Board adopts draft skate-park rules and backs formation of local skatepark coalition; cites Indiana code for liability language

The board reviewed a draft set of rules for the new Westside Skatepark and approved posting signage referencing state statutes and park hours; board members also expressed support for a newly formed volunteer Muncie Skate Park Coalition.

Carl Malone and other staff said the park currently has no posted rules, yet users are skating already. Staff recommended signage covering safety, permitted activities and hours; board members said signage should reference park opening hours (city parks close at 11 p.m.), include a police dispatch number and cite the Indiana statute that limits liability for operators of “extreme sport” facilities.

A skatepark representative quoted Indiana Code 34-6-2-44.5 (and a related citation, 34-13-3-3) — language the board asked staff to include on posted signs to clarify the legal status and the facility’s expectations. Board members discussed dusk-to-dawn posting and noted city code requires any rules that carry penalties to proceed to city council as an ordinance; the parks board can approve rules and then partner with council for enforceability and penalties.

Separately, local skaters described formation of the Muncie Skate Park Coalition, a volunteer group to help maintain the park, collect usage data (a proposed QR-code guestbook) and organize demos and fundraisers. Board members welcomed the volunteer effort and said staff would coordinate communications and share best practices from other cities’ signage and liability language.

The board voted unanimously to approve the draft rules as a foundation for signage, to add state statute references and dispatch contact information, and to work with city council on ordinance steps if enforcement or penalties are required.