Liability Noted as Risk of Skateboarding Area

Running a skateboarding area may be a risky venture, although a survey shows a lack of lawsuits in communities with such parks, according to a report that will be reviewed Monday by the City Council.

“The big issue is still liability,” City Manager Dan Joseph said. “Our risk management people are telling us that there is a big liability with building a skateboard park.”

The City Council requested the report in response to an outpouring of residents looking for a legal place for their children to use skateboards. City law bans skateboarding in all public places.

The study identified several sites for a skateboard park, including the Sierra and Marguerite recreation centers.

A potential for lawsuits, however, remains a significant concern.

Some cities have been encouraged by Huntington Beach’s experience with skateboard parks. No complaints have been filed since the city built the first of two skate parks four years ago. But officials in other communities say skateboard parks aren’t widespread enough yet to get a real sense of a city’s legal exposure.

For cities struggling with questions about building skateboard parks, Joseph said, the answer could come to this: “How much [is the city] willing to risk to provide this service to their residents?”

The 6 p.m. meeting will be held at Mission Viejo City Hall, 25909 Pala. Information: (714) 470-3000.