Virden Skate Park is busy and looking at their Facebook page, it is actually somewhat crowded since it came into use last Saturday. That means, conflicts can arise. Not many days after it opened there was a report of a bullying comment made by someone to a small girl.
The committee responsible for fundraising and getting this facility going asks the users to be respectful because “the park is for everyone to enjoy and taking turns allows everyone to get the full experience.”
The facility is not supervised and it’s use at your own risk, like skate parks everywhere.
A post from a Virden skate park user indicates just how busy the park is: “It’s super crowded. With not even going fast or anything and being careful I still almost mowed over a couple little kids that don’t pay attention. The park’s obviously for all ages.” His further comment reflects a pretty great attitude of inclusion: “It’s good to see the kids spending their time riding and learning,” but he says “there’s gotta be a better system so that everybody can ride properly there.”
The web-based publication, SurferToday, has a piece called, ‘The ultimate guide to skatepark etiquette’. It indicates there are unwritten and universally understood rules for skateparks that can help the flow of use at these cement recreation areas. And now, they have written these unwritten rules and… they make sense.
Here’s some examples from the article:
- spectators need to stay out of the way
- beginners should pick quieter times
- watch out for other skaters
- get up and out of the way if you’re hurt
- don’t challenge others to perform
- apologize if you’ve hurt someone or intruded on their space.
Also from the article, one of the basic precepts regarding skateboard use: “If someone is practicing a maneuver or trick and fails to complete it, be positive, and encourage him or her. Skateboarding is all about experimentation and learning from failure - respect other's frustration.”
So, just expand that advice to all uses of the cement ramps and decks, just like the following can apply:
“If, for any reason, you hurt, snake, or show any kind of excessive behavior, assume it and apologize for your actions.” That’s a grown-up attitude for any age.
There’s a set of rules and recommendations posted by the administrators of Virden Skate Park Facebook page, and just like at the swimming pool, children under 12 require adult accompaniment.
Here’s some of the dos/don’ts presented:
▪️Don’t use when wet, icy or during an electrical storm
▪️Use skateboards, scooters, inline skates and BMX bikes
▪️Motorized vehicles are not allowed
▪️Protective equipment highly recommended - helmets, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards and proper shoes.
▪️Adult supervision required for skaters under 12
▪️Know your abilities and skate within them
▪️Only one person per skateboard
▪️Be courteous to others and abide by the flow in open areas
▪️No food, drinks, glass, gum etc. in the skating area
▪️No littering or graffiti
▪️Competitive or demonstration events require prior approval by the Town of Virden
Is the busyness related to its newness? Maybe, but another user posted, “That’s how all skate parks are all the time.”
The committee points out: “Considering this project was completed with a very small volunteer committee, there isn't the manpower available to monitor participant numbers. The overcrowding reinforces the need for a park that we knew was missing in our community. Hopefully, it is just a growing pain and with some education, everyone can enjoy the park safely.”
