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Liability:
No
city or county wants to construct a park only to find itself embroiled
in legal difficulties over accidents.
Want
to hear some good news?
When
skateparks are constructed following a simple set of guidelines,
the legal risk factor is quite low...lower in fact than for other
playground equipment like swings and slides. A study of 48 California
skateparks showed that only two claims have ever been filed and
no claims have ever been won. In a study of 12 Washington State
parks no claims have been filed. The president of a Bay Area company
that insures over 30 municipalities for liability says, "Our office
does not view skateboard parks as a high risk for cities."
Why?
The answer is simple. Skaters assume their sport is risky. Skins,
scrapes and even the occasional broken bone are expected. In fact,
most skateboard injuries are treated at home, if they are treated
at all. Check into your state and local regulations regarding liability
for "free play" areas, parks, and/or recreational land, and notify
your current insurer when you begin planning a park. Often your
current policy will cover skatepark liability.
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Guidelines:
All
parks need some guidelines. Here are a few that have helped make
other cities' skateparks work for everyone.
Post
a set of safety rules at the entrance to the park. Don't post rules
you can't enforce. Your rules might include any or all of the following:
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| 1. |
Skate
at your own risk. The city assumes no responsibility for injuries.
No supervision is provided at any time. (Ironically, supervision may
increase your liability) |
| 2. |
Helmets
and safety pads are strongly recommended. |
| 3. |
Help
keep your park clean |
| 4. |
Park is open dawn to dusk |
| 5. |
No
bicycles |
| 6. |
Be
careful and respectful of other skaters |
| 7. |
Use
of alcohol, drugs and glass containers is strictly prohibited. |
Some
other design considerations:
| • |
Skateboarding
is a spectator sport. Bleachers are a great idea. |
| • |
An
area of lawn around the skatepark keeps down dust and debris. |
| •
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Skating
area should be fenced to protect spectators/passers by. |
| •
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Make
sure there are adequate trash containers close by. |
| • |
A
drinking fountain and/or Sani-Can make life easier for the kids and
local businesses. |
Location:
Location
is essential, both to kids and cities. A successful skatepark
should be:
| • |
Highly
visible
Placing your park in an open area, close to the street reduces
the risk of crime. |
| • |
Centrally
located/Access to transportation
Most kids who'll use the park can't drive. They need to be able
to get there easily. |
| • |
Close
to conveniences (fast food, market, drinking water)
Skateboarding is a physical challenge. Kids need to be able to
refuel. |
| • |
Close
to phone
For emergencies, a ride home, or just to invite more kids. |
| • |
Near
restrooms
Self-explanatory. |
| • |
Away
from residential areas
The noise of skateboarding isn't compatible with a residential
development.
Putting
a skatepark in an existing public park is often the solution to
many of these points, as well as providing an additional source
of funding from your department of Parks and Recreation.
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Community-Building:
One major
benefit of skateparks is nearly impossible to measure. Community-building
is intangible, but far-reaching.
What
the kids get:
A
chance to work with the system to effect change. They'll get up close
and personal experience with local government and working in groups.
A sense of
pride in accomplishment.
An opportunity
to channel their energy, talents and dreams into something positive.
What
your town/city/county gets:
Kids
are taken off the streets, freeing up law enforcement for more important
things, promoting safety and preventing damage.
An opportunity
to build future citizens by showing the kids that the system can and does
work. (They'll one day be voters.)
A sense of
pride in uniting the efforts of government, local business, kids, parents
and law enforcement.
What
local business gets:
Relief from
skaters using their property to skate.
An opportunity
to establish a working relationship with kids. (They'll one day be customers)
A chance
to contribute to the quality of life in their town. Making a better community
makes better business.
Request
Information/Tell us what you think:
We'd be happy
to give you more information on starting a skatepark in your town. Whether
you're a skater, a city manager, parent or local business owner, we can
provide you with what you need to get going today. Fill out the form below
and we'll email or snail mail the information to you.
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