Skate Park Rules Set

DAYTON - The Dayton City Council took action Monday night to continue the safety and security of students who use the city skate park.

The city council unanimously passed an ordinance during Monday's meeting that could inflict fines on skaters who dis- obey the rules posted at the park.

Violations of the ordi- nance may result in a civil infraction and may be pun- ished by a civil fine. The first infraction fine is $100, second infraction is $150 and third and subsequent infractions could be up to $250.

City Clerk-Treasurer Trina Cole said the Colum- bia County Sheriff's Office will be enforcing the skate park rules. It was the sher- iff's office personnel who closed the skate park in late August because of reports of vandalism, theft and inappropriate behavior. It was re-opened at the end of September by the council on a trial basis.

Columbia County Sher- iff's Office Undersheriff

Lee Brown explained that infractions will be issued to the violator except in cases with minors, where the infraction is issued to the parent or guardian.

"It depends on the age," Brown said. "If the kids are over the age of 16 with a driver's license, typically we can cite them."

The ordinance restricts anyone using the skate park from using any equipment other than skateboards and skates on the equipment and makes helmets and safety equipment on the ramps mandatory. The ordinance states that violation of safety restrictions would constitute grounds to remove the offender's privilege of using the skate park.

The ordinance also enforces the park rules of skating around others with a similar skill level, treating others with respect, keep- ing noise levels down to a reasonable volume, keep- ing out of the park when it is locked and prohibit- ing smoking and prohibiting consuming alcohol or drugs within the park.

"I think the skate park is a good place where kids can go and relax," skater Michael Milan said at a previous council meeting. "The skate park was like a second home to me hellip; I went there all of the time."

The ordinance will go into effect five days after the publication of the ordinance summary.