www.timesleader.com/news/20070717_17-SKATEBOARD_PARK_AR -
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Published on: 7/17/2007
Last Visited: 7/17/2007
Kirsten Bradford, chief executive officer for Spohn Ranch Inc., a California-based company that designs and builds skateboard parks all over the country, said safety is always at the forefront when parks are built.She said skateboarding sees fewer accidents per year than traditional sports such as football, basketball and baseball.
"Actually, statistics show that there are fewer injuries from skateboarding than those traditional sports," Bradford said."And insurance costs are not that high."
Bradford said municipalities might have to purchase a separate policy for "at-risk" sports such as skateboarding or BMX bike riding, but she said they are usually low in cost.
"It may require a separate policy, but it's not that costly," Bradford said."In fact, there are policies that would even assist underinsured people where the municipality's insurance would pick up where the person's policy left off.There might be a deductible built in there, but the fact is the cost is low and the coverage is high."
Bradford also said municipalities can mandate helmets be worn at the park, thereby increasing safety significantly and, in many cases, lowering insurance costs.She also said some towns offer supervision at the parks and others don't.
In all cases, however, she said rules are posted clearly and in several areas signs outline what is mandatory and allowed at each park.
"It varies state to state," Bradford said."In California, for example, the law states that by participating, skateboarders and BMXers agree to adhere to the rules for at-risk sports."
Bradford has been with Spohn since the company started 15 years ago.She said that for the first few years most questions asked at trade shows and conferences dealt with why they should build a skate park.
"For the last several years the questions deal more with what type of park should we build," Bradford said."And, in most cases, once a skate park opens it immediately becomes the most popular park in the town by far.Then we get the calls saying we should have built it bigger and we begin discussions on Phase II or we talk about extending the park."
Bradford said depending on size and space, parks can cost between $300,000 and $1 million or more.She said construction costs usually range between $30 and $40 per square foot.
"I have to tell you I am impressed that the skateboarders in your city are organized and actually spoke before council," Bradford said.
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