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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-20; Parks & Recreation Commission; 1008-3; Update on SkateboardingPARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL AB# 1008-3 MTG. DATE: 10/20/08 STAFF: | SANGSTER UPDATE ON SKATEBOARDING IN THE REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT INFO ACTION RECOMMENDED ACTION Receive an update presentation on skateboarding in the Redevelopment District from the Police Department. ITEM EXPLANATION : Captain Shipley will provide the Commission with a presentation on the history, status, and potential complications with adding an exception to a Carlsbad Municipal Code. EXHIBITS: 1. Memorandum Dated September 18, 2008 Re: Skateboarding in the Redevelopment District POLICE DEPARTMENT September 18, 2008 TO: Sue Spickard FROM: Captain Shipley RE: Skateboarding in the Redevelopment District The purpose of this memorandum is to present the Police Department perspective concerning skateboarding in the Redevelopment District. This is in response to the Parks and Recreation Commission interest in allowing skateboarding city wide as a mode of transportation. Carlsbad Municipal Code 10.58.020 prohibits skateboarding on any sidewalk, public street, public parking lot or public property in the village redevelopment district. This law was implemented due to complaints received about skateboarding in the village area. The primary concern was the safety of all persons using the sidewalks. My understanding is the Parks and Recreation Commission is proposing an exception for transportation in the village skateboarding prohibition. The Police Department is opposed to implementing an exception for transportation in the Village for two reasons; safety being the first concern. The potential hazards presented by a skateboarder commuting past a business entrance are at least as great, if not greater, than a skateboarder doing tricks repeatedly in the same location. The shopper stepping from a business in front of a 10 to 15 mile per hour skateboarder could have serious consequences for both parties. Secondly, adding an exception would likely all but eliminate enforcement effectiveness. Officers would be forced to surveil a suspected skateboard violator long enough to be sure, beyond a reasonable doubt, the skateboarder was not just in transit, even if he/she was performing curb jumps or slides. The village area, with business entrances immediately adjacent to public sidewalks presents a unique situation not seen in other areas of Carlsbad. It is the Police Department's position that revoking or diluting the village skateboarding prohibition represents increased potential hazards for persons enjoying the village area.