Skateboarders Riding High With Park Plan

They have been banned from downtown sidewalks, shopping center walkways and a mini-park at the corner of California and Santa Clara streets after concerns over property damage and public safety reached a boiling point.

But now skateboarders say their desires have been answered in a city report that recommends turning the beachside Promenade Park into a skate park where they can legally practice their sport.

“It is a great location,” said Barrie Couture, who helped organize the Ventura County Skateboarders Alliance, a fledgling group of skating enthusiasts trying to rally support for a such a facility.

“We are really encouraged by the city staff’s report,” Couture said Tuesday. “We think the location is in an area that is going to have the least amount of impact.”

Promenade Park, at the corner of Figueroa Street and the beachfront promenade near downtown Ventura, was selected after a lengthy search because it is close to public restrooms and parking and is easy to reach by car or bus.

Skaters have been fighting for about a year to get a skate park. The City Council has agreed to spend $350,000 to build a facility, but officials have been struggling to find an appropriate site.

Mission Park, across from the San Buenaventura Mission, was selected several months ago. But neighboring businesses quickly attacked the plan, saying it would be disruptive and noisy.

City officials hope the Promenade Park plan will sail through with little opposition. The council will consider the recommendation next week.

In the meantime, skaters are rallying support for the recommended site. Tonight, the alliance will hold a meeting at 6 at the Harbortown Marina Resort to discuss the plan.

“We’ve put the word out,” Couture said. “Hopefully we are going to get enough support to push this through.”