Skateboard, Skating Facility to Be Discussed

Citing the sports’ increasing popularity, the City Council tonight will discuss the possibility of constructing facilities for in-line skating and skateboarding. City officials have tried to accommodate skaters by hosting chaperoned excursions to skate parks across Southern California. The city last month also had its first Streetwise SK8 Contest, setting up ramps, benches and hop boxes in the City Hall parking lot.

But the city might look into building a permanent facility to keep young skaters out of shopping center parking lots and other off-limits turf and on their own ground.

“I’d like to do something to help find a place where kids can do this safely,” Councilman Dave Christensen said. “I’d rather have them in a place that’s safe for them and other people than them just being out on the streets.

“The kids could even have the opportunity to compete if they had the proper facility,” he said.

Huntington Beach is the only city in Orange County that has its own skate parks. One is being planned in Laguna Hills.

Irvine officials said they are optimistic that the concept could work in their community too.

The council will meet at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1 Civic Center Plaza. Information: (714) 724-6000.