Lakewood Skatepark Vandalism

[Mark Schroeder]

I was at the skate park this afternoon and noticed that vandals are loosening the chain link fence. They are prying off the metal bindings so that the fence is becoming unstable.

Wondering who, Lkwd Public Works?, is responsible for maintenance?

The skate park is a wonderful asset for the youth of Lakewood and I would like to keep it maintained, rather than letting vandals take it down.

If someone can point me in the right direction, I'll make some calls.

Thanks,

[Danielle Masters]

Any concerns regarding the skatepark can be directed to David Seman, Acting Operations Manager, (216) 529-6815. I have spoken with him in the past regarding the park and he immediately remedied the situation.

[Mark Schroeder]

Thanks Danielle, I'll call him in the AM!

Mark

[David Campbell]

Back in 1996 I remember a few adolescent skateboarders, myself included, pushed for a "place." A place where we could skate and hang out. That same year I left Lakewood and Ohio for Michigan. A couple months ago I returned home for a visit. I was pleasantly surprised to see my contribution, (small and insignificant as it may have been), was not in vain. In my mind it represents a unique sense of democracy that is scarce outside of Lakewood.

[Vince Frantz]

Back in 1996 I remember a few adolescent skateboarders, myself included, pushed for a "place." A place where we could skate and hang out. That same year I left Lakewood and Ohio for Michigan. A couple months ago I returned home for a visit. I was pleasantly surprised to see my contribution, (small and insignificant as it may have been), was not in vain. In my mind it represents a unique sense of democracy that is scarce outside of Lakewood.

David, if you still skate I have to assume that you have visited the Ranney Skatepark in Lansing? We have made many trips there from Lakewood/Cleveland and many of my Toledo friends go up there a lot. I haven't been there since I started having kids.

This was one of the first real skateparks in the midwest:
http://www.teampain.com/lansingsp.htm

Danielle, yes I have noticed the loose fence issues. I noticed also that kids tend to climb the fence in the back to get to the drinking fountain instead of walking the long way around. Now that the park has been open for a while I think it may be time to get some more feedback from users/parents to help guide any fixes/upgrades. It is clearly getting a ton of use. Everyone really likes skating under the lights as well so thanks to Dave Seman for getting those turned on when it gets dark.

[Danielle Masters]

I noticed also that kids tend to climb the fence in the back to get to the drinking fountain instead of walking the long way around. Now that the park has been open for a while I think it may be time to get some more feedback from users/parents to help guide any fixes/upgrades. It is clearly getting a ton of use.

Vince, I have noticed that also. In fact the other night I heard some of the guys discussing that very issue. They wondered why there wasn't another gate closer to the drinking fountain. I think some feedback on any improvements needed in the park would be great. I know we have discussed the overflowing trash cans and that still seems to be an issue. Also the signs still need to be repaired from the first weeks the park was opened. That is about all I've noticed, but I'm sure others have some additional feedback.

[dl meckes]

I sometimes wonder why the gate was placed where it was. I keep seeing kids skate out of the park into the parking lot, sometimes near moving cars.

My inner child tells me to chill, but my overprotective gene kicks in & I feel uncomfortable.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Just curious.

Is there any laws that would stop a concerned resident from fixing, in this case tightening public property?

I'm a real do not call the city unless needed. This would seem like a perfect project for some residents to handle on their own. Couple wrenches, some snips, some Lock Tight with a Box of Donuts and some coffee sounds like a perfect way to spend an early Sunday morning.

I know of more than one project this summer where residents just went out and did it. Both ended up making the city better at NO COST to the city. One effort was rather large and was reported here. The cleaning of the Railroad Tracks.

To quote one of DL's favorite convicts, "This is a good thing."


Jim

[STOSH BURGESS]

I assume that you are talking about the fence coming off the posts. I thought this was vandals at first until I payed closer attention to what was happening. When someone comes down the bank they have speed and instead of using there own muscle to stop themselves they roll into the fence. Kind of like someone would at a roller rink when they can not stop, they run in to the wall around the rink to stop. I, actually re tightened the metal wire that holds the fence to the posts a couple months ago with some other skaters. Of course this was only a temporary fix. I purchased some heavy gauge zip ties to better hold the fence to the poles but have not been up there in a couple weeks. I will check on it Tuesday afternoon and if its not fixed, myself and some other skaters will fix it. Of course the skate park is the community's park, but we would like to keep all repairs and up keep within our skater community. The trees in the park and the mulch around them where planted by skaters and also paid for by skaters. We also planted some pretty flowers, they did not make it oh well maybe next year.
Concerns can always be directed though lakewoodskaters.org

[Mark Schroeder]

Thanks Stosh for clearing that up. I've seen the skaters use the fence to stop, just didn't put two & two together.

Its also great to hear your commitment to keeping the skatepark up!

If you need any help, drop me a PM.

Mark