CLEARLAKE >> A new skate park regulation ordinance was introduced at the Clearlake City Council’s regular meeting on Thursday.
Looking to satisfy existing state law and mitigate liability, the legislation would mandate helmets, elbow and knee pads to be worn while at the park. It would also update signs reminding them of these rules.
Originally, the ordinance said the park would be closed during school hours despite being open from sunrise to sunset. According to Councilman Bruno Sabatier, the city found this rule to be unfair to adult skaters and removed it from the ordinance’s language.
“There’s so many adults that use the skatepark; it would be discriminatory,” Sabatier said.
Another problem the council found was with the maximum fine of $1,000 for rule violations, which the councilman said was “excessive for the age of 12.” Instead, it was changed to $500.
Additionally, the age requirement ended up being a problem for Sabatier. However, due to state statutes that regulation can only be decreased by Sacramento.
“I’m 100 percent behind it but now I have to go to the state,” he said, expressing his satisfaction over last night’s actions. “It’s one of the only things in our county that kids have easy access to. We need to talk to our representatives and see what they can do to help us out.”
The vote was unanimous 5-0. The ordinance will seek final approval at the council’s next regular meeting.
