Bell Municipal Code Ch. 12.38 Public Skate Park Facilities

The purpose of this chapter is to establish a comprehensive set of rules and regulations for the use of public skate park facilities in the City of Bell. Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 12.36 of this code, this chapter shall also govern the use of public skate park facilities in the City of Bell.

(Ord. 1153 § 1, 2003)

For the purpose of carrying out the intent of this chapter, words, phrases and terms used herein shall have their ordinary meaning, unless otherwise indicated as follows:

"CAO"

shall be defined as the chief administrative officer, or his or her designee.

"Department"

shall be defined as the City of Bell Department of Community Services.

"Public skate park facility"

shall be defined as any facility, structure or area in which skateboarding, in-line skating, riding of scooters and roller skating is permitted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, which is owned, operated and maintained by the city, and which has been designated as a "public skate park facility" by resolution of the city council.

"Roller skates" or "in-line skates,"

including roller blades, shall be defined as any shoe, boot or other footwear to which one or more wheels are attached.

"Scooter"

shall be defined as any nonmotorized platform of any composition or size to which two wheels are attached and which is intended to be ridden or propelled by one person standing upon it and to which there is not affixed any seat but to which there is affixed a device or mechanism to turn and control the wheels or platform.

"Skateboard"

shall be defined as any nonmotorized platform of any composition or size to which two or more wheels are attached and which is intended to be ridden or propelled by one person standing or kneeling upon it and to which there is not affixed any seat or any other device or mechanism to turn and control the wheels.

(Ord. 1153 § 1, 2003)

The hours of operation shall be established by resolution of the city council, or otherwise posted by the CAO. It is unlawful for any person to use or remain in such facilities in violation of this section without written consent of the department.

(Ord. 1153 § 1, 2003)

With respect to public skate park facilities, it is unlawful for any person to do any of the acts herein specified.

A. Prohibited Uses. To ride or use any item other than roller skates, in-line skates, scooters or skateboards, including, but not limited to, bicycles, unicycles, go-carts, and wagons, on the skating surface of any public skate park facility, or to cause such items to be ridden or used on the skating surface of any public skate park facility.

B. Alcohol. To possess any can, bottle or other receptacle containing any alcoholic beverage (as the term "alcoholic beverage" is defined by the Alcohol Beverage Control Act in the Statutes of 1935, Chapter 330, of the State of California, or any act amendatory thereof) which has been opened, has a seal broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed.

C. Graffiti. To allow or cause graffiti to be applied, or tagging in, on, or around any part of the skate park facility. For purposes of this chapter, "graffiti" shall include, but not be limited to, paint, stickers, or any other object or substance intended or designed to be permanently applied, adhered or attached to any surface located within the skate park facility.

D. Reckless Operation. To ride or use any roller skates, in-line skates, scooters or skateboards at a public skate park facility in a reckless manner or with willful disregard for the safety of persons or property, or to cause such items to be ridden or used in such a manner.

E. Refuse. To deposit or leave garbage, cans, bottles, papers, waste or refuse of any kind in a location other than a receptacle provided for such purpose, or to cause such items to be deposited or left in such a manner. lf no receptacle is provided, each person shall be responsible for removing and disposing of such items in an appropriate manner.

F. Animals. To allow or cause any animal of any kind to be brought into any public skate park facility.

G. Glass Containers. To allow or cause glass containers of any kind to be brought into any public skate park facility.

H. Food, Beverages and Gum. To possess any food or beverage or to chew any gum within the skate park facility.

(Ord. 1153 § 1, 2003)

The use of any public skate park facility shall be deemed a hazardous recreational activity within the meaning of Section 831.7 of the Government Code and Section 115800 of the Health and Safety Code. The City of Bell may not be held liable for injuries incurred by persons who participate in any such hazardous recreational activity.

(Ord. 1153 § 1, 2003)

Any person utilizing a public skate park facility must wear a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads. All such gear must be functional and protective, properly sized and designed for their intended use at the skate park facility. Every person using the skate park facility who is under the age of 14 must be supervised by an adult. The CAO may set forth any other rules and regulations for the use of a public skate park facility, which he or she deems appropriate, provided that signs describing such rules and regulations are placed and posted pursuant to Section 12.38.070.

(Ord. 1153 § 1, 2003)

In order to provide reasonable notice to the public, the CAO shall place and post signs in one or more conspicuous and visible area(s) of the skate park facility designating the facility, structure or area as a public skate park facility, specifying the rules and regulations established pursuant to Section 12.38.060, and prohibiting the activities described in this chapter. The signs required pursuant to this section shall cite the respective code section being invoked.

(Ord. 1153 § 1, 2003)

The CAO, or his or her designee, shall have the authority to eject and expel from any public skate park facility any person who is in violation of this chapter. Any person failing to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to citation or other applicable enforcement authority available to the city. Criminal violations of this chapter shall be punishable as infractions.

(Ord. 1153 § 1, 2003)