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 Residents' concerns & AHSA's response |
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AHSA's response
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Antigonish Highland Skateboarding Association
Response to neighbourhood petition, April 11, 2006
The residents of the Crockett Country, Shieling Court, Appleseed Drive, Pottery Land and Townsend Street raise important concerns. The Antigonish Highland Skateboard Association (AHSA) is committed to transparent and inclusive planning for the skatepark project in conjunction with the municipal partners. AHSA envisions a role as liaison between users of the skatepark and municipal governments and local residents. The petition from local residents voices no concerns as to the overall aims of the park including youth opportunities, and active lifestyles. If they indeed support these aims, this is good common ground from which residents, AHSA and Town/County can begin discussions on how to best fit the park into this residential neighbourhood.
The Appleseed Drive site [map] was chosen after several years of volunteer work, a consultant's report, involvement of Town and County councilors, and various departments of the Provincial government. No other sites are available that meet the criteria of accessibility, visibility and size. AHSA is committed to work in the interests of skateboarders and other users to make this site work for all stakeholders.
The following information includes what we found in our research to be the "best practices" for skateparks. These will be worked out by AHSA with the owners of the skatepark, with regard to what's right and acceptable in our community. This can happen only after ownership of the skatepark is determined. We welcome this opportunity to address residents' concerns on an on-going basis.
LOCATION
1. Is this type of project suited to a residential and school area?
Many skateparks are now being located in residential areas alongside other commonly accepted facilities, rather than isolating them.1 [List of 52 skateparks in residential areas]
We would like to quote from an e-mail received April 4, 2004 from Miki Vuchovich, Executive Director of the Tony Hawk Foundation, an internationally recognized expert on skateparks and skateboarding:
"People who live near skatepark sites are often alarmed to hear that a park is going in near them. They have fears about noise, gangs, and other problems. The reality is almost always much better than they imagined. Skaters go to the parks to ride, and skateparks are much more quiet than people expect. In-ground concrete skateparks are much quieter than modular (ramp) skateparks, and even those are much quieter than other activities typical of a recreation park. One study in Portland, Oregon shows that the concrete skatepark there produces an average of 70 decibels of sounds at 50 feet. That's comparable to the noise a dishwasher produces. At 200 feet the sound is drowned out by other ambient noises (birds, cars, etc.).
The main points to consider in choosing a site for a skatepark are suitability for the type of park you want to construct (soil, incline of land, etc.), accessibility [to users], and visibility (can police reasonably see into the park as they drive by…). Sometimes residential sites are unsuitable because of the increased traffic the skatepark attracts as parents drop off or pick up their kids, or other skaters drive in and park around the neighborhood to use the park. Residential areas that have major thoroughfares going through them that skatepark traffic can use are suitable, since the boulevard probably makes more noise than the skatepark would. …
If there are two schools across the street from the skatepark site, guaranteed there is more noise coming from either of those than the skatepark will emit on a full-blown pro-demo day."
A skatepark caters primarily to young people. It makes sense to put a skatepark where the kids already are. It helps youth understand that they are valued. Placement of a skatepark beside a school allows kids to skate before and after school; this fits in with one of the goals of schools, which is to keep kids physically active.
An example is Sooke Rotary Skatepark, which is beside Journey Middle School on Vancouver Island. According to Principal Judy Robbins:
"Journey has a skate park adjacent to the property. As Journey is a closed campus, students are not permitted to access the park at recess or at lunch. They abide by that rule. However, parents often drop students at the park in the morning before school (good exercise) and our expectation is that they arrive for school on time or risk losing the skating privilege. They can go to the park after school, of course.
We also run a skateboarding "exploratory" for a part of the year and enthusiastic skaters can spend and hour and a half x 2 per week for 4 - 6 weeks. The teacher is also a surfer and skateboarder (old style but apparently acceptable!)
The park has not created any problems for us."
[e-mail dated May 20, 2005]
2. What issues have other jurisdictions had with skateboard parks in residential areas?
We know of no major issues related to skateparks in residential areas. The most common incidents we've heard of are littering and noise after dark. Other incidents we've heard about are smashing glass bottles onto the concrete, and throwing gravel into the skatepark, which generally appear to be done by non-users of the park. According to a noise estimate prepared for the Appleseed Drive location, noise should not be a problem for neighbours (Appendix A). Furthermore, Appleseed Drive is a highly visible location, which will serve to mitigate the incidence of problems.
The primary findings of The Urban Grind - Skateparks: Neighborhood Perceptions and Planning Realities*, were:
1. skateparks don't contribute to serious crime;
2. they do contribute to nuisances … because they're the most used facilities;
3. they have similar impacts as basketball courts;
4. neighbours have predominately moderate views regarding skatepark impacts;2
SAFETY
3. Who will ensure that all participants will wear proper, protective gear?
This is a question the owners and operators will have to address.
Parents of young children are responsible for ensuring that their children use appropriate safety gear.
Helmets are mandatory in 18% of skateparks. (Appendix B) [CASA] This is because it's difficult to enforce the use of helmets unless the park is supervised. In addition, if the use of helmets is mandatory and the rule isn't enforced, the owner can be found liable. Instead of mandatory helmets, most skateparks have signage indicating that the use of protective gear is highly recommended.
In Delta, British Columbia it has been found that:
"Use of protective gear will reduce injuries and increase the pleasure that users take in the sports they enjoy. A proactive campaign to encourage safety by use of protective gear, proper instruction and responsible behaviour in all sports is recommended. A campaign of engagement is seen as more effective than one of enforcement, and this approach is preferred by Delta Police.
[Source: The Corporation of Delta's Policy for Use of Safety Gear in Parks and Recreation Facilities, November 20, 2003 -Download the report – pdf file]
…
Skateparks where helmet regulations are in place and enforced are underutilized. It appears to parks and recreation staff in these communities that the majority of young skateboarders have returned to skating on municipal streets, business parkades and other amenities not intended for such use. The majority of users who wear helmets are younger children, often accompanied by parents. Personal encouragement, role modeling and training are the keys to increasing the use and understanding of the need for proper sport protective gear."
[Source: Corporation of Delta's follow-up report, June 12, 2004 - Download the report - pdf file]
For more information on helmets, please contact AHSA.
[Related article]
4. Who will be liable for injuries suffered?
Liability would fall under the umbrella of existing municipal liability insurance coverage. In Risk Management and Skate Board Parks, Doug Wyseman recommends basic signage as follows:
∑ This park is not supervised.
∑ Use of protective equipment is strongly recommended.
∑ If you have concerns or see a problem, please call 555-SK8R. Phone is located next to the washroom.3 [CASA]
This would protect the municipality, unless it can be shown that the injury was caused by negligence. AHSA plans to develop a monitoring system to report the need for any repairs. This would supplement formal inspections by the owner, which will be required by their insurance policy.
5. Will there be phone service on site?
A pay phone will be recommended as part of the plans for the park.
6. Will there be a first aid station on site?
AHSA plans to have youth monitors with basic training in First Aid, who would be on-site during times of high use and events.
OPERATION
7. Will there be set hours of operation? Will there be lighting?
Most skateparks are self-regulating. This creates a sense of ownership and community, where youth see themselves as stewards of the park.
Like playgrounds, many skateparks are open 24/7. In North America, 31% have restricted hours. [CASA] Until there is lighting the park would likely be open dawn til dusk.
In the fall, lights make it possible to skate in the evening. When lights go off, people leave. Some parks have security lighting at night.
8. Will the facility be fenced?
Fences can be of various designs and materials, depending on their purpose and the design of the skatepark. They can range from aesthetically pleasing to making the skatepark look and feel like a prison. AHSA would enjoy working with local residents to plan a solution that is both attractive and effective.
Fences do not keep skaters or bikers out, but they can be designed to keep motorized vehicles from entering. Fences can provide security for spectators, and keep animals and small children at a safe distance.
According to Doug Wyseman, 14% of skateparks are fenced, and in most cases, fencing was not used to keep skateboarders out, but rather to ensure that their boards did not fly out of the facility and strike a passer-by.4 [CASA]
9. Who will open and close the park?
AHSA envisions a skatepark as similar to other local playground facilities, which have no formal opening and closing procedure. Turning off lights at night would signal closing time. (Related: Question #7, above)
10. Will there be a booking procedure?
In general, booking would not be necessary. The park will be designed to support multiple users simultaneously, by providing areas to practice different tricks.
AHSA is prepared to organize events such as competitions and workshops, which would require scheduling.
11. Will participants be required to “sign up” for specific times?
Only for events; see previous question.
12. Will different age groups have set times?
The design will include an area for younger users and beginners. AHSA is committed to responding to the needs of the skatepark user, whether beginner or advanced.
13. Will there be washroom facilities on site?
Washrooms would be a nice addition; however, most skateparks as well as other municipal parks do not have washrooms because they invite vandalism and require high maintenance. Portable toilets can be rented for events.
14. Will there be a user fee to cover upkeep and ongoing maintenance?
AHSA does not support user fees. As with other municipally owned parks, responsibility for maintenance would lie with the owners. AHSA is prepared to do most of the day-to-day maintenance such as picking up trash and sweeping the skatepark.
15A. Who will address issues of vandalism and abusive behaviour?
As with any other public place, illicit behaviour is the responsibility of the RCMP. Planning (high visibility, turning lights off at closing time, etc.) can help reduce undesirable activities. AHSA and the RCMP will be working closely together to minimize any problems. It will be important that neighbourhood residents pass information along so it can be dealt with appropriately. As a further note, temporary skateparks in Antigonish have not traditionally supported any criminal activities. The RCMP has been involved in local skatepark initiatives because these facilities help reduce crime rates among youth.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Dale Bogle has recommended building youth partnerships with an emphasis on self-regulation in operating the park. His vision is for youth stewards of the park. This creates a sense of ownership and of community where youth see themselves as creating the 'culture of the park' - how it gets used, what it is understood to be used for, who it is for and who it is not for, and in short setting the tone for assuring the smooth operation of the park on a day-to-day basis. He also recommends mentoring whereby older youth promote co-operation among users and a climate of fair play.
15B. Who will address issues of littering, graffiti and obscenity?
Littering: AHSA would like to see garbage and recycling systems set up at the park. AHSA will encourage their use and ensure regular litter pick-up by a team of youth monitors.
Graffiti: AHSA would like to encourage graffiti on the park surface itself by holding art competitions. Employees at Saint Andrew Junior School have supported this idea, in hopes that this will reduce graffiti at the school.
Obscenities: AHSA is committed to encourage responsible and respectful behaviour in youth who use the park.
ADDITIONAL POSSIBLE CONCERN
Noise
Some residents could be concerned about noise from the skatepark. A noise estimate done for the Appleseed Drive location concludes that the level of noise heard 200-300 feet away will be 25-30 decibels, or less than the noise level of a quiet whisper heard one meter away. (Appendix A).
________________
We hope our answers have satisfactorily addressed the concerns of neighbourhood residents. As co-ownership discussions continue between Town and County, AHSA hopes to have more specific input on planning requirements (e.g. lights, phone, etc.) to bring the facilities in line with other local facilities. This could be in the short or long term, after park construction. AHSA will seek to adjust fundraising plans accordingly.
AHSA invites neighbourhood residents and councilors to attend our Board of Directors’ meetings, held the first Monday of every month at 7pm in SAJS, Room 214. Should enough community members desire constructive input on the planning process, AHSA would be eager to form an “aesthetics and operation” planning committee composed of resident stakeholders, municipal councilors, RCMP, school employees, etc.
For your convenience, the above information and any resources referred to are available on our website www.sk8antigonish.ca
Contact:
John Besaw, AHSA President 863-2403
Dolna Garbary, AHSA Vice-President 863-6096
Marion Webb, AHSA Secretary 863-0678 (evenings only)
Or, email sk8antigonish@ns.sympatico.ca
REFERENCES:
1 The Urban Grind - Skateparks*, Aperio Consultants (Portland, Oregon, 2005); 33 pages, page 7
2 The Urban Grind - Skateparks*, Aperio Consultants (Portland, Oregon, 2005); 33 pages, page 3
3 Doug Wyseman, Risk Management and Skateboard Parks (2006, Municipal Risk Services Ltd), p. 32 [CASA]
4 Doug Wyseman, Risk Management and Skateboard Parks (2006, Municipal Risk Services Ltd), p. 24 & 36 [CASA]
*The Urban Grind – Skateparks- Neighborhood Perceptions and Planning Realities (33-page pdf file)
--prepared by Aperio Consultants and endorsed by the City of Seattle, Washington & the City of Portland, Oregon
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