Targeting problems that threaten the future of a popular skate park, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors and Placerville City Council introduced ordinances Tuesday establishing rules and regulations governing park activities and authorizing sheriff's deputies and police officers to enforce them.

By Cathy Locke - Bee Staff Writer

Joe's Skate Park was built in 2003 on county-owned property at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds with funds raised by the Placerville Rotary Club. The Rotary Club indicated, however, that it did not want the responsibility of operating the park, and it has functioned largely as an open, unsupervised facility.

But city and county officials say the lack of oversight has resulted in vandalism and unsavory activities in and around the park. Skateboarders, inline skaters and bicyclists use the park.

Supervisor Jack Sweeney said county officials held several meetings with skate park users and members of the El Dorado County Youth Commission, who argued that the park should operate without formal management.

"But my observation is it hasn't worked," he said.

Sweeney said he thinks parents who had said they were willing to help supervise park activities, as well as many of the youths using the park, are intimidated by others who hang out around the park and engage in annoying or illegal activities.

In addition, he said, conflicts have arisen between skateboarders and BMX bicycle riders, who also use the park, and between different age groups.

Sweeney said he also was concerned that many skaters and bicyclists don't use appropriate protective gear.

"I don't think it can go on like this," he said in soliciting the City Council's support Tuesday. "It's going to take the power of government to step in and be the shield."

The ordinances set forth rules and regulations for use and conduct at the park. Violators would be expelled from the park, and three violations would result in a one-year expulsion. They also could be subject to a fine of up to $500 and/or up to six months in jail.

The Board of Supervisors directed county Parks and Recreation Department staff members to present a proposal July 17 for managing the park, a fee to support it, a method for involving volunteers in the operation, and options for scheduling the facility for different types of activities and age groups.

About a dozen park users attended the City Council meeting.

Kelley Rogers, 34, said he is among adults who use the skate park and who had raised concerns about current conditions. Rogers said the park needs to be cleaned up, but he argued that most of the problems occur "outside the fence."

Stepped-up police and sheriff's patrols would be welcome, but imposing more rules and regulations is not necessarily the answer, he said.

If adopted by the City Council and Board of Supervisors on July 10, the ordinances would become effective Aug. 9.