Editor: It’s really wonderful to see so many children and families using the new Penzer Action Park in Langley City — less screen time and more outdoor time.
However, there is a particular safety concern regarding the pump track/skate park section of the park and the lack of understanding of how this area should be used.
With the high number of users of all ages and abilities riding all types of bikes, scooters and skateboards at the same time, this is a recipe for disaster if users and parents don’t know the basic rules and etiquette for using such facilities.
Though there is signage posted listing basic rules (no swearing, use at own risk, wear helmets, take your turn, etc.), based on experience I believe there is much more education required for everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
I’ve witnessed collisions, injuries to young and old, arguments and many dangerous near misses — most of them preventable with the right education.
Parents, this is for you.
If you have older children or teens using the park, show them this letter and ensure they understand their role to keeping it safe and enjoyable for others. If you have younger children, teach them the proper use of the pump track/skate park before allowing them to get on the track, and then supervise carefully.
It would be asinine to allow your child to swim in the deep end of a public pool underneath the diving boards, just because “you pay taxes,” and your child should be able to swim “wherever they want,” or take them to a public skating rink and allow them to skate against the flow of all of the other skaters because the other skaters “don’t own the rink.” (Yes, I have heard these arguments at the park).
Similarly, the dips, turns and drops of a concrete skate park pose an inherent danger and it’s both ignorant and dangerous to jump in without knowing the basic rules to follow.
Education and common sense will reduce the chance of injuries and allow everyone to enjoy using this amazing new park for many years to come.
A simple Google search on skate park safety will include most of the rules (listed below) which are standard in skate parks across the globe.
Corrie Horn,
Langley
