Those skateboarding scofflaws, who have raised the ire of merchants and police in Waynesburg Borough for years, may soon have a place to practice their sport legally.

Last Wednesday, American Ramp Co. set up a mobile skate park in Central Park, where a few dozen teenagers on skateboards and in-line skates took turns rolling down quarter pipe ramps and doing tricks on grind rails and a stair platform.

This scene may become commonplace if borough officials proceed with plans to build a skate park near the Central Park playground.

We urge borough officials to move forward on this plan, considering that skateboarders now are usually scolded when they grind their boards on rails and hurdle obstacles in the borough.

We recognize that there is a cost for all of this, perhaps as much as $30,000 to build a park, and that doesn't include the purchase of the land.

The borough has received a $15,000 state grant to get started, and there has been talk fundraising might be a way to finance the effort.

That possibility should not be overlooked.

We know it is difficult for teenagers to find constructive entertainment during the summer.

Those who complain about kids skateboarding where they shouldn't often say there are places kids belong, like baseball, softball and soccer fields. Let them play with their teams.

Not every child enjoys team sports, though. In fact, some more individualized sports are gaining ground rapidly on our more traditional games. Some sources cite skateboarding, for example, as the third-most popular sport among 6- to 18-year-olds.

Yet they often have a tough time finding places to enjoy their avocation, as "No skateboarding" signs abound in otherwise ideal locations.

That's understandable for property owners and municipalities that have no desire to face liability issues. But it tends to put youngsters in the awkward position of either breaking the law or taking their chances in places that might not be so safe.

Speaking of liability, Athena Bowman, borough secretary, said she checked with the borough's liability insurance carrier to determine how a skate park would effect the insurance premium.

"It would go up, but it really wasn't that much," she said.

The insurance company may have some requirements, such as "Skate at your own risk" signs and mandating that all riders wear helmets when using the equipment, Bowman said.

We understand plans to build a skate park are in the infant stages, but nonetheless we commend the borough for at least recognizing the need for a park where kids can skate.

It's time to help kids who prefer wheels to a bat and ball to get outside and get some exercise.

Home