LA PALMA : City Moves to Let Skaters in Central Park

City officials are moving to change a law prohibiting skating in Central Park, mainly because the ban is difficult to enforce.

After considerable debate Tuesday, the City Council tentatively agreed to adopt an ordinance that will allow skating in all areas of Central Park, except around the amphitheater. The change would not become effective until early July, but skaters are already frequenting the park, said Ron Kenny, the city recreation director.

“It has become increasingly difficult to enforce . . . by both the recreation and police departments due to the number of skating participants,” said Kenny, in a report to the council.

Kenny suggested the council totally lift the ban on skating in the park. But Councilwoman Charlene Hatakeyama said it would be too dangerous to allow skating in the amphitheater area of Central Park.

“I still have concerns about the safety of roller-blades in the amphitheater area,” Hatakeyama said.

Kenny said it would still be difficult to try to enforce a skating ban around the amphitheater. But he conceded that partially allowing skating in Central Park would ease the overall problem on city staff members.

During the council’s debate, Councilwoman Eva G. Miner said it seemed to make no sense to continue a total ban on skating in the Civic Center, where there are few pedestrians, but to allow skaters in Central Park, where there are many who might be injured by skaters.

“Why are we changing it [the anti-skating ordinance]?” Miner asked.

“Because we can’t enforce it,” responded Hatakeyama.

The revised ordinance will continue to ban skateboards in both Central Park and the Civic Center.