6/19/08

Skateboarding time reserved for beginners, families

Beginning skateboarders can be intimidated when experienced skaters are practicing their jumps and stunts at the Marysville Skatepark, flying down the ramps with apparent ease. To ease the learning curve, Marysville Parks and Recreation is now offering designated weekend hours at the skatepark to give younger skaters and families a chance to skateboard without pressure from more advanced skaters.

Family skate times are Saturdays and Sundays from opening to noon for skateboarders 12 and under, or accompanied by parents who are skating with them. The skatepark is located at 1050 Columbia Avenue, behind Strawberry Lanes bowling alley.

“By dedicating this time period to younger skaters and families, we hope park use will increase,” says Jim Ballew, Parks and Recreation Director. “Advanced skaters can often be intolerant of beginning skaters who are just learning all the skills of the sport. Family skate hours let youngsters learn at their own low-pressure pace.”

The program will be mostly self-monitored with occasional visits by Parks department staff, Ballew explained. The family skate program was approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board in April.

For more information, call the Parks Office at (360) 363-8400 or visit the Marysville Skatepark web page at http://marysvillewa.gov/ParksAndRec/skatepark.htm.