COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

Mike Schaefer

A recent editorial in the Pilot recognized that the Costa Mesa City

Council had “finally” taken the step to establish a site for the long

overdue and much deserved skateboard facility (“Location isn’t great, but

it’s still a place to skate,” Dec. 11).

It was noted that although the site at Charle and Hamilton was not

necessarily the best, at least the park can proceed. As a commissioner on

the Parks, Parkways and Recreation Facilities Commission, it was by my

impetus that the issue was raised to build the facility. Prior councils

had dropped the issue for various reasons.

As a commissioner, but more as a parent of a very active skateboarder, I

want to voice my extreme displeasure with the fact that the City Council

chose the site they did. In fact, in my view, the council acted in an

irresponsible manner, bowing to pressure from groups who had no motive

but to keep the park out of “my backyard.” The site chosen was not the

site recommended by city staff or the parks commission. In this city, the

NIMBYs certainly have the upper hand with the current council.

The decision to place the park at the Charle-Hamilton property is

deplorable. The original site at Lions Park and the revised recommended

site at Tewinkle Park were ignored. The site chosen has no parking, will

raise the total cost to more than $300,000 because restrooms will have to

be built, but more than anything it is in an area that if there is

trouble, or an emergency, the kids have nowhere to get help. At the other

sites there is a police substation or the tennis facility to get aid. The

council overlooked these facts and chose to listen only to the residents

who complained. They have decided to shove the skateboarders into an

unsafe, undesirable location. The council liked this site because of the

surrounding businesses. They are right, if a skateboarder needs auto

repairs or wants to rent some equipment. Would any parent want their

child to cross Hamilton or Harbor to get lunch? Worse yet, if there were

a medical emergency, where would the child go? The council forgot all

this and still made a horrible decision.

Councilwoman Heather Somers, commenting on the lack of parking at the

site, said that no 13-year-old would want their parent around, so parking

was not an issue. Well, I enjoy watching my son skate, and he enjoys

having me there to watch him. I well imagine that most parents of

preteens won’t be merely dropping their kids off and disappearing,

especially at the chosen site. This facility belongs in a multiuse park.

Skating is often a family activity, although it is one the council has

ignored. Skaters are not delinquents who should be segregated from the

general public. These young people are well-behaved, responsible,

well-organized and terrific members of our community. They will be voters

soon, and I hope they see fit to elect more responsible civic leaders.

This council has made a huge mistake, but at least the council members

won’t have to listen to the matter anymore. At least that is what they

may think. A group of concerned parents has gotten together to hopefully

make a difference.

The Daily Pilot stated that the site might not be the best, but at least

a skate park in the works. I, and others, disagree. We need to do the

right thing for our kids. Second-best or ignorance by the City Council is

not good enough. A grievous mistake has to be corrected.

MIKE SCHAEFER is a Costa Mesa resident and a member of the city’s

Parks, Parkways and Recreational Facilities Commission.