Commission recommends supervision for skate park

Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission members will recommend that the Menifee Skate Park be supervised on site. Menifee 24/7 photos: Kristen Spoon

The Menifee Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission will recommend to the City Council that a city employee be assigned to supervise the Menifee Skate Park on site.

Commission members agreed on the recommendation at Thursday night's meeting after hearing a presentation from Robert Lennox, Community Services director, and several residents and youth who provided feedback on how operations of the park could be improved.

Since its opening in May 2014, the skate park has gained a reputation as one of the top such facilities in Southern California. Former City Council member Darcy Kuenzi told commission members during the meeting that the tract map for the Audie Murphy Sports Park was amended to include the park, which was designed by a pro skateboarder. Its special design, with two deep bowls and several ramps and rails, attracts skaters from various communities.

"We need to protect this unique amenity," Kuenzi said.

In an organized effort by residents of the Audie Murphy Ranch neighborhood surrounding the skate park, 15 people spoke at the Sept. 21 City Council meeting with various complaints, including skaters using marijuana, leaving alcohol bottles and condom wrappers in the area, racing their cars through the streets and partying late at night on adjacent cul-de-sacs.

In addition to young skaters and their parents speaking out in favor of the skate park Thursday night, Audie Murphy Ranch residents spoke as well. None suggested that the park be closed, although all had suggestions on how it could be made cleaner and safer.

"I've raised three children here and now my grandchildren," said resident Nancy Adamson (left). "I don't want to see the park closed. If the kids don't have something positive like this, they'll find something negative to do. But there are ongoing problems that nothing has been done about."

The City staff recommendation presented by Lennox prior to public comments included the following:

-- Two additional fences, to be placed at each end of the park, to help eliminate access to the park after hours.

-- Motion sensor infrared lights and security cameras to supplement the cameras already on site.

-- "No outlet" signs to minimize traffic on cul-de-sacs backing up to the park.

-- Placement of a pre-fabricated restroom next to the skate park.

-- A speaker that can be controlled remotely to address the skaters.

-- Red "no parking" paint on the curbs on Derby Hill Drive, a primary entrance to the neighborhood (this is already done).

One thing city staff did not recommend was an on-site supervisor. Lennox explained, as he has done before, that the city has been advised its liability would greatly increase if an on-site attendant is placed there. He said representatives of the Joint Powers Authority insurance alliance of which the city is a part have recommended not to use such a supervisor.

In addition, Lennox said, placing a city employee on site would cost as much as $73,000 per year. If use fees are collected to help defray costs, a second employee might be needed to help with security. Another option (not recommended by city staff) would be to contract with a private company. The City of Fontana does that at a cost of $195,000 per year.

Even so, commissioners agreed after listening to public testimony that that only real way to improve security and safety at the park is to place a full-time attendant there. They also agreed that it should be a city employee, not an outside contractor. Some residents suggested the city look at alternative insurance brokers.

"We need to do everything we can to keep it," said Bill Zimmerman, commission chair, about the skate park. "It's an asset to the community. But it needs to be supervised."

Those speaking during the public comments portion of the meeting included five youths who use the skate park regularly. As many of the Audie Murphy residents stated, the problems are caused by young adults, not the children. That point was emphasized by the children who spoke during the meeting.

One of those was 6-year-old Dylin Rodrigo (right), who is learning to skate at the park. Dylin read comments he wrote himself on a large tablet of paper.

"I love the skate park," Dylin said. "Please help it to not close. Where will I learn to skate? Thanks for listening."

The commission's recommendation will be heard by the City Council at an upcoming meeting.