CLEARLAKE — It is official! The Clearlake skatepark has been renamed in memory of Andrew “Andy” Johnson. A dedication ceremony and grand reopening celebration was held on Saturday, April 12, during which the dedication sign was unveiled for the public.
Prior to a traffic collision that ended young Andy”s life just two years ago, he had been an avid skateboarder and BMX bike rider. His love for both sports had helped bridge that gap between the two groups at the local skatepark. Since his death, local proponents have worked diligently to get the skatepark renamed in his honor.
“We are fortunate and thankful for the city and city council who were gracious enough to rename the park in Andy”s memory,” said Ken Savin of the Community BMX/Skate Park Committee, which organized the event.
Local rider Ricky Bush, who was among the first to attempt to get the park renamed, remembers Andy with great fondness. “To me Andy was a really awesome friend and rider,” Bush said in an interview with the Clear Lake ObserverHAmerican. “Put anything in front of him, whether it was a bike, board, scooter, or whatever, he was a born natural. He was destined to go pro at which ever sport. He was really dedicated with his sports and he affected many people who had come into his life.”
Bush recalled a favorite memory he has of his lost friend. He said that they had been waiting for a ride back to Clearlake from the Riviera when their patience wore thin and they decided to ride their bikes back to the city. “It was probably one of the craziest things I”ve done and one of my fondest memories with Andy,” he said, describing how he and Andy had coasted down the hills and how long it took to walk up the next. “I remember Andy with the hugest smile on his face after we bombed down the grade. That whole trip back was so tiring and fun and just being able to share that with Andy gives me a memory that I can cherish and remember how much of a good friend he was.”
Saturday”s event celebrated Andy”s memory as well as the understanding the City of Clearlake has reached with the park”s users. A new rules and regulations sign was also unveiled, clearly stating the conditions the city has agreed to for allowing dual use of the park.
First and foremost, users of the park must wear proper safety equipment. Bike riders are required to wear a helmet and skateboarders must wear a helmet as well as elbow and knee pads. “You need to wear safety equipment, especially a helmet,” Savin said as he pointed out the new sign hosting the rules. “That is one thing that could make or change your life.”
Skateboarders and bikers are not allowed to use the facility at the same time. An alternate day use schedule has been devised with bikes allowed on even-numbered days and skateboards on odd-numbered days. Authorization has been given by the council for officials to close the park should even one bad apple decide to not follow the rules.
Depending upon who (biker or skateboarder) breaks the rules, the park will be closed immediately and will be closed on the next day assigned to the violating party.
District 2 Supervisor and Clearlake resident Jeff Smith has issued a challenge to the public to help get helmets for local youth who use the park. He said at recent council meeting that he has found an organization in Oregon that will sell any non-profit organization helmets for $2.50 apiece. He said he had $100 toward the effort and issued a challenge to the council and the public to match (or contribute what they can) to the cause. City Administrator Dale Neiman was quick to step up and matched Smith”s donation.
The Lake County Community Action Agency”s youth services division has agreed to handle the donations. To contribute to the cause and help get a helmet on every head at the skatepark, send donations to Lake County Community Action Agency, PO Box 969, Clearlake, CA 95422. Please identify your contribution by writing “skatepark helmets” on the memo line.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
