Sample Legislation: Municipal Skate Parks

Municipal Skate Parks

Many municipalities have legislation governing where skateboarding and in-line skating is and is not allowed. However, where there's a will, there's a way, and skaters are often found skating in prohibited areas. In an effort to curb potentially dangerous skating, and to address the desire of many to skate, some municipalities have established skate parks, where skateboarders and in-line skaters are welcome to hone their skills as well as socialize with other skaters. This legislation lists rules for skaters, such as the use of helmets and other safety equipment; age restrictions; hours of operation; abusive language; food, drink and alcoholic beverages; glass containers; loud music; wet and icy conditions; the number of skaters at any given time; and time restrictions when there is a waiting line. A permit to use the skate park must be obtained as well. Permit fees for residents and nonresidents are set forth, and a badge must be displayed by skaters, indicating that a permit has been obtained. If there is an interest for a municipal skate park in your community, the following examples may be helpful to you…

Sample Ordinances:

Barnegat Light, B. NJ: Ch. 144, Art. III
Fanwood, B. NJ: § 247-11

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Barnegat Light, B. NJ: 

Chapter 144

§ 144-24. Skate Park badges required; fees.

No person shall be permitted to use the Municipal Skate Park without first acquiring and then having on his person a duly issued badge, license or permit to use the same. Skate Park badges shall be nontransferable and nonassignable. The fee for an annual (January through December) Skate Park badge shall be as follows:

1. Barnegat Light residents, property owners and seasonal tenants: no fee.

    

2. All others: $20.

§ 144-25. Skate Park use.

1. All skaters must skate safely and responsibly. No skater may enter the Skate Park when it is already being used to capacity. When skaters are waiting to enter, a time limit of 20 minutes per person shall be imposed.

    

2. All skaters must wear the following safety equipment at all times: helmet with safety strap, elbow pads and knee pads. Those using skateboards must wear shoes (no barefeet or sandals).

    

3. All children under 11 years of age who wish to utilize the Skate Park must be accompanied by an adult. No nonskaters may enter the park unless accompanying an underage child.

    

4. The hours of the operation for the Skate Park will be from 9:00 a.m. to dusk. Any person attempting to use the Skate Park during any other time shall be subject to immediate ejectment, in addition to any other penalties provided in this article.

    

5. The Skate Park is for in-line skates and skateboards only. No other use is permitted in or on the Skate Park whatsoever.

    

6. Use of profanity or abusive language is strictly prohibited and shall result in automatic expulsion from the Skate Park and any penalties provided for in this article.

    

7. No skating is permitted when surfaces are wet or icy.

    

8. No alcohol shall be permitted at the Skate Park. No glass containers shall be permitted. No food or drink is permitted in the Skate Park.

    

9. No loud music shall be permitted at the Skate Park.

§ 144-26. Rules and regulations.

The Mayor and Borough Council of the Borough of Barnegat Light shall have the power to establish, by resolution, additional rules and regulations for the use and control of the Skate Park. Any such rules and regulations shall be posted at the Skate Park and shall have the same force and effect as any other provision of this article, and the violation thereof shall constitute violation of this article.

§ 144-27. Violations and penalties.

Any person violating or failing to comply with any of the provisions of this article, or any of the rules and regulations established pursuant hereto, shall be immediately ejected from the Skate Park and be subjected to a fine of $25 for the first offense, a fine of $100 for the second offense and a permanent forfeiture of the privilege to use the Skate Park for a third offense. In addition to or in lieu of the aforementioned fines, the Municipal Court may impose a period of community service.

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Fanwood, B. NJ: 

Chapter 247

§ 247-11. LaGrande Park Skate Park.

(1) The cost of annual permits shall be as follows:

 

(a) Fanwood residents, who are under 18 years of age, shall pay $25, and those 18 years of age and over shall pay $35.

(b) Scotch Plains residents, who are under 18 years of age, shall pay $50, and those 18 years of age and over shall pay $60.

(c) Users who reside in towns other than Fanwood or Scotch Plains, who are under 18 years of age, shall pay $75, and those 18 years of age and over shall pay $150.

 

(2) Permits are valid from April 1 through March 31.

(3) Permits must be displayed on helmets at all times.

(1) Skating is by permit only.

(2) All users must have their permit displayed on their helmet at all times.

(3) Use of the facility, except when used as an ice skating rink, is limited to skateboards and in-line skates only.

(4) All users must wear helmets and elbow pads.

(5) The hours of operation are dawn to dusk.

(6) No skating is permitted while the equipment is wet or icy.

(7) No food or drink is permitted within the fenced area of the skating facility.

(8) Use of indecent or obscene language or behavior, or profane cursing or swearing is prohibited.

(9) Entrance to the facility will be limited to posted maximum capacities.

(10) Entrance to the facility will be on a first-come-first-served basis and is limited to one hour when there are skaters waiting.

1. Limits of use; permits required. Skating in the LaGrande Park Skate Park, except when used as an ice skating rink, is limited to the operation of skateboards and in-line skates and by persons who have paid the appropriate annual fee as set forth herein and who have completed the annual registration form prepared by the Borough of Fanwood Recreation Commission. Persons who are under 18 years of age must apply for their permit in person with their parent or legal guardian.
2. Permit fees; display of permits.
3. Skate park rules. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions to the contrary, the following provisions of this Subsection C shall apply to the skate park in LaGrande Park:
4. Promulgation and posting of skate park rules. In addition to the foregoing skate park rules, the Recreation Commission of the Borough of Fanwood may promulgate such other rules, regulations and procedures, which are not inconsistent with this chapter, as it deems just and proper for the safe and efficient operation of the skate park. A copy of the skate park rules shall be provided to users upon the issuance of permits.
5. Penalties relating to the skate park. Any person who uses the skate park facilities without the required permit shall pay a penalty of double the applicable permit fee. Any person who violates any other rule of the skate park as set forth herein shall be subject to a fine of $25 for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense and may be subject to revocation of their permit and expulsion from the skate park for a period of up to one year and/or community service for a period of up to 90 days.

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