomes hazardous as well as creating another maintenance problem to manage.

Public Skate Parks require all users to sign a waiver as well as require a renewable fee based usage permit that must be worn or a skaters may not use the skate park. If they refuse to leave the police are called to assist, and still another unnecessary situation to manage (Irizzary).

Bottom line, a skate park facility is a costly high maintenance facility that this town can not afford. All this is totally necessary for only 25 children out of the thousands that live here?

A functional recreation department would have secured a deal with the Township and worked out a transportation schedule years ago.

A better solution is finding investors interested in developing a privately owned indoor fee based year round skate park. Many privately owned skate parks are indoors, usually in warehouses, roller rinks or buildings with tall ceilings. A privately owned venture can offer “safe skate board lessons”. A business will be much better qualified to provide highly structured, well organized skate board programs. A privately operated indoor skate park will elevate the level of safety needed for well maintained professional skate boarding environment.

[quidproquo]

Borough of Freehold SKATE PARK PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT, RELEASE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT, RELEASE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISK Participant: ________________________________________ Parent(s) or Guardian (s): ________________________________________ I, the above participant being above age 18, or the parent (s) or guardian (s) of the above participant who is under age 18, in consideration of the participant being allowed to use the Borough of Freehold Skate Park, acknowledge, understand and agree as follows:

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISK
I acknowledge and understand that skating, in-line skating, skateboarding, and other roller sports are hazardous and dangerous activities that require strenuous exercise and various degrees of skill and experience for the different skating surfaces and venues. I understand that these activities can result in serious injury to the person and damage to property. I am aware of the risk, hazards and dangers of personal injury, death and disability inherent in using theBorough of Freehold Skate Park, as well as those inherent risks, hazards and dangers of personal injury, death and disability in participating in any roller sport activity. I am aware that the usual risk, hazards and dangers of personal injury, death and disability increase when using ramps, curbs, steps, half pipes, inclines, or declines, bowls or any other structure or device. I also understand that these risks, hazards and dangers are further increased when any other persons, whether or not of the same level of experience or skill, are using the same facilities.

EXPRESS ASSUMPTION OF RISK
Being aware that roller sports and the use ofBorough of Freehold skate Park entails risks or injury to myself or my child, I expressly agree, covenant and promise to accept and assume all responsibility and risk for injury, death, illness or disease or damage to myself or to my child or to property arising from my or my child’s participation in the use ofBorough of Freehold Skate Park. My or my child’s participation in the use of theBorough of Freehold Skate Park is purely voluntary; no one is forcing me to participate of to allow my child to participate, and I elect to participate or allow my child to participate in spite of the risks.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS/MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION
I certify that I have or my child has no medical or physical conditions that could interfere with my or my child’s safety while participating in the use of theBorough of Freehold Skate Park. I fully understand that the Borough of Freehold is under no obligation or duty to provide a physical examination or other evidence of my or my child’s fitness to participate in this activity. I, as the above-named participant, or as parent or guardian of the above-named participant, give the Borough of Freehold permission to have me or my child transported to the nearest medical facility and /or be seen by a physician when it is deemed necessary during my or my child’s use of theBorough of Freehold Skate Park. I have appropriate insurance or, agree to pay all costs that may be incurred on my or my child’s behalf in case of injury.

COMPLIANCE WITH RULES
The participant willingly agrees to comply with the stated and customary terms, rules and conditions for participation in the use of the Borough of Freehold Skate Park. I acknowledge that I have read theBorough of Freehold Skate Park Rules and Regulations.

WAIVER
I, as the above-named participant, or as parent or guardian of the above-named participant, do hereby release the Borough of Freehold, its officers and employees from all responsibility or liability of any nature, whatsoever, for any injury or aggravation of a preexisting condition, or for any bodily injury, disability, death, or loss or damage to persons or property resulting from the risks of the use of theBorough of Freehold Skate Park. I, as parent or guardian, further agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Borough of Freehold, its officers and employees from any and all claims which might be brought by, or on behalf of, my child, and which are in any way connected with my child’s use of the Borough of Freehold Skate Park. This agreement shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, agents, personal representatives and assigns. For the purposes of this Agreement, the singular shall include the plural and the term “child” shall include the term “ward”. I hereby certify that I am over eighteen (18) years of age. I have read the foregoing and acknowledge that I understand and agree to all of the above terms and conditions. I have had the opportunity to ask any and all questions regarding this agreement and the effect of the same. I am aware that by signing this agreement, I assume all risks and waive and release certain substantial rights that I may have or possess.

___________________________________________[SEAL] PARTICIPANT

___________________________________________[SEAL] PARENT/GUARDIAN

___________________________________________[SEAL] PARENT/GUARDIAN

**MUST BE NOTORIZED IF NOT FILLED OUT BY PARENT/GUARDIAN AT THEBorough of Freehold SKATE PARK***

[quidproquo]

After a few kids crack their heads open ask the School Board how many additional special education students they are budgeted for.

[apple]

Apr 22, 2008 10:37:53 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Nov, I do understand clearly what you are saying and thanks for the link!

My whole point on this was to explore the potential and possibility to get funding from a skateboard manufacturer, who would likely enjoy the positive PR. Hey, all we can do is try! If it works, how great would that be.

lisa this is a rad cause for the community that can bring a lot of people together and turn this town around finaly. White, black and spanish kids all skateboarding together. Freehold was once a bicycle town, now we can be a skateboard town yhipppy.

you are right about the publicity. Anyone know how we can get Bruce Springsteen to do a viral 520 revert to sponsor our skate board park?

mano man to have woodchuck laminates or EASTBILT open a custom board store downtown. This can go so far, my little cousin in Phenoix plays semipro skateboard hockey

[admin]

another town explores the idea...

www.packetonline.com/articles/2008/05/18/windsor_hights_herald/news/doc482db97fa704f571381257.txt

District OKs student fundraising for skatepark
Sunday, May 18, 2008 2:13 PM EDT
By Anthony V. Coppola, Staff Writer




HIGHTSTOWN — A member of the Hightstown Parks and Recreation Commission came before the East Windsor Regional school board this week to answer some of the board’s concerns about a proposed skateboard park in the borough.

Most notably among those concerns was the commission’s desire to utilize students for fundraising before the board’s endorsement of the new complex. But after reviewing a letter from Hightstown Planning Board member Richard Pratt, the prime skateboard park planner, the district gave its endorsement to the student fundraising involvement.

”You have a green light,” Superintendent Ron Bolandi told commission member Stacey Judge. “Go ahead and send in the forms.”

Those forms are fundraising fliers that urge students to enter a $10 contest to design T-shirts and skateboard decks — what a skateboarder stands on — with proceeds going directly to aiding the park’s construction.

”The goal is to get kids involved in designing the boards and T-shirts to give them some ownership in the skatepark plan itself,” Ms. Judge told the board.
The skateboard park plan calls for the use of 40,000 square feet of donated land behind Lucas Electric on Mercer Street. The land is mostly owned by Matt Lucas, with a small portion owned by the school district. Ms. Judge estimated the cost of the project at $150,000 to $250,000 Monday night, and said the commission hopes donations and grants will cover the entire amount.

One of the school board’s questions related to supervision of the park.

Ms. Judge explained that skaters would participate at their own risk, as is the standard policy at many parks across the country. In his letter, Mr. Pratt states the borough’s liability insurance would cover skaters, and that staffing the park would be both costly and negate insurance coverage.

The board’s other concern was designating who could use the park.

Mr. Pratt wrote that the Hightstown Police Department would administer a mandatory safety orientation, which includes a helmet-fitting, safety contract, emergency contact information and a coded helmet sticker. The sticker would signify that each skater has attended the orientation and that a guardian and participant have agreed to all park rules. Violation of the rules could result in a temporary closing of the park, and Mr. Pratt said he hoped this would promote self-policing of the facility.

The park would not be exclusive to residents of the borough and East Windsor however, something the school board had pondered.

”That would be like saying only East Windsor residents could use Etra Park,” Ms. Judge said. “You just can’t do it.”

Lighting of the facility was a cause for concern for board member Bonnie Fayer. The park’s original plans stated the park would not be lit but Mr. Pratt’s letter said light poles may be installed.

”My opinion is the addition of lights would invite kids to hang around the high school property at night, and that creates some liability issues for us,” Ms. Fayer said.

Ms. Judge said if lighting were to become a reality, the commission would have the ability to program them on a timer to discourage loitering.

The commission prefers entrance to the facility to come by way of the northwestern parking lot at the high school, and the school board seemed OK with that. The park is not expected to be open during school hours, and the commission said it would work with the school board to avoid occasional conflicts. The park, which would be bordered by an 8-foot chain-link fence, would tentatively operate from the time of school dismissal to dusk during the school year and dawn to dusk during the summer and on holidays.

Despite this week’s positive step, Mr. Pratt admitted in his letter that the commission is “far from reaching our funding goals.” It’s the commission’s belief that distributing the fliers throughout the school district will raise awareness in the community and take advantage of a critical opportunity to utilize students in fundraising before the school year ends.

With five teenagers — two from East Windsor and three from Hightstown — being charged with defiant trespassing last week for skating on the grounds of the Walter C. Black Elementary School and the February deaths of two Freehold teens in a skateboarding accident in front of their home, Ms. Judge and Mr. Pratt said the need for the park is even more evident.

”A skate park in Hightstown would be a tremendous benefit and safe haven for the youth (and a few skateboarding adults) of our community,” Mr. Pratt wrote.

The Borough Council and the Police Department have expressed support for the project.
”These kids are just out there trying to participate in a sport they love,” Ms. Judge said. “No one picks up the kids having a catch at Etra Park after hours. They just need a place to go and we think this is a way to do that.”