Along with the bumps and bruises that can occur from skateboarding itself, a new skatepark in Mount Airy is experiencing its share of growing pains.

After opening to much fanfare on Aug. 7, the facility at Riverside Park has proven to be a popular attraction, but along with that have come problems from some users not complying with equipment and other rules.

“I figure that is definitely to be expected,” city Parks and Recreation Director Catrina Alexander said Monday of the issues accompanying the opening of a new facility — especially one catering to extreme sports enthusiasts.

“It kind of goes along with the territory,” Alexander said.

However, that hasn’t kept local parks and recreation officials, police and skateboard park organizers from trying to make sure all users comply with the regulations. Already, at least one youth is facing a court appearance for not wearing the proper equipment, which includes a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads.

A meeting recently was held to explore problems accompanying the skateboard facility’s opening, which included Alexander, police officials, City Manager Barbara Jones and members of the skateboarding community.

“I think what they (the police) are looking for is voluntary compliance,” Alexander said. She added that while officers are monitoring the skatepark for possible rules violations, this is taking their attention away from other needs around the city.

And the rules aren’t just arbitrary, but are meant to avoid serious injuries that not only could harm users but threaten the long-term success of the facility that cost nearly $67,000 to build through a multi-year effort.

“I have already heard of an injury down there,” the parks and recreation official said. “That first week (of operation), I think, was tough. It’s a new deal — people are trying to figure it out.”

About seven skateboarders were using the unsupervised facility Monday afternoon — some of whom were lacking helmets or pads. When one youth was asked about the practice of wearing helmets, he shrugged sheepishly and then performed a daredevil-type stunt on the course that contains ramps, railings, steps, platforms and other fixtures.

“We don’t want them to choose not to wear the proper equipment and not be allowed to skate,” stated Kathy Bentley of Skate Mount Airy Inc., a non-profit group that made the facility a reality.

“Rather, choose to wear the equipment because it is the law and we can ALL enjoy the skatepark for years to come,” Bentley added.

Equipment Issue

There has been some concern about the cost of the equipment required when using the park. Youths who were at the facility Monday afternoon said a skateboarder easily can spend $160, or more, to become properly outfitted. That includes the price of the board.

Alexander, the parks and recreation official, said efforts are being explored in order to “get some equipment out to people.” This could include soliciting donations for used items, which would involve expanding an existing program in which equipment for other activities, such as baseball, is collected and distributed.

“It’s not a cheap sport,” Alexander said of skateboarding.

She agreed that providing gear for needy youths might be a worthy project for some civic group.

Conduct Stressed

In order to have a public, unsupervised skatepark, state law required Mount Airy to adopt local legislation that identifies skateboarding as a “hazardous recreational activity,“ which the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners did in April 2008.

Among other stipulations, the ordinance approved by the board states that skatepark users are legally responsible for all injuries or damages resulting to themselves or others there.

In addition to wearing the proper equipment, users are required to maintain proper control and refrain from “acting in a manner” that might cause harm. Only those activities for which the facility is specifically designed are allowed under the ordinance.

The skate park’s focus is an urban design for balancing transition and street-skating styles. That design is meant to accommodate the full spectrum of skaters — from beginners to those demanding a challenging terrain to perfect their skills.

Along with a possible court appearance, fine and court costs, rules violators can be banned from the skatepark.

“This park is a vibrant and inspirational community space and we are so fortunate to have something of its caliber in a city the size of Mount Airy,” Alexander said. “Like any recreational facility, it will take everyone’s help to make it successful.”

Alexander said there is interest among local skateboarders in soliciting the N.C. General Assembly to make helmet use optional, and possibly the other equipment required as well. She said that would be similar to legislation in states such as South Carolina where helmets are not required for motorcyclists.

However, until then, local officials must manage the skateboard facility with the legal structure that is in place, and police and recreational leaders say cooperation is the key.

“We are excited about this opportunity to work as a team with the overall goal of success,” Police Chief Dale Watson said. “It is our hope that this relationship is one that can be an example for other communities as well.”

Contact Tom Joyce at tjoyce@mtairynews.com or at 719-1924.