Promenade Park Site Suggested for Skating

City officials have recommended putting a $350,000 skateboarding center at Promenade Park, next to the beach and Figueroa Street near downtown Ventura, according to a report released Friday. After looking at more than a dozen city-owned parks and school facilities around Ventura, officials selected Promenade Park because it is underused, easily accessible by car, close to public restrooms and has adequate parking, the report said.

But like other locations that have been considered for a skate park, Promenade Park has its drawbacks as well. It is so close to the beach that sand and wind may pose a problem, the report said. In addition, it is atop a historic Chumash site.

The City Council will consider the recommendation at its July 29 meeting.

Skateboarders have urged city leaders to move quickly to build them a skate park since their favorite unofficial spots have recently been marked off limits.

About 100 skaters marched to City Hall earlier this month and protested a ban on skating, bicycling and in-line skating on downtown sidewalks. Now, they have formed the Ventura County Skateboarders Alliance--a group that plans to rally support for a skate park.

The group plans to meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Harbortown Marina Resort to discuss the recommendation.