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Pittsboro adopts ordinance regulating skate park use; commissioners debate skateboard access on public streets
Summary
The Pittsboro Board of Commissioners voted April 14 to adopt amendments to the town code establishing a skate-at-your-own-risk skate park policy, equipment requirements and park hours after an extended debate about skateboard use on public streets and sidewalks.
The Pittsboro Board of Commissioners voted April 14 to adopt amendments to the town code addressing use of skate facilities and a new “skate at your own risk” approach for the skate park, including equipment requirements and hours of operation. Commissioners engaged in a lengthy discussion about whether parts of the proposed ordinance would criminalize skateboard use on local streets and sidewalks and whether the town should treat skateboards as a valid nonmotorized mode of transportation.
What passed: The board adopted the sections as presented at the meeting that create a skate-at-your-own-risk site and specify required protective gear (helmet and elbow and knee pads) and park hours consistent with other parks (sunrise to sunset). The adopted language also included provisions staff said were added after consultation with the town’s insurance agent.
Debate over Article 3 (streets and sidewalks): Commissioners and the police chief warned that broad prohibitions could create enforcement problems and unintentionally restrict nonvehicular travel. One commissioner urged staff to examine model ordinances from other municipalities and proposed a return with narrower wording that would allow skateboard use on multiuse paths and in situations that are functionally equivalent to bicycles. Another commissioner said the town needs to prioritize safety for children and expressed concern about allowing skateboards on streets without painted bike lanes.
Enforcement and equity concerns: Several commissioners noted enforcement capacity is limited and that vagueness in the ordinance would put discretionary weight on police officers. Others said having a designated skate park is preferable to skateboarders using city infrastructure not designed for that use.
Vote and process: A motion to adopt the code sections as written carried on voice vote with at least one commissioner recorded as abstaining. Commissioners said they would revisit Article 3 language in the future if enforcement or public-safety problems arise.
What’s next: Staff was asked to review other municipal ordinances and to return with recommended language for Article 3 that clearly distinguishes skatepark rules from rules governing streets, sidewalks and multiuse paths.
