Concerns are coming to fruition that were broached six years ago
when the Veterans Memorial Building reopened after $4 million in
renovations, as skateboarders in increasing numbers have made the
monument
– particularly its steps and benches – a home for their jumps
and tricks.
Concerns are coming to fruition that were broached six years ago when the Veterans Memorial Building reopened after $4 million in renovations, as skateboarders in increasing numbers have made the monument – particularly its steps and benches – a home for their jumps and tricks.
It is illegal to use the Veterans Memorial Building property and clearly is posted as such – some leaders showed concern for potential damage and disrespect to the structure in 2004 after the renovation work – but it hasn’t stopped skateboarders from using the grounds on a nearly daily basis, depending on the weather. With summer here, that presence could increase if the skateboarding there isn’t enforced.
Police Chief Jeff Miller, though, said the department requests that officers conduct “directed patrol” of the area. The Hollister Police Department receives complaints about skateboarding there “from time to time,” Miller said.
“When they see officers showing up, they scatter or they stop skateboarding,” Miller said. “Unless an officer sees it, they can’t take enforcement action on it.”
Miller urged residents to report the skateboarding when it occurs and said callers should be willing to describe the violators.
Not only is it illegal to skateboard on the city-owned property – there is a skate park for permitted use at Veterans Memorial Park – but many of the users also don’t wear helmets when they do skate at the downtown site. Violators are subject to fines for either offense.
Provisions in city code on skating:
A. No person shall possess or use skateboards or rollerskates, including in-line type skates, on tennis courts located within any park.
B. No person shall use skateboards or rollerskates, including in-line type skates, on other than a road, path or walkway designed for such use.
C. Skateboards or rollerskates, including in-line type skates, shall not be operated in such a manner as to endanger other skaters, bicyclists, vehicles or pedestrians or to cause damage to equipment in a park or park property, either real or personal.
D. No person shall ride or propel a skateboard, in-line skates, or rollerskates, or permit a minor for whom he or she is responsible to ride or propel a skateboard, in-line skates, or rollerskates, in an authorized area of a city park or recreational facility that is designed or maintained for the purpose of recreational skateboard use, unless the person is wearing a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads while engaging in such activity, and has agreed to comply with all applicable city regulations governing the use of the authorized area. (Ord. 876 § 1, 1996; prior code § 15B-18)
