Round Rock Public Skatepark The turnout at the skatepark closure meeting this morning was substantial. Every TV station I could think of was there. Oh, and there were a lot of skateboarders as well. A few brought the attitude that the city needs to shut the hell up, pick up the trash, and open the skatepark. But most had a positive, we’re-here-to-help, perspective.

Parks and Recreation Director, Rick Atkins, led the meeting with a presentation outlining the city’s plans for addressing some of the pain points.

  • More trash cans are on the way
  • The pavillion behind the bowl will be demolished
  • A playscape for children will be built next to the skatepark to attract families to the area
  • A gate will be installed in the south fence
  • Increased police presence
  • City law banning cigarettes and alcohol consumption at skatepark
  • Water fountains to be installed

Some clarifications were made by RR city staffers. The recreation center bathrooms are available to skaters, but they need to leave their skateboards at the front desk where they’ll be watched so they don’t get stolen. The 11:00 PM light shut-off is on the to-do list for getting a warning flasher added.

While it sucks that that the city sent out such a negative press release emphasizing the 115 police calls to the skatepark, it is up to the skateboarders to rescue this situation. We’re going to have to police our own scene and make sure people who act the fool don’t screw it up for the rest of us. We’re also going to have to pick up trash that careless people have left behind. If each of us grabbed two water bottles off the grass on our way out, this would be a non-issue.

Round Rock will keep the park closed for the week since it’s closure on Saturday. Already 9 people have been arrested for tresspassing. Barge at your own peril. 

News 8 Austin has a story about the meeting and a poll asking if the city is over-reacting. Check the comments on the poll. Here’s their actual coverage of the meeting (thanks to Scott for posting the video).