”
Red Phone, please remind those using the skate park that skate
boards are not to be ridden in and out of the facility, into
oncoming traffic, or around the plaza and open areas of the
Centennial Recreation Center. In one week since the skate park’s
opening I have witnessed many young riders whizzing about
terrifying seniors who are entering or leaving the area opposite
the skate park, and placing themselves and others in jeopardy.
“Red Phone, please remind those using the skate park that skate boards are not to be ridden in and out of the facility, into oncoming traffic, or around the plaza and open areas of the Centennial Recreation Center. In one week since the skate park’s opening I have witnessed many young riders whizzing about terrifying seniors who are entering or leaving the area opposite the skate park, and placing themselves and others in jeopardy. While it is my opinion that the skate park should have been placed at the opposite end of the recreational area away from the Senior Center entrance, it was not. Now, nothing short of obedience of skate park rules, courtesy and respect for their elders by the young riders will prevent a serious accident from happening in the future. Thank you.”
and …
“Hi Red Phone, I took my son to the new skate park and while I was pretty impressed with the place, I thought it would be a good idea to have some sort of community officer patrol the area, since I am sure Morgan Hill does not want to pay our police officers to sit out there. I suggest this because for the four hours we were out there, hardly anyone had any type of protective gear on. Kids were smoking cigarettes inside and weed on the outside perimeter and not to mention, skateboards, bikes and scooters were all in there together. I’m no one to judge, but if my 6-year-old is out there, I don’t really want him seeing all of that and more importantly, I’d hate to see such a cool place get a bad rap in town. Thanks!”
and …
“My husband and I went to the Centennial Recreation Center. As we stepped out of our car we saw skateboarders zipping in and out through the vehicles while on their way to the new skate park. We remarked that it looked very dangerous for them and for people who might not see them in time to avoid being run into by them or running over them. And, the rules of using protective gear are not being observed in the new skate park. Out of about 75 skateboarders there we counted two who had helmets. Is wearing protective gear not the ‘cool’ thing to do among skateboarders? Does Red Phone know what the liability of the city is for injuries? Is there going to be any enforcement of skateboard park rules and parking lot violations? We realize that enforcement is expensive, but perhaps a sign could be posted with a warning that the park will be closed for a week or so when the lack of protective gear is the norm. Then do it. Maybe that would get peer pressure to work in a positive way.
“Thanks Red Phone! I am a big fan!”
Wow, Dear Readers, if you haven’t already done so, check out a story titled “Anarchy at the CRC” in Friday’s paper or go to www.morganhilltimes.com. In short, the city is dealing with the huge success of the skate park, which is not a supervised facility, due in part to budget cuts the past few years. “City staff, Centennial Recreation Center staff and the Morgan Hill police, are working to enforce the skate park rules and manage the safety issues in the parking lot and the surrounding areas, said Maureen Drewniany, recreations program manager. “City staff are also reviewing options to best manage the skate park for the long term so that the our community can enjoy the skate park, the Centennial Recreation Center, the Senior Center and Community Park in a safe manner for all.”
She did say that they had hoped he skating and biking communities would help to self police the facility and that older skaters could set an example for the younger skaters by wearing their safety equipment.
“With the exception of a few users, this really has not happened,” she added.
The public is encouraged to continue to provide input and ideas on the management of the park. Community members can contact Chris Ghione, Recreation Manager at the Centennial Recreation Center at (408) 782-2128×801 or at ch**********@***rc.com.
