
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, June 21, 1990                   TAG: 9006210439
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B8   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WOODBRIDGE                                LENGTH: Medium

SKATEBOARD RIDERS TO GET PUBLIC PARK

Officials in many communities across the country seem to do everything they can to legislate against skateboarding. Don't count Prince William County among that group.

"I think we're doing something kind of pioneer," Stewart Christiano, chairman of the Prince William Park Authority, said of the county's plans to build a publicly operated skateboard park.

"Yeah, Prince William is on the cutting edge of skateboard technology," said Chris Lyman, 18, one of the skateboarders who approached county supervisors two years ago with the idea of a skateboard park.

County officials are planning to construct a $50,000 skateboard facility at Veteran's Memorial Park. The park, partly financed by a developer's contribution, is scheduled for completion by the end of the summer.

Skateboarding on public streets and pathways is illegal in most communities, forcing enthusiasts of the sport to build private ramps or use shopping center parking lots and other paved open spaces. In recent years, however, many shopping center owners have banned skateboarding.

"There's a demand to get these children off the streets," Prince William Supervisor Hilda Barg said.

Prince William's main stumbling block to building the skateboard park was finding the money, officials said. But in February, Barg proposed the county use $30,000 a developer donated as part of a rezoning to help build the park.

Future developer contributions probably will cover the remainder of construction costs, she said. User fees and park authority funds will pay for operating expenses, estimated to be $13,000 annually.

To avoid lawsuits over accidents, Prince William park officials said skateboarders will be required to sign a liability waiver form. The park will be surrounded by a fence, skateboarders will be required to wear protective equipment and a supervisor will be on duty.

Prince William resolved the liability insurance issue by putting the skateboard park under a self-insurance fund. Several county agencies contribute to the fund, which totals about $500,000 for casualty insurance. The county also has a commercial policy to help cover claims.

by CNB