Council opens up parks to skateboarders

WATSONVILLE — Skateboarders can now legally ride in all city parks, after a decision made Tuesday by the Watsonville City Council.

The Council voted 5-1, with Councilwoman Nancy Bilicich voting no.

Despite concerns from residents and council members regarding safety issues, the council decided that opening up the parks to skateboarders would encourage physical activity among young people.

“We don’t have enough parks for our kids, and we have a tremendous amount of kids,” said Mayor Eduardo Montesino. “We want people to use our parks, instead of playing Nintendo.”

According to Councilman Oscar Rios, about 33 percent of the population in Watsonville is 18 and under.

The original skateboard ordinance took effect in August 1976, and was revised in April 2001. The ordinance prohibited skateboarding, in-line skating and roller skates at all city parks except for Ramsay Park.



For the complete article see the 05-10-2012 issue.

Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 05-10-2012 paper.

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