Skateboarders and other extreme sports enthusiasts will have a new set of
rules to follow when the Chesterton Skate Park reopens in the spring.
Chesterton Park Board unanimously adopted a new set of rules at Tuesday’s
meeting. The rules will take effect when the park reopens, pending approval
by the town attorney.
The rules will govern use of the park, including behavior guidelines and a
requirement to wear safety equipment.
A disclaimer will also be posted stating that the town of Chesterton will
not be liable for any injury or death arising from use of the extreme sports
area.
The rules, in short: The extreme sport area is closed to spectators and
non-participants; helmets and protective equipment are required; skaters and
bikers are responsible for checking/observing the equipment for defects
prior to use and damage/defects are to be reported to the Chesterton Park
Department.
Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult; no motorized vehicles
are allowed and modifications to equipment such as wax or other accelerants
are not permitted.
No drugs, alcohol or smoking are allowed; no glass containers; no chairs or
benches allowed and no vendors or scheduled events and/or contests are
allowed unless approved by the Chesterton Park Board.
Those not following the rules are prohibited from using the facility.
The extreme sport facility will be open April through November, from 8 a.m.
to dusk.
Representatives of three youth sport programs appeared before the board to
renew agreements for use of park fields.
Mark O’Dell of Duneland Soccer; Michelle Miloshoff of Duneland Diamond and
Joe Wagner, of State Park Little League all sought and received permission
for use of park fields. Each group has also agreed to help maintain the
fields they use and to provide schedules for their field use.
Park board member Roy Flaherty commended the youth group representatives for
volunteering their time to involve the youth of the community in positive
activities.
O’Dell, in his capacity as Town Engineer, reported to the Park Board that
the town is awaiting a permit from the Indiana Department of Natural
Resources for work within the stream bed in Coffee Creek Park.
In early spring, O’Dell, told the board, work will begin on repairs to
Coffee Creek’s boardwalks and bridge caused by last year’s severe flooding.
Parks Superintendent Bruce Mathias reported park staff have been working on
park signage, cleaning up the maintenance compound, readying mowers and
trucks for the spring season and doing snow plowing of parking lots.
Mathias also presented his year end report, summarizing his monthly reports
to the board.
In other business, the board reorganized, re-electing Vincent Emanuele
president, with John Kroft vice-president and Eric Witt secretary.
Members of Boy Scout Troop 908 were on hand to observe a municipal board
meeting.
