The Auburn City Council approved 4 -1 the first reading of an ordinance regulating the use and operation of city recreational facilities and authorizing penalties for non-compliance. The ordinance’s creation is due largely to the eventual opening of the school park preserve, and is designed in part to protect the paths from damage caused by bicycles and skating devices.

“Right now, the skateboarding ordinance does not apply to the school park preserve,” said Police Chief Valerie Harris.

Mayor Keith Nesbitt objected to the language of the ordinance, specifically, the prohibition of not only the use but also the possession of skateboards within the park. “I can guarantee you that I’ll be the first one cited,” said Nesbitt. “I’ll walk around the park with a skateboard under my arm.”

Councilman Kevin Hanley agreed. “The park is right next to the police department,” he pointed out. “We should be able to look down and see who is actually using the skateboard inside the park rather than who is just carrying a skateboard.”

He made a second motion, which passed, that the ordinance not include as an offence the possession of skating devices within the park.

Bicycle possession within the park’s boundaries was not a concern, as bicycle racks will be provided around the perimeter of the facility. The second reading, and subsequent enactment of the ordinance if passed, will occur at the next city council meeting on July 7.

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