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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8068 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8068 GNpR7EgFO To the Mayor and Members of the City Council A May 6, 1997 Subject: Report on Skateboard Facilities 1873 Introduction At the February 2, 1997, City Council meeting held at Southwest High School, the Council was addressed by several youth regarding the need to have a place to skateboard. The City Council directed staff to review this matter and present a report and recommendation regarding skateboarding and possible development of skateboard facilities. Statistical Information According to the National Sporting Goods Association that has maintained records for the past ten years on skateboard sales, more than 75% of all skateboard users are under the age of 18. Participation in the sport has decreased significantly since a high of 8.0 million in 1991 to 4.3 million in 1995. There are more than 100 skateboard facilities, both private and public, in the United States and Canada. There are three (3) indoor facilities available in the Metroplex area, ow including the cities of Kennedale, Dallas and Plano (wider construction). All of these facilities were constructed with private funds and are privately operated. The City of San Antonio recently conducted a survey of large urban park and recreation departments regarding skating facilities. Out of 28 cities responding, only seven (7) have facilities. Out of those seven, two cities have facilities for skateboarding, including Tucson (multiple use) and Phoenix, Arizona. Tucson funded their facility by public funds while Phoenix funded theirs by public and private funds. There is no on site supervision at either facility. Issues While there have been concerns regarding liability issues with municipalities providing a skateboard facility, more and more communities are constructing skateboard areas that are available without staff supervision. Signage is provided that states that the users of the facility assume their own risk and that proper safety equipment is required (helmets, knee and elbow pads). In discussion with the various staff responsible for those facilities, they have reported that to date no claims have been filed. The Risk Management Department is not aware of any skateboard claims or complaints from skateboarders in the City of Fort Worth. — ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No, 8068 May 6, 1997 w To the Mayor and Members of the City Council &.7 A Page 2 of 3 Subject: Report on Skateboard Facilities 873 The City does not have a policy or ordinance explicitly restricting skateboarding on sidewalks or parks. Section 22-16 of the City Code states that it shall be unlawful for any person upon roller skates, or riding in or by means of any coaster, toy vehicle or similar device to go upon any roadway except while crossing a street on a crosswalk. However, due to concerns of damage from the skateboards and users, Burnett Park and Candleridge Park, respectively are posted as prohibiting skateboards. These sites are posted according to City Code, Section 24-37, ". . the parks and community services director shall be responsible for determining the overall policies, regulations and program governing . . . operations of all public parks." Construction and Programming Options There are two distinctive trends regarding construction of a skateboard park. The traditional "bowl" facility is still being constructed. However, the size and shape of the bowl restricts use to only a few individuals at a time. This has created concern as groups of young persons then hang out waiting for their turn. The trend now is to develop a skate park that integrates typical features such as handrails, stairs, ramps, etc. This allows for more people to use the facilities simultaneously including use by the general non-skateboard user. The cost varies depending on type and size of facility. The average minimum area required for a skate park is 10,000 square feet and goes up to 15,000 square feet. The average cost is $8 to $10 per square foot therefore, the construction of a skate park can be estimated at $100,000 to $150,000. Operation and maintenance costs are much higher for the bowl since this typically requires on-site staff supervision at all times the facility is open to the public. A skate park only requires general maintenance similar to general park structures. All existing facilities in the Metroplex have been constructed and are operated with private funds subsidized by membership and user fees. The typical fees are listed below. Several other cities in the Metroplex are also researching this subject and may consider constructing a skate park in the future with public funds. Dallas Kennedale Membership/Year $29 $35 Fee each visit(all day) $ 5 $ 5 Non-Members $13 $ 7 Additional visits (each) 9 ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER- FORT WORTH,TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8o68 P-4 N-0 ' To the Mayor and Members of the City Council Ae A "-o May 6, 1997 950 Page 3 of 3 rfX A Subject: Report on Skateboard Facilities 1873 Other Considerations Even if a facility is built and made accessible to the citizens of Fort Worth, it is highly likely that skateboarders will continue to use sidewalks and parking lots. In addition, there is a growing trend for use of rollerblades that if continues will exceed skateboard use by the year 2000. According to the National Sporting Goods Association, this sport has continued to grow in popularity and usage. Roller hockey was not recorded as a sport until 1993 with 1.5 million users. It has since grown to 3.2 million users in 1995. This is more than 200% increase in three years. Due to that fact, rollerblading may demand a higher priority than skateboards. Recommendation Given the above, staff would not recommend the development of a skateboard park, unless full development and operation costs were undertaken by private interests. Staff would recommend that consideration be given to the inclusion of wheeled sports facilities in future park master plans and CIP's and that such consideration be weighed along with all other public input for other improvements. At their April 15, 1997 meeting, the Parks and Community Services Advisory Board endorsed the staffs recommendation. This report is submitted in response to the City Council's request. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Richard Zavala, Parks and Community Services Director or me. Bob Terre C ity Manager w. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS .....................--l-111-1-1-11...............