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HomeMy WebLinkAboutProposed Skateboard Areas at Park Sites - Ordinance 3181 - 1 . � r STATE OF CALIFORNIA County of Orange am a Citizen of the United States and a resident of the County aforesaid; I am over the of age of eighteen years and not a party to or + PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE Hu Council of the City , LEGAL Huntington Beach does interested in the below entitled matter. I am a ORDINANCE NO.3181 hereby ordain as follows: 1. Section 13.48.010 ,is principal cleric of the HUNTINGTON BEACH "CITYCOAN N CIL OF hereby expanded to read j CITY COUNCIL OF as follows: (i) "Skateboard INDEPENDENT, a news!�a er of enerat TINGTONBEHE CITY OF Park"' means any facility r�p 9 HUNTINGTON BEACH that is designed and main- circulation, printed and pubrished in the City of AMENDING CHAPTER tamed for the purpose of 13.48 RELATING recreational skateboard TO PARKS use. Q) Skateboard means Huntington Beach, Countyof Oran e, State of a board of any material 9 SYNOPSIS: Ordinance which has wheels attached Carifomia, and that attached Notice is a true and No. amends the Hun- and such wheels may be tington Beach Municipal used for moving or propul- complete copy as was printed and published in Ode: lion. WHEREAS, Health and 2. Section '13.48.125 is the Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley Safety Code Section 25906, hereby added, said section mandates that operators of to read as follows: issues of said newspaper to wit the issue(s) of: skateboard parks require 13.48.125 Safety Regula- that any person using the Lions and Signs. park wear a helmet;elbow (a) No person shall ride a Pads and knee pads,and skateboard at any.skate- This code` has .been board park owned or oper- amended to allow public ated by the city whether agencies to conform'to this; supervised or not unless regulation by passage of, that person is wearing a' an ordinance requiring theT helmet, .elbow' pads, ,and'+ above, and by the posting, knee pads. (b)The Director of notice at the skateboard of Community Services park'of these requirements. shall .erect and maintain NOW, THEREFORE, the visible regulatory signs at March 25 , 1993 , all skateboard parks' owned and operated by the i city that are not supervised on a regular basis. Such signs shall .afford notice that any person riding a skateboard in the facility must wear.a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads, and that any person failing to do so,will be subject to ci- tation under the Section 8.46.020 of this chapter. THE FULL TEXT OF THE ORDINANCE IS AVAIL- ABLE IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE ADOPTED by. the City Council of the City of Hun- I declare, under penalty of perjury, that the tington Beach at a regular meeting held Monday, De- foregoing is true and correct owing roll call vote the fol- AYES: Councilmem. bers: Robitaille, ,Moul- Executed on March 2-5 199•-s ton-Patterson, Winch. ell, Silva, Sullivan, at Costa Mes CaJifomia. Leipzig n NOES: Councilmem- bers:None ABSENT: Council. i members: (seat va- cant) ' Signature CITY OF, H U N- TINGTON BEACH, Con. nie Brockway, City Clerk Published Huntington Beach-Fountain Valley In- dependent March 25,1993. 034-195 PROOF OF PUBLICATION • REQUEf FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION Date November 16, 1992 Submitted to: The Honorable Mayor and Cit Council A-ePROVED BY CITY COUNCt: Submitted by: - 7 • Michael Uberuaga, City Administrat --�- -- ���+� Prepared by: c2 Ron Hagan, Director, Community Services - - ct r�- �1,,_KIt- Subject: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH AMENDING THE HUNTINGTON BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING SECTION 13.48.125 THERETO PERTAINING TO SKATEBOARD Consistent with Council PoticCILITtE? Yes [ ] New Policy or Exception Statement of Issue, Recommendation,Analysis, Funding Source,Alternative Actions, Attachments: Qley 10 STATEMENT OF ISSUE The Health and Safety Code, Section 25906, mandates that operators of skateboard parks require that any person using the facility wear a helmet, and elbow and knee pads. The municipal code has been amended to allow public agencies to conform to this regulation by passage of an ordinance. RECOMMENDATION Adopt the attached Ordinance amending the Huntington Beach Municipal Code by adding Section 13.48.125 thereto pertaining to wearing of safety equipment when using skateboard facilities. ANALYSIS The city will soon begin construction of a skateboard facility at Murdy Community Park, and is presently attempting to reach an agreement with the Huntington Beach Union High School District for the inclusion of a skateboard facility as part of entryway improvements at the Huntington Beach High School Stadium. The state Health and Safety Code mandates that operators of skateboard parks require that any person using the park wear a helmet and elbow and knee pads. The municipal code has been amended to allow public agencies to conform to this / regulation by passage of an ordinance requiring the above, and by the posting of notice at the skateboard park of these requirements. The ordinance should provide better protection for the city in the area of liability, by reducing the number of potential injuries occurring from the use of skateboard areas. FUNDING SOURCE Not applicable v PIO 5/85 REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION November 16, 1992 Page two ALTERNATIVE ACTION Do not require safety equipment to be worn when using skateboard facilities. ATTACHMENT Ordinance BF:cs PUBLIC HEARING Public Hearings are required on many development issues and most fees. If you need clarification on the need for a Public Hearing include a request for advice in your Request for Legal Serivice (RLS) • /�p�j,�u7i�u ����'��r'<�uJ s ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION To add to or amend the City Code, departments must submit a RLS describing the desired revision so that it can be put in proper ordinance or resolution form and reviewed for any legal concerns. An ordinance or resolution is also needed to establish a new fee or revise an existing fee. An RLS should be submitted to the City Attorney for these as well. CONTRACT/AGREEMENT All contracts/agreements must be submitted to the City Attorney Office for review and approval. With few exceptions, the City Attorney requires two signature$by the contractor before final approval can be given. NEGATIVE DEC./EIR All projects within the City require either a Negative Declaration or an Environmental Impact Report(EIR) . Community Development staff should be consulted as to which is needed. INSURANCE Proof of insurance is usually required of contractors with the city as well as companies doing work in a city right- of-way. Seek advice via your RLS if you are unsure. BONDS Are required of contractors with the City and developers. Again, as part of your RLS you can seek advice on the need for bonds. MAPS Maps should be attached to identify the location of all projects or tracts. v RCA - ROUTING SHEET/CHECKLIST INITIATING DEPARTMENT DATE SUBJECT AGENDA DATE /I/fib /�02 A ENDA DEADLINE �— (TO ADMINISTRATION) YES NO PUBLIC HEARING [ ] [ ''] PUBLICATION DATE (Most FEES require a Public Hearing. .Seek the City Attorneys advice on fees.) DATE TO CITY ATTORNEY City Attorney (With Exhibits) (Initial when complete) INITIATING DEPARTMENT REVIEW/CHECKLIST REQUIRED BACKUP YES NO CHECK BELOW IF jAkTTACHE ordinance [ /] [ j [ ] Resolution [ ] 1A [ ] Signed Contract/Agreement Negative Dec./EIR Insurance Bond/s Map/s ( ] [ ] [ I Financial Impact Statement (Unbudgeted Items Over $10,000) RCA - City Council ( [ ] ( ✓] RCA - Redevelopment Agency [ ] [ ] [ ] REVIEWED BY INITIATING DEPARTMENT AGENDA COORDINATOR: ADMINISTRATION REVIEW [ j COMMENTS: C o.cc•Se.c✓. ' REQUEA FOR CITY COUNCI, ACTION Date September 8 , 1992 Submitted to: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Submitted by: Michael T. Uberuaga, City Administrat �-- Prepared by: Ron Hagan, Director, Community Services Ov f.---�� Subject: HUNTINGTON BEACH UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT/ CITY JOINT PROJECT APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL ZZX Consistent with Council Policy? [ ] Yes [ ] New Policy or Exception i Statement of Issue, Recommendation,Analysis, Funding Source,Alternative A cL:- STATEMENT OF ISSUE There have been preliminary negotiations with Huntington Beach High School District staff concerning a joint project, which includes a new entryway into the Huntington Beach High School stadium, and establishment of a bicycle parking area and community skateboard area. There is a need to have the city's contract landscape architect prepare design and construction documents in order to enter into formal negotiations. RECOMMENDATION 1. Approve in concept a joint project with the Huntington Beach Union High School District; 2 . Approve an expenditure of $13 , 200 from the Park Acquisition and Development Fund for Purkiss-Rose and Associates to prepare design/construction documents for the Huntington Beach Union High School District/City Joint Project; and 3 . Direct Community Services staff to negotiate an agreement with Huntington Beach Union High School District for the proposed joint project and then come back to City Council for approval. ANALYSIS Recently, Community Services Staff had a number of meetings with Gary Burgner, Assistant Superintendent Business Services for Huntington Beach Union High School District; Jim Staunton, Huntington Beach Union High School Principal; and Steve Rose of Purkiss-Rose and Associates to work on a project that would provide for a new, upgraded entryway into the high school stadium along with the establishment of a bicycle parking area and community skateboard area. V P10 5/85 REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION PAGE TWO The proposed joint project between the district and the city would resolve three problems: Provide for a new entryway area that would address landscaping, ticket booths, security lighting and bicycle parking areas; provide an alternative skateboard site that would serve high school students and the community; and, allow the city to use the high school stadium for community events free of charge. At its May 13 meeting, the Community Services Commission approved the concept as presented. The city is currently in the process of installing a skateboard area at Murdy Community park and, pending City Council approval, construction should begin this fall. In the near future, a similar site will be selected at Edison Community park. The skateboard facility planned for part of the entryway area at Huntington Beach High School would be very similar in design, with the infrastructure under 18" in height, keeping the liability exposure at a minimum. The high school district has a tremendous problem with maintaining its facilities due to the destruction caused by skateboard activity on campus. The district is anxious to find an alternative place for its students to practice their sport. It is extremely difficult to carry out an enforcement program without providing an alternative area to skate. City staff proposes that the district lease an area to the city on which a skateboard facility would be built by the city. The city would assume all liability and hold the district harmless for that area. In exchange for the no-cost lease, the city would participate financially with the district in the development of the remaining entryway improvements to the high school stadium. The cost estimate to do the improvements is approximately $140, 000. Approximately $60, 000 of that amount is for the skateboard area which the city would build with State Park Bond Act funds. The remaining $80, 000 for the entryway improvements would be spread between the district and the city, making each agency's share $40, 000. The project, if approved, is estimated to begin construction in the spring of 1993 and be completed by the start of school in September, 1993 . This project has the makings of a win-win-win situation for the high school district, the city and the children and teens of this community who participate in the sport of skateboarding. REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION PAGE THREE FUNDING SOURCE Park Acquisition and Development Fund Account #E-SK-CS-340-3-90-00 ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS 1. Do not move forward with proposed joint project. 2 . Scale back joint project at direction of City Council. ATTACHMENTS Purkiss-Rose quotation for services. Map of area RH:BF:am purkissorose - rsi June 19, 1992 Inlllt{ Inlll(I (nil11l Inlllll Ron Hagan Director of Community Services City of Huntington Beach 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Subject: Huntington Beach High School Sports Field Entry and Skateboard Area Dear Ro%, It is great to hear that the high school project has received such support. We have had the opportunity to meet with Bill F oAr and the review committee. With this input, we are prepared to proceed with the design development and construction document phase of the project. Our fee to provide these services is as follows: Construction Document Phase $ 7,000.00 Construction Observation Phase $ 3,000.00 Inllln (nl)ll{ Inillfl Inillll " $10,00O 60 Survey of the Site to Develop Base Sheet $ 1,000.00 Utility Search and Plan $ 600.00 Electrical Engineering for Se_cwrity Lights and Power to (++llnl (nuns Pa`y-Booths $ 1,600.00 Grand Total: $13,200.00 Please provide the proper paperwork for our signature on this project. I shall keep you abreast of our progress. Again, I want to thank you for your continued support of our 114U11I (n1111I (n)Il(I (14111H Landscape Architecture Recreation and Park Planning 219 North Harbor Boulevard Fullerton,California 92632 FAX:(714)871-1188 (714)871.3638 firm. We dedicate our services and experience to the City of Huntington Beach and hope to meet your expectations and time lines. Sincerely, Stephan D. Rose, A.S.L.A Landscape Architect SR/hs 'LANNING SECTIONAL DISTRICT MAP 2-6- II --- ---- ,� E CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH ORANGE COUNT', CALIFORNIA USE OF PROPERTY MAP GARFIELD AVE. /3<�31: J I I I I / / I I I I I I I L Go I ' 1 1' I i' i• Q.EArwn3 �di+.'eerav:. � iL.Jj----------------- w -- vp o , s CL 4Y AVE i' DWEN AVE 1 4 W — ill--' -__ ��,.�.. C�N4ae0 AVE A CA i Y l I WILLIAVS A W_j (�.iA:!FF':..<:i.'...ii:P:::...._>.YE:iI l E...�... —...=....NI FV r,..� \• �] QQ Fgg'Fjj-- J YORKTOWN I I t/; AVE. CF—C CF—E ,:; E TIER) N Mitt ST. WICNITA AVE. N ® aAr VENICE AVE. t C ®� . T A AVE. N Ems I p CF—R TORONTO AVE. SPRINGFIELD ® AVE. Lu Z zMROCHESTER 0AVE_wQ 0 W S 2 �A•, q 2 ADAMS AVE. RCA - ROUTING SHEET/CHECKLIST INITIATING DEPARTMENT DATE 2 2 SUBJECT �S� aK,�ZX AGENDA DATE �- G"•��Z AGENDA DEADLINE oZ�v Y Z (TO ADMINISTRATION) YES NO PUBLIC HEARING [ ] [ ✓j PUBLICATION DATE (Most FEES require a Public Hearing. Seek the City Attorneys advice on fees.) DATE TO CITY ATTORNEY City Attorney (with Exhibits) (Initial when complete) INITIATING DEPARTMENT REVIEW/CHECKLIST REQUIRED BACKUP YES NO CHECK BELOW IF ATTACHED ordinance ( ] [✓j ( ] Resolution [ ] lv/ [ ] Signed Contract/Agreement [ ] 1, [ ] Negative Dec./EIR [ ] [✓j [ ] Insurance ( ] [✓] [ ] Bond/s Map/s Financial Impact statement j ] (Unbudgeted Items over $10,000) RCA - City Council [ [ ] ( v] RCA - Redevelopment Agency REVIEWED BY INITIATING DEPARTMENT AGENDA COORDINATOR: ADMINISTRATION REVIEW [ ] COMMENTS: q PUBLIC HEARING Public Hearings are required on many development issues and most fees. If you need clarification on the need for a Public Hearing include a request for advice in your Request for Legal Se/rivice (RLS) ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION To add to' or amend the City Code, departments must submit a RLS describing the desired revision so that it can be put in proper ordinance or resolution form and reviewed for any legal concerns. An ordinance or resolution is also needed to establish a new fee or revise an existing fee. An RLS should be submitted to the City Attorney for these as well. CONTRACT/AGREEMENT All contracts/agreements must be submitted to the City Attorney Office for review and approval. With few exceptions, the City Attorney requires two signature$by the contractor before final approval can be given. NEGATIVE DEC./EIR All projects within the City require either a Negative Declaration or an Environmental Impact Report(EIR) . Community Development staff should be consulted as to which is needed. INSURANCE Proof of insurance is usually required of contractors with the city as well as companies doing work in a city right- of-way. Seek advice via your RLS if you are unsure. BONDS Are required of contractors with the City and developers. Again, as part of your RLS you can seek advice on the need for bonds. MAPS Maps should be attached to identify the location of all projects or tracts. REQUEA FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION Date June 17 , 1991 Submitted to: Honorable Mayor and City Council y Submitted by: Michael T. Uberuaga, City Administrator; ( Prepared by: Ron Hagan, Director, Community Service _ AppgpVED BY CITY COUNCIL Subject: PROPOSED SKATEBOARD PARK SITES p/ ER Consistent with Council Policy? [ ] Yes [ ] New Policy or Exceptio ~ ITY cL Statement of Issue, Recommendation,Analysis, Funding Source, Alternative Actions,Attachments: STATEMEIET OF ISSUE. The recent adoption of HBMC Chapter 10 . 20, prohibits skateboarding in business districts, and in all other areas of the city when they are a nuisance. The ordinance also allows the City Council to designate certain areas for skateboarding use. RE. -MMENDATION Approve the conceptual plans for providing skateboard areas and have the Director of Community Services return to Council in July with the cost to develop plans and specifications for unsupervised, low-intensity, mini-skateboard areas in Edison Park, Worthy Park and Central Park. ANAT.YG T G Skateboard riding has become an extremely popular mode of youth recreation aad transportation. Skateboarders are seen nearly everywhere in the city and at all times of the day. Having prevailed since the 1960 ' s with popularity and refinement growing in recent years, the "fad" stigma no longer seems to apply to skateboarding. According to statistics compiled by the National Skateboard Association (NSA) , skateboarding is now the sixth largest participant sport in the United States - and the third largest among participants aged six to eighteen. In researching the needs of skateboarders, staff has found that there are four types of skateboarding activity. Skateboarders learn the sport at unsupervised sites usually in school areas or business districts by using curbs, walls and benches. They then graduate to making ramps and half pipes in backyards around town. Once they become good, they then need a demonstration area to show off their skills on large half pipes and ramps . Finally, they want a skateboard park with large bowls and competition areas . Staff, with input from a committee of skateboard manufacturers, dealers and riders, has prepared a four-component approach addressing each type of skateboarding activity. P10 5/85 REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION Page Two The first component ( see Exhibit A) is small , unsupervised, skateboarding areas in city parks near three of our local high schools . The first area is Edison Park, or more specifically, the Southern California Edison Company easement along Hamilton Avenue. The site is south of the main recreation areas in the park and is a natural , sloping area that lends itself very nicely to a skateboard site. The second area is in Worthy Park, just south of the Pay-N-Play Racquetball facility, between the softball diamonds and the play equipment. It also has a natural slope and would be an ideal alternative for skateboarders who have been causing a great deal of damage to the Huntington Beach High School grounds. Finally, the third mini-skate area would be in Central Park at the southeast corner of Golden West Street and Slater Avenue, or more specifically, just south of the parking lot off Slater and would involve improvement to part of the small earthen drainage channel located there. The site is fairly close to Ocean View High School which is another advantage. At all three sites the design would include a concrete curb, wall and bench no higher than 18 inches, which would keep the city' s risk exposure to a minimum. ( See Exhibit B) In researching other cities' experiences, staff found that incorporating unsupervised skateboarding areas into a park setting was the most desirable. It encouraged continual use, reduced police and maintenance problems, and generated a family atmosphere at the facility. Parents are more likely to attend the skateboarding areas with their children when amenities such as picnic areas, barbecue pits , and playground equipment are provided. Supervision of the facility increases as the adult presence increases . A stand-alone facility, not in a park, tends to attract a less desirable group of users, is not utilized with as much frequency, and generally creates more police and maintenance problems . The second component, which is recommended for future consideration, is the use of the Adventure Playground site during the school year when the regular summer program is not operating. The "Adventure Skateboard Park" would be open from 3 : 00-5 : 00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 : 00 a.m. to 4: 00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday during the school year only, possibly beginning the fall of 1991 . Skateboarders would build their own wooden ramps, walls, small quarter and half pipes , multi-use obstacles and they would use the empty cement pond area. The site would be supervised with a city paid recreation leader, and would also be under the guidance of volunteers, made up of skate shop owners, parents and pro skaters . The participants would have to wear the proper equipment (elbow/knee pads , helmets , etc. ) , pay an admission fee, and sign a waiver form in order to use the facility. A special liability insurance policy would have to be obtained for this operation. REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION Page Three The third component to implement is a "demonstration" area on the beach. This could be planned for opening in the summer of 1992 when the pier has been completed. The demonstration area would potentially be set up on the sand on the northwest side of the pier. At least one skateboard equipment dealer has indicated an interest in coming in and setting up a portable platform with portable ramps, etc . that skaters could then use for a fee. This private company would then provide the necessary insurance and be responsible for supervision of the activity. This would provide an alternative for those skateboarders who frequent the beach in the summer and are not allowed by ordinance to use the Main Street area. The final component involves satisfying the need for skateboarders at a higher level . This would be a year-round, indoor, full-scale skateboard facility that a private developer would build, insure, and operate. It would be on a lease agreement with the city receiving a percentage of the revenue. Staff has not had time to look for a possible site for this facility. This final phase is obviously at least a year or two away from implementation. Plans, specifications and construction costs for the first component will be paid through the Park Acquisition and Development Fund. The preliminary cost for the first component is estimated at $100, 000 . During the meetings staff has had with the "skateboard committee" made up of manufacturers, shop owners, professionals and local skateboarders, there was unanimous support of the proposals presented herein. They have also expressed a willingness to volunteer their help to seeing the plans become a reality. At the same time, they are also willing to work on the educational aspect of this issue. Some of them have expressed a willingness to speak before service groups and community organizations to try to make people understand that skateboarding is a worthwhile sport and that it is a great alternative to gangs and drugs . Staff feels that creating skateboard areas in the city will give youth an alternative place to business districts and school grounds to release their energy, learn their sport, grow with their accomplishments and develop a camaraderie with fellow skateboarders . Staff believes the City should start with the first component and, if successful , then implement the other components in the future. FUNDING SOURCE. If Council approves the concept, unappropriated Park Acquisition and Development Fund Balance. REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION Page Four A LT_ERNAT I V E_-Af=N.S Do not have city provide skateboard areas . ATTACHMENTS Exhibit A - Conceptual designs for skateboard areas. Exhibit B - Memo from Risk Management, National Skateboard Association letter and skateboard demographics. Maps RH:BF:am HN CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH INTER-DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATION HUNTINGTON BEACH To Ron Hagen From Robert Franz Director, Community Services Deputy 'City Administrator Subject Skateboard Park Liability Date June 4, 1991 Skateboarding is an activity whose risks are much higher than other park activities such as softball, soccer, volleyball, and the utilization of playground or other facilities at our parks. Our risk management consultant at Tillinghast had researched the availability of liability insurance for both supervised and unsupervised skateboard park facilities. After checking with their nationwide offices, he was unable to locate a single source of commercial liability insurance for a public entity. The underlying assumption that can be drawn from this is that the potential risk exposure is too great to insure. The City, however, has liability coverage available through our pooling arrangement with the Big Independent Cities Excess Pool (BICEP) . We currently have a $1 ,000, 000 self insured retention which is similar to a deductible . Coverage for the skateboard parks would be available through BICEP at this time . The City Council must decide whether to assume the liability exposure under our BICEP program or to direct staff to continue to seek co a cial insurance at a reasonable premium. Robert J ranz. RJF:KSF/sp The ',11onal Skateb.oard Asso Alon P.O. Box 1916 Vista. CA 92083 Telephone (619) 941-18" FAX (619) 945-7893 f September 6, 1989 Village President and Board of Trustees Oak Park,Illinois Sirs: I understand that you are about to make a decision which affects the lives of thousands of your citizens. I know that you want to make a decision based on a rational interpretation of the facts. I suspect that each of you, your city attorney and your staffs have few facts available and have several misconceptions about skaters and the sport that they love so much. This letter should set the record straight. Misconception number one: "Skateboarding is a fad not a sport." The skateboard is a means for personal transportation, a tool for self expression and a unique piece of sporting equipment, The National Skateboard Association (NSA) pro contest in Hawaii last March out drew the previous United States Gymnastics Federation competition. The total draw was 6,000. The World Championships held in Munster Germany last month drew over 15,000 spectators and had over 600 entrants. The entrants came from all of the Western European countries, some of the Eastern European countries including Russia, and from South America, New Zealand, Canada and of course the United States. The top professional skateboarder, an American, grosses about$250,000 annually. There are skateboard associations in nearly every industrialized country in the world. The NSA has put on professional and amateur events in the United States and Canada for the last eight years. This year's NSA pro series has been to Honolulu, Savannah, Anaheim, and Chicago and will continue on to Virginia Beach, Santa Cruz and Jacksonville. The Jacksonville contest is a benefit for the American Diabetes Association and will have national TV coverage. The NSA amateur program sponsors a nationwide series of nine contests which culminates in a national finals. Misconception number two: "Skateboarders are all a bunch of degenerate punks." Skaters have one thing in common, their love for their sport Beyond that one common bond,they come in all races,creeds and nationalities. The dress of skaters ranges from GQ to the surfer look, and from punk to funk. Their musical taste ranges from heavy metal to classical and from rock and roll to jazz. The other interests of skaters range from computers to scouting and from team sports to art and music.. 1 .. Misconception number three: "Skateboarding is very dangerous." The U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission found skateboarding to be far less dangerous than football and hockey and yet both sports,are mainstays in our school systems and public recreation departments. Skateboarding has much to offer the individual,the community and the nation. These benefits fall into three categories, the physical,psychological and cultural. The most obvious physical benefits are conditioning through regular aerobic exercise and improved coordination. Skating provides psychological benefits to our youth such as a feeling of individual accomplishment,an opportunity for creative self expression, a forum for the positive release of youthful aggression and an escape from the pressures of family life, school acid the world. The main cultural benefits are the fostering of a spirit of friendly competition coupled with mutual respect and providing a positive alternative to drugs and gangs. Skaters as competitors are unique. The intense rivalry that has resulted in serious injuries and even deaths to participants and spectators at other professional and amateur sporting events across this nation and around the world are not to be found at skate contests. Although the desire to win is strong, skaters-cheer each other on and applaud a good performance. The positive physical and psychological benefits of skating are exactly what psychologists tell us are missing from the lives of most drug users and gang members. Thus, skating is clearly a healthy alternative to the escape found by taking drugs and the comradary found in joining.a gang.. . As a parent and a former teacher,I know that a nation's youth is its greatest national resource. From this living resource will come tomorrow's teachers,businessmen, craftsmen,parents and politicians. The actions of tomorrow's adults will reflect the skill and care with which you and I have handled the mining and refining of this precious resource. I ask you to carefully consider what message your actions will send the youth of your community. I hope that your message will be that you value and encourage their need for positive self expression; That you accept their need for a means of personal transportation; That you care about them as individuals; and that you encourage their involvment with any activity that is a positive alternative to drugs and gangs. Thank you for your careful consideration of this important issue. Sincerely. Tom Cozens President, NSA 2 . DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE : The Skater ..,- T . • TOTAL SKATERS - 10,071,000 Male — 7,576,000 (75.2%) Female — 2,495,000 (24.8%) Average Age — 13.8 years •Skateboarding isthe sixth largest participant sport in the United States — and the third largest among participants ages 6-18. • The average participant skates 50.5 days per year — nearly once per week. • Nearly 4 million skaters come from annual house- hold incomes exceeding $35,000. • 81.8% of skaters are 18 years of age or under. •Nearly 4.8 million skaters live in cities or metropolitan areas with populations exceeding 500,000. 6-11 4.366.000 43.39'° Under $15,000 23.2% 12-17 3.879,000 38.5% $15,000-24,999 18.1% 18-24 937,000 9.3% $25,000-34,999 19.1% 25-34 602.000 6.0% $35,000-49,999 20.3% 35-0ver 287,000 2.8% Over $50.000 19.4% 4,. Basketball—60% Less than 50,000 28.6% Roller Skating—54.2% 50,000-500,000 23.6% Camping—52.2% 600,000-2 million 19.8% Bowling—47.2% More than 2 million 28.0% Fishing—47.1% s Football—45.0% Running—39.2% Baseball—35.6% ; THE NUMBERS Q j+ i 1`k k 1 It I I HI 1 ,I TYPICAL cg (�am jn tissr nose g11 ll O NO SCALE CAR Ira p i - 1 \1`1 .�'. ••aM fir= � R '1+ ,•1i TYPICAL rur6s•rnse NO SCALE �^Y .LLAYOOLrr -� I II i 1 i � pttr�iss��ase NO SCALE �M.