Youths say keep bicycles at township skatepark
Written by Alex Davis Wednesday, 15 February 2012 17:37
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP – A group of young people dislike bicycles being used at Middle Township’s skatepark when others are riding scooters or skateboards.
But they don’t want bicycles to be banned.
“This should be a park that welcomes everybody,” said 17-year-old Justin Cline, as he leaned against his black, green and purple scooter Tuesday at the Clarence and Georgiana Davies Sports Complex along Goshen Road. He and some friends rode scooters at the skatepark Tuesday.
Middle Township Committee plans to vote March 5 on an ordinance that, if adopted, would prohibit bicycles from being used at the skatepark.
The move comes after Philip Mancini of Atlantic County suffered a head injury after colliding with a skateboarder Jan. 28. He had to be airlifted to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center trauma center.
Bicycles should be allowed to be used at the skatepark, but be put on a set schedule, the youths indicated. One of them said that’s the way it used to be.
“I feel that banning the use of bicycles in that park would be a shame,” Erik Sammartino of Somers Point said in an email interview Tuesday. “Goshen skatepark was the one skatepark BMX riders would travel to and not have to worry about being hassled for just trying to do something we all loved to do. For the city to kick bicycles out of that skatepark is just kicking us into the streets and leaving us with nowhere to go. I feel it would be a very unsafe decision for the city to do.”
Under the proposed ordinance, only skateboards and in-line skating would be allowed at the skatepark. Scooters would be permitted as well, says Middle Township Recreation Department director Chuck McDonnell.
Scooters are the choice for riders nowadays, the youths indicated Feb. 14.
Under township code, bicycles, skateboards and in-line skating are currently allowed. Bicycles have been permitted since 2008, according to the date of an amended ordinance.
Also according to skatepark sign and the township code, riders must wear helmets, shoes, knee pads, wrist pads and elbow pads. It’s also suggested that a parent or guardian be with children under 12. The skatepark is not supervised.
“I think the rec [recreation department] is handling this in the wrong direction,” Cline said. The Cape May Court House teen said he uses the skatepark every day.
Cline said he plans to attend the March 5 Township Committee meeting to share his thoughts. He also expects to bring some friends.
Cline isn’t alone in his thoughts about the township recreation department.
A Facebook event page had been created, named “Protest against Goshen rec to allow BMX bikes in....” As of Feb. 14, 40 people indicated they would attend the March 5 Township Committee meeting.
But on the Facebook page, some people said they don’t mind that bicycles could be banned at the skatepark.
Perhaps skatepark users could sign a waiver, Cline said Tuesday. That way the rider is responsible if he or she gets injured.
He said he has been injured many times – by people on scooters, skateboards and bicycles.
Cline has been coming to the skatepark since it opened some four years ago, he said. He has been on the scooter, bicycle and skateboard.
But he enjoys the scooter the most. So do many other people.
In fact, that’s what many of the youths use at the skatepark, some of the youths indicated Tuesday.
Cline said the Middle Township skatepark brings freedom not found in other skateparks, including North Wildwood, Stone Harbor and Sea Isle City.
He also said Middle’s skatepark is not just limited to scooters, bicycles or skateboards, either. He has witnessed a unicycle being used and roller-blades as well.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|