Dangerous play needs more supervision
Skateboarders coasted across the newly paved concrete of the Santa Clarita Skate Park as BMX cyclists tested their skills in the half-pipe tunnel last Saturday. More than 75 people, ranging from five to 35 years old, crowded into this 12,000 square foot park to master the tricks of professionals. No matter the age, they pushed themselves to the limit riding along handrails and speeding up ramps to catch air. There were even a few girls showing up some of the boys. But only a handful of people were following the rules and not one person was there to regulate the facility.
Less than 15 people were wearing the required apparel, which includes a helmet and knee and elbow pads to protect against injury. Inexperienced skaters were inches away from talented bikers.
The dangers that exist are obvious, but safety measures were not at all important on this particular day. A police officer crept into the parking lot, took a look, and then left. The rules state that those not following regulations can be fined; riders didn’t seem the least bit worried though.
There were no more than five adults watching this scene from afar. One parent chose to stand beside his young daughter, who rode on the outskirts of the park on her scooter. Otherwise, the majority of parents simply dropped their kids off.
The first day the park opened an ambulance was called to the location within the first 20 minutes. A man in his twenties fell and broke his elbow. With such an extreme sport there are bound to be more cases like this and it is shocking to see young skaters and cyclists not wearing helmets.
The park is a sort of controlled chaos. Many riders were courteous and aware of other riders’ twists and turns. On the snake run, they waited patiently for their turn to travel down the curvy runway.
This park does provide teenagers with something to do, keeping them out of trouble. There is nowhere else to ride like this in the Santa Clarita Valley. Still, parents should step up and make sure their kids are protected in such a dangerous environment.
