Community commentary -- Linda Dixon

* EDITOR’S NOTE: This column is in response to one by Mike Schaefer of

the Costa Mesa Parks, Parkways and Recreational Facilities Commission

(“Chosen site for skate park not good enough,” Jan. 4).

The Costa Mesa City Council has supported a skateboard park for a long

time. But one of the first and foremost concerns was the question of how

the city would pay for the facility.

When the idea of a skateboard park was first raised by former Mayor Peter

Buffa, it was on the heels of the downturn in the state’s economy. Funds

became scarce as cuts in the state’s budget resulted in the city’s loss

in revenues. The less-than-glowing economy only fueled what was a dismal

fiscal picture.

Only recently have we seen the state’s economy improve, resulting in a

rosier picture for Costa Mesa’s budget. As a result of net revenue

allocations last spring, we now have seed money for the skateboard park.

Liability also was a major concern. A disturbing trend in law has held

cities accountable for accidents at their beaches, parks and other

recreational facilities.

Given the nature of skateboarding, the city was quite concerned about the

possibility of lawsuits resulting from skateboarding accidents that might

occur at a city park.

In 1997, the state Legislature passed Assembly Bill 1296, which granted

immunity to public entities and public employees with respect to

skateboarding by including the activity under the definition of

“hazardous recreational activities.” This legislation became effective

Jan. 1, 1998, thus allaying another concern regarding the park.

As far as the implication that the Hamilton Street-Charle Drive area was

an unsafe place “to shove a skateboard park,” the Costa Mesa Police

Department has worked diligently to reduce crime in our city. To imply

that we are not patrolling an area and would not continue to work to make

all areas of Costa Mesa safe for all residents is insulting.

It is the City Council’s prerogative to review recommendations, do

further research and make decisions. Mike Schaefer was appointed to make

suggestions; he was not promised that his recommendations would always be

instituted.

The decision not to select the Lions Park or TeWinkle Park site was

determined on the basis of fact, not pressure. Schaefer seems to have

ignored some very valid points that were made in reference to these

sites.

TeWinkle Park has an array of activities taking place on a daily basis

and during the summer the activities increase. Lions Park will have a new

downtown center with additional parking that will take up more green

space than the area can afford to lose.

That park serves Girls Inc., an after-school program, the neighborhood

children and numerous sports activities. To rob the neighborhood of park

green space when there are alternatives for a skateboard park in town

would not be the right choice.

At our public hearings, we heard from many Costa Mesa residents claiming

that a skateboard park in their neighborhood would not be appropriate for

numerous reasons. As a matter of fact, we heard from a member of the

Parks, Parkways and Recreational Facilities Commission, who stood before

us and asked us to not consider a skateboard park in the park adjacent to

his “backyard” for what he considered valid reasons.

Stop whining about skaters being perceived as delinquents. I have two

sons. Although they are now older, they skated for years, wore skater

clothes and a skater hairdo, and loved to skate anywhere they could. One

of my sons continues to skate at the Huntington Beach park whenever he

has the opportunity.

Very few imply that skaters are rotten kids. I believe the concerns from

some adults stem from the fact that skaters group together and use public

areas to test their skills.

It is very important to point out that Costa Mesa is well ahead of most

cities in the state in the design and construction of a park that will

benefit many of our young people. It will add a new and innovative

dimension to the recreational opportunities offered by Costa Mesa.

In addition, the Costa Mesa City Council recognizes a need for a second

park and has taken preliminary steps to address that need. We have begun

discussions with members of the school board to locate a possible site on

a local campus and we have approached the Orange County Fair board to

consider a park when determining the land use at the fairgrounds.

I am happy to hear that a group of concerned parents is working together

to make a difference. Parents must be involved in order to accomplish

goals that meet the needs of our children. We have a wonderful city and

we can make it even better by helping with the social and athletic needs

of our children.

* LINDA DIXON is a member of the Costa Mesa City Council.