Youths get a second chance with re-opening of skate park

Local youths demonstrated their skills at Wednesday's re-opening of the Audie Murphy Ranch Skate Park. Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon

Praised during its initial opening and later criticized for its misuse by guests, the Audie Murphy Ranch Skate Park re-opened to considerable fanfare this week -- with city officials, parents and youths all hoping the second time is the charm.

Local youth of all ages returned with skateboards and scooters in hand Wednesday for festivities marking the re-opening of the skate park after a nearly four-month closure because of safety and security concerns. Local dignitaries welcomed the public back and professional skaters joined selected youths in demonstrating their skating skills before the park was officially re-opened for general use.

When that time finally came, dozens more youngsters swarmed the park, which is one of the most popular skate parks in Southern California because of its unique combination of bowls and obstacles on the course. It is the park's structure and amenities, apparently, that made it so attractive to such a large group of skaters -- both from in town and out of town, and from a young age up to the late 20s.

That is where the trouble began. Residents of the Audie Murphy Ranch neighborhood began complaining that skaters -- primarily young adults -- were loitering in the adjacent streets, parking illegally, using drugs and alcohol and leaving trash everywhere. After discussion on more than one occasion, the Menifee City Council voted 4-1 on Nov. 16 to temporarily close the park until extra fencing, security cameras and a loudspeaker could be installed.

Will that solve the problem? Not unless those who use the park respect it and keep it clean. That was the message delivered over and over by city officials during the re-opening ceremony.

City council member Matt Liesemeyer, whose district includes Audie Murphy Ranch, said Wednesday he wants to remain optimistic about the park's re-opening, even amid his lingering concerns.

"I hope the youth can prove me wrong," he told Menifee 24/7. "I think I sent a pretty powerful message to the kids out there. They need to start policing themselves and helping out with the community a little bit. We've done what we can. We've spent a lot of money here and a lot of the residents are really upset. We hope the kids can step up and help police themselves."

Previously discussed alternatives for security were expensive and would place additional liability upon the city. An option requiring the hiring of two full-time park rangers would cost more than $100,000 per year, and the rangers would also be responsible for supervising other parks in the city. Another option considered was a contract with Action Park Alliance, which manages skate parks in Fontana, Palm Springs and elsewhere, to supervise the facility on site.

That contract would cost approximately $221,450 for the next fiscal year and would require a one-time cost of $100,000 to build a skate park attendant building.

Instead, city officials hope that placing a fence between the park and two adjacent cul-de-sac streets and additional monitoring with cameras and a loudspeaker will deter inappropriate conduct. Most of all, however, it seems to come down to an issue of changing behavior of some of the park guests so all are not punished by the actions of some.

"I know the kids know this is one of the nicest parks in the area," said Arlene Sanchez of DSTNY Skate Project, a group that helped coordinate the skating demonstrations and will provide monthly activities to help promote safe use of the park. "Having lost it for four months, I believe that is the motivation for them to keep it clean and come in with helmets. There's a little bit of a sacrifice, but to be able to use a park of this size, it's worth it."

The park is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Helmets are required at all times. Bikes are not allowed inside the skate park.

For a video showing our live coverage of the re-opening, visit the Menifee 24/7 Facebook page.