by Garth Meyer
Open for four months now, the city skate park on the pier has become “very, very popular,” Police Chief Joe Hoffman told the City Council at its September 12 meeting.
By council request, he presented a report on the status of the park, assisted by Lt. Corey King, making four recommendations.
First was to continue to enforce state and local laws around the location; second was to continue use of a private security firm during the sunset closing time and at midnight; third was to complete the installation of three security cameras, and to post signs on the Pier where skateboarding is banned.
A safety net has already been added at the park’s south end, to stop any skateboards from flying off a ramp, and out of the premises.
More actions discussed by the city council included expanding the park’s evening hours, and to clarify existing signs.
Since the April 17 soft opening, the police department has received 48 service calls related to the skate park. They include seven “found disturbances,” 18 “unfounded disturbances” and 15 “officer-initiated contacts.”
“Nearly all were about skating after hours,” said Lt. King.
He said RBPD handed out information cards to pier businesses and nearby residents, and has received no complaints from them.
“I don’t want to jinx it,” City Manager Mike Witzansky said, “(But) the skate park is operating much more smoothly than some of us feared it would. I actually think it’s going to be a draw for businesses.”
Chief Hoffman noted the goal of the park as “minimal disruption to the citizens and maximum enjoyment for (those using it)… The skateboard park is in an area that you can’t legally skateboard to or from.”
Greg Kapovich, waterfront development director, noted that a water-bottle filling station was added too.
“It’s been positive all around,” he said.
Plans are underway for a dedication in the fall.
“We’ve got some calendaring to do,” Witzansky said.
Dave Brenier, a skateboarder community member who was instrumental in the almost decade-long project, called in with comments.
“I can’t tell you how pleased the skateboarding community is with how it’s going,” he said.
Mayor Bill Brand asked about more cameras all around the Pier. Witzansky responded that “numerous” will be installed over the next few months. ER
