With lots of help from lots of people we are trying to get a public skatepark built here in Benton County, Tennessee . Based the growing popularity of skateboarding in my area and my personal involvement in skateboard testing I decided to try and get a park here and update the county through this page on the website with significant updates about the proposed skatepark.

July 20th 2004, With the closing of the local skatepark (The Third Floor located in Paris) and skateboarding not being allowed at the local parks, I have contacted several area lumber companies and sawmills about assisting with the construction and materials of a mini-halfpipe and along with assistance of my friends, we are building our own skating area. We received a load of 2x4's from a local sawmill at cost and two loads of hardboard and plywood from a local lumber company at a discount. (My cousin works there!!!) My brother also gave us a pickup truck load of landscape timbers to be used as support posts.

We have all been run off from the city park and various other skating areas around town so much that we decided to try get us a safe spot to skate. Wish us luck!!! 

Aug 6th 2004 We started on the half pipe today. Some pictures of it can be seen on my safety page.

Aug. 9th 2004, The mini-half pipe is almost completed and we have enough donated materials remaining to build a funbox.   

Aug. 15th 2004, The half pipe is completed and we are having a blast. We are still planning on building more, quick as the new wears off the half pipe!!!   

Sept 3rd 2004, The Fun Box is complete and we have also built several ramps. 

October 4th 2004, Based on feedback and support from my friends and family I am passing a petition to have a public skatepark built here in Camden, Tennessee. There is no place in the city or county where kids can ride skateboard, bicycles, rollerskates or rollerblades. City police are

presently stopping kids from riding skateboards and bikes at the park and at the school because of possible damage to the cars in the parking lots. The walking trail at the park has also been an area where skaters have been notified they are not allowed to use. Signs stating "no bikes and

no skateboards allowed" are posted at the park and myself and several others have been stopped from skating several times by the area police.

October 24th 2004, The Camden Skatepark Association is informally formed. We have collected over 700  signatures. Our goal is to build a top quality concrete skatepark. The Camden Skatepark Association met with the Camden City Council. November 8th, 2004, with lots of help  we are finally in the discussion stages of getting a skatepark built in Camden, Tennessee.   

Nov 8th 2004, The petition was presented to the City of Camden Mayor and Committee. The overall opinion was that they were glad we attended the meeting and pleased to have our involvement.

They requested we get some assistance from the county on the project in order to show commitment from them for the project. Many skaters and their parents attended and were pleased with the meeting.

Nov 15th 2004, The petition was presented to the Benton County Commission. The overall opinion of the group was positive with some concerns being raised about liability issues and injury rates among skaters. The Tennessee liability law was presented to the commission, which states the county is not liable for accidents and the statistics for skateboarding injury nation wide. The group was told to return at budget time for further discussion.

Nov 22nd 2004, We met with the Benton County Parks and Recreation Dept. today. We presented the proposal and discussed possible site selection for the project.

Feb. 22 2005, We met with the County Mayor today and the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. We discussed the skatepark and the funding aspects of the project. I was informed that the City Mayor has contacted the Architect for the new city park addition and they have been informed to plan for a skatepark to be added to the project! I have been in contact with several  skatepark contractors and designers and we are in the planning stages for our project design. We are holding a fundraising event to fund the skatepark design costs.(yardsale) April 2nd. Any contributions would be greatly appreciated.

April 2nd 2005, We had our first fundraising event. Funds raised will be donated to the local park committee on behalf of The Camden Skatepark Association. The grand total for this event was $947.26. We also had a few private contributions since the event and the total is up to $1107 at this time.  A special thanks goes out to everyone who donated money and those who helped work at the event. You are all special people.

April 4th 2005, Met today with City and County mayors about the proposed skatepark. The city mayor has concerns about getting the project started in the city, he would like to have more involvement from the county in developing this project. There is currently a city park expansion in progress and skatepark could easily be incorporated into the facility. We also meet with the county mayor; he would like to discuss further the possibility of putting the skatepark at the new sports complex currently being constructed at the industrial park. Site location is still being discussed.

April 6th 2005, The first official meeting of the Benton County Skatepark Association!!! The group meet and appointed officers. Plans for the proposed skatepark were discussed along with possible site selections for the project. There was also a motion to petition the county to contribute funds to the project to get started.

April 28th 2005, We meet today with the Benton County budget committee to request initial funding for the proposed Benton County Skatepark. Wish us luck!

May 19th 2005, We met with the Benton County Parks and Rec. Dept today. It went well. Site selection was the subject of discussion. The parks dept. is going to ask the county industrial board to approve the site for the facility and donate the land. We meet again Monday, May 23rd to present the design proposal to ensure the site meets our design needs. Details were also discussed about funding options and Tennessee liability law.

June 13th 2005, The Benton County Budget Committee met today and they are including a proposal for partial funding for the skatepark proposal. The final approval will have to come from the Benton County Commission. The new budget goes into effect July 1st, hopefully the budget will be approved by then.  Once we get this funding approved we can start seeking matching money, grants, ect.

June 27th 2005, Problem getting the resolution for funding into the budget. The budget committee has questions about number of possible users of facility, Tennessee liability law and site location approval. Must meet with the Budget Committee again.

June 28th 2005, Met with the Benton County Budget Committee today. We were sent back to the Parks and Recreation Committee to seek them to petition the county for initial funding of the skatepark project. Approval also pending from the Benton county lawyer, concerning the Tennessee liability law and the counties insurance requirements.

Discussed the proposed park with the members of the Parks and Recreation Committee.  They want approval from the Industrial Board before they can vote to approve the project.

July 29th 2005, Met with the lawyer for Benton County today. We discussed the Tennessee liability law and how it applies to our proposed skatepark. We also discussed the insurance policy the county currently carries and how the addition of a skatepark would effect the policy. He is currently reviewing the state law and contacting the insurer. He is also in contact with some of the other towns that have parks in the state of Tennessee, we gave him the contact info. Hopefully this will help speed the process of getting his approval of the project. He will advise the Benton County Budget Committee and the county Mayor of his findings tomorrow

Met with the Head of the Benton County Industrial Board today. We went to the Sports Complex and to the Camden City Park we discussed the proposed skatepark and getting approval for land to be designated to the Benton County Parks Dept. For the skatepark. He is planning to discuss the matter with the Committee and advise the Parks Dept that the project meets with his approval.

July 13th 2005, We met with the Benton County Parks and Recreation Dept. today. We were notified we need to get the county lawyer to submit to them his decision on the liability issues associated with the county having a public skatepark.

July 13th 2005, Met with Jeff McKee of New Beginnings Church of God. Discussed putting a temporary skatepark at the New Beginnings Annex (the old high school). We discussed two sites. The old basketball gym and a gravel area out near the parking lot that will require pavement or concrete. Jeff is building a youth center at the facility and a skatepark area would fit right into his plans.

July 14th 2005, We talked to lawyer representing county. A Decision has been reached that a skatepark is no different than any other sports activity currently being held on county property at this time. Issue turned over to county to have insurance company estimate costs of insurance for skatepark.

Talked to the insurance agent that is handling the policy at this time for the county. Decision on skatepark insurance liability cost to be available by Monday, July 18th.

July 20th 2005, Met again with Jeff McKee of New Beginnings Church of God. Discussed putting a temporary skatepark at the New Beginnings Annex (the old high school).

He is waiting on quote for insurance agent for skatepark

liability insurance.

July 18th 2005, Insurance agent for county gave a informal statement of cost of liability insurance for the proposed skatepark. Range $500-$1000, depending on size of park once completed.

July 20th 2005, The Benton County Parks and Recreation Dept. met at the New Sports Complex. They voted against the proposed skatepark. Several factors brought about this no vote. The present construction on the baseball fields is not complete. Funding has not been secured to complete construction of the ball fields at this time and the parks board felt starting another project at the park without completing the initial project could lead to problems securing funding for the baseball fields.

July 22 2005, Received call from Jeff McKee of New Beginnings Church of God. Again we discussed putting a temporary skatepark at the New Beginnings Annex (the old high school). He received a quote form his insurance agent, ($200 a year). Meeting next week to discuss the details. It appears we may have a temporary skatepark facility. It took a year to get to this point. Maybe in another year we will have a public skatepark.

July 29th 2005, Met with Jeff Mckee, discussed the use of the gym as a temporary skatepark and discussed the use of their parking lot for use on weekends as a temporary skatepark area. Their parking

lot is not paved at this time.

Aug 8th 2005, Met with a member of Benton County, Tennessee National Guard at a recent gathering at the guard unit. They are clearing the properly at the new Camden City park expansion project. He recommended having the Waverly unit pave the skatepark area. The local guard unit is a construction unit and they have paving equipment, they often pave parking lots for local churches, government and other public organizations on the weekend and during their two weeks of duty in the summer.

Aug 9th 2005, Discussed with the head of local Tennessee National Guard located in Waverly Tn. the possibility of having the local guard unit pave the spot for the proposed skatepark.

Aug 15th 2005, Great News!!! The proper paper work is in the progress of being filed and it looks like the guard is going to pave around 10,000sq ft. for a temporary park. This temporary park will become the parking lot when the next step of the project takes place.

Sept 1st 2005, BAD NEWS!!! The Waverly Tennessee Nation Guard Unit was called up for duty in Louisiana, due to Hurricane Katrina. This is the guard unit that was going to pave the proposed temporary skatepark. They are expected to be on active duty for 6 months to 1 year.

Sept 12th 2005, Benton County Skatepark organization met today. We discussed the fact we may not be able to use the church gym for our skateboarding over concerns of damaging the floor. Their parking lot is also not paved and we do not have funding to pave it on our own. We discussed the fact the Tennessee National Guard was not going to be able to do the paving for the project. We discussed having a event to build public support for the project. A "fun day" was discussed and the possiblity of inviting other groups of people to assist in this project. Roller bladers, roller skaters and bicycle riders were discussed to be invited. Portable ramps can be used and a skateboard demo can be held to aid in public awareness of the number of skateboarders in our are and their skill levels. We also discussed a skateboard contest for the youth in our area.  We live in a small community and our group does not appear to have enough political support to achieve this task.

Sept 12th 2005, We met with the City of Camden Board tonight asking them to get involved again. It did not go well. Their lawyer was there and he stated the Tennessee Municipal League had sent out a flyer to all the cities in Tennessee covered under thier insurance carrier. He said, it stated they recommended that "no city in Tennessee build a skatepark because of liability issues". We were asking for permission to have a "youth day" at the city park. With Skateboarding, bike riding and rollerblading activities, (none of these are allowed at this time). We were asking to do it one day a week, Saturday's 12PM-6PM. We were going to have live music and snacks for everyone who came. We had hoped to build support for the proposed skatepark.  The mayor thought it could be agreed upon but the lawyer stopped it from happening at the public park. We asked he lawyer for a copy of the paper work stating skateparks would not be insurable under thier policy. He is partners with the same lawyer that gave the county the OK to build a skatepark on county property. We brought this to his attention, he stated they were covered under different insurance and it would require him to research it on the city's behalf. I figured many would be very interested in this development as it could effect any groups trying to get a park built in Tennessee. The mayor did state the skatepark project may be done at the city park but the current park expansion would have to be completed. The park expansion could take 2-3 years to complete. He also discussed donating city land to the project and the park group building the park themselves. Again no funding. They also discussed donating money to the county for the project and the county building the facility at the County Sports Complex. Again, the county voted the project down because of a lack of funding for their current ball field construction project.

Sept 13, 2005

Met with Benton County Mayor. Discussed a shuffleboard proposal to be petitioned before the county asking for assistance in funding with the city, 50/50. This is the same idea we had for a skatepark that was refused on the basis that the county could not spend money inside the city limits. Time will only tell if they get the funding, but it should have a direct effect on the proposed skatepark funding. We also discussed the 2006 parks and recreation grant that the county is going to request from the state. The skatepark group is asking to be added into this grant request. The total we are requesting for the proposed skatepark is $60,000 and the total requested is $250,000, The rest of the money $190,000 will be split up to build 2 more baseball fields, basketball court, soccer field and possibly a tennis court. The grant request can not be sent into the state until July 2006 and grants are not issued until 90 days after that date.

Sept 14, 2005

Met with city attorney associate, discussed TML and their recent decision on skatepark liability. Gave him a list of area city official that have skateparks in their towns.

Sept 26, 2005

Met with member of local religious leaders group that are looking into developing a youth program in our town and they are looking at including a skateboard area for the kids.

Oct 11, 2005

Met with a member of ministerial alliance, discussed their involvement in the project. They are mainly directing their services toward older citizens in our area at this time.

Oct 15, 2005

Attended a gathering at Faith Christian Fellowship Church here in Camden. They invited us to attend the gathering and pick a spot for a weekend skatepark at their facility. The head of the local ministerial alliance is the pastor (Jerry Colter) is also the pastor at Faith Christian. We discussed paving a area of ground next to their existing basketball court. Size yet to be determined, but we are looking at pouring a concrete 100x100 square. Portable ramps can then be built/purchased as needed.

Oct 17, 2005

Met with city attorney today. Discussed proposed skatepark and the TML ruling on skateparks.

After discussing it with his associates, he reached a decision that it should not be a problem for the city to meet the requirements for a skatepark. We will still need to get the city to contact the TML and get a informal insurance estimate for liability insurance. This should not be a major issue because most of the

cities in the state, carry insurance with them that have skateparks. We are one step closer to having a skatepark here.

Nov 3rd, 2005

Met with the pastor of New Beginnings Church. He said that the skatepark group can use his parking lot to skate in as soon as they get the funding to have it paved.

Dec 27th, 2005

Met with Bob Keast of Birdsong Resort and Marina located here in Benton County today for a job interview. During the interview we discussed the possibility of placing a skatepark within his facility. He has been following the local newspaper for follow-ups on the project and keeping up thru my website. He was open to the idea of a free public skatepark for the youth of our county. He has an unused concrete shuffleboard court that can be a good starting point that is part of their playground area.

Jan 3rd, 2006

Great News!!! Met again with Bob Keast, he confirmed he is planning to construct a skatepark for the youth of our area. I will be posting a update soon with a design proposal for the skatepark. Bob has agreed to fund the facility and The Benton County Skatepark Association is planning to purchase helmets and  pads for the skaters that come to the facility that do not have them. He also offered me a part time job as Executive Assistant. My job duties are to update the resort website and perform routine maintenance on the computer systems for the resort.  I took the Job.

Feb 26, 2006

Met with Bob Keast again to discuss the proposed skatepark. The project is looking good, I presented the design proposal. Based upon the area available it looks like we will end up with around 4500 sq.ft. Features of skatepark will include ramps, stairs, a half pipe and rails.

March 30,  2006

Spring is here in Tennessee!!! The last of the cold weather passed yesterday. We opened up the skatepark at Birdsong Resort and Marina!!! Me and a few of the guys brought a few prefab ramps and a concrete parking stop to the site and started the prep work for additions to the existing concrete. Bob has a backhoe and a bobcat

that he can use for the dirt work. Dirt work is scheduled to begin April 7th. and hopefully if the weather permits the new concrete will start being poured the week after. As agreed the Benton County Skatepark Association is going to furnish the helmets and pads for the skaters. We set up a cabinet where the helmets and pads can be stored next to the skatepark. Bob is funding this project 100% out of his own pocket. Why? Because he wants to do it for the permanent residents and visitors of the resort as well as for the youth of our county. Over 200,000 people visit Birdsong resort and Marina each year and a very large percentage of them are children and young adults. The playground area at the resort also has a volleyball court, horse shoe area and the jungle gym seen in the picture below.

April 2nd, 2006

Met with Bob Keast, discussed cost of construction of skatepark. Bob requested an itemized spreadsheet of all expected expenses. We also discussed expanding the park in phases during the summer to allow the minimum impact upon the resort visitors.

Bob Keast and Hunter Clifft planning  the addition to the existing concrete.

First load of fill sand to be used under the new concrete.

Me getting to be the first to use the skatepark.

April 9th, 2006

A bunch of the skaters got together today after church and worked on the skateboard site. The rain storm that hit Friday afternoon really made it a muddy mess in a few spots, but we all had a great time anyway. At this time the concrete is scheduled to be poured on the 24th.

Jesse raking dirt away from the existing concrete.

 

 

 

 

 

April 12th, 2006

The dirt work was completed today!!! The logging company that was hired to remove 7 large pine trees arrived and all the trees are cut down.. We are trying to have as little environmental impact as possible while building the park but all the trees would have been right next to the skatepark concrete and the roots of the trees would have damaged the concrete over time aside for being a safety hazard being so close to the skaters. Clean up of the trees did not get completed today but should tomorrow.

 

April 14th, 2006

12 kids and several parents from the group worked on the site today cleaning up debris from the tree removal and spreading sand for the site.

 

April 15th, 2006

The concrete contractor arrived today and started forming the first stage of the park expansion project. We are currently planning to pour the concrete in 3 stages over the summer.

 

April 20th, 2006

We completed forming the concrete today. The crew is scheduled to start pouring the concrete on April 24th. Everyone is getting excited about the project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 24th, 2006

Game delayed due to rain!

 

 

 

April 25th, 2006

A few of us worked on the site today. The rain washed away a bunch of the sand we used to level the site.

Hopefully we can get a few dry days to allow us enough time to start the pour.

 

May 6th, 2006

The forms are complete and the concrete wire and rebar is in place. All we are waiting on now is a few sunny days to allow the ground time enough to dry so we can pour the concrete. It has rained everyday for the last 2 weeks.

 

Item of interest, the City of New  Johnsonville, (it is the next town over, 6 miles away) contacted our group this week. It appears a group of skateboarders and parents (mostly moms) attended a meeting of the city council.  According to the city council and the skaters, many of which have been involved in the Benton County Skatepark Association fundraising events and skateboard here in Camden often. The city has had many complaints from residents and store owners about skaters blocking city streets to traffic flow with homemade ramps and being general nuisance to business. Aside from the noise of skaters on their decks the skating, believe it or not the laughter of skaters having fun has been one of the biggest complaint. Imagine a world where kids enjoying themselves is a crime. The council members are also considering outlawing all skateboarding inside the city limits. All decks will be confiscated. We advised them against such a law, on the grounds that civil rights might be violated and it could end up in a big lawsuit. The city of New Johnsonville has lost several such poor decision based battles in recent years due to unwise decisions involving the police and city officials that resulted in large awards by a jury. The group asked the city to build a skatepark. The city then called and asked our opinion on how and where to start. It also appears they have an unused tennis and basketball court that they are discussing placing ramps on until they can find a more permanent solution to the problem of skaters in the streets. We advised them to listen to the group and develop a plan to solve the issue instead of trying to punish kids for not being part of an organized sport like baseball and football. Both wholesome traditional sports but becoming well behind in popularity in our area. The same question/issues we had in Camden came up in Jville, What if the kids continue to skateboard uptown around the businesses? Who is responsible for the kids? What if drugs are being done at the park?  What if the local residents complain about the noise of the kids? What about graffiti? What about loud music? What about late night skateboarding? What about insurance? What about accidents? All valid concerns that need to be addressed individually. But the one answer that seems to hold true for all questions is the involvement of, skateboard moms and dads. The average age of a skateboarder in the USA is 11 years old. I do not know any 11 year old who are involved in anything other than XBOX and just like with more traditional sports parents are involved. There are skateboard moms just like there are baseball, football, tennis, and soccer moms, (and dads). But mostly moms. Who do you think buys those $40 dollar skateboard decks and those helmets and pads. Who else but a mom would make sure Little Johnny wears his protective equipment?  Skateboard moms are going to make sure their little boy or girl  is happy, having fun and safe all at the same time. God bless anyone or anything that prevents that from happening. So, just like we have baseball and football bleachers we need more bleachers for the skateboard moms to help police our skateparks. What better Crime Watch program than that a mom with a cell phone? By the way my moms (secret) web identity on her favorite forum is Sk8ermom, just like thousands of other skateboard moms out there. So lets give it up for the skateboard moms out there who drive/drove us to that skatepark on the other side of town or even 100+ miles away, just because we heard it was a cool skatepark. Remember mothers day is coming up next Sunday, May 14th. So, get out the hammer and break that piggy bank open and go buy something nice for you favorite Sk8ermom. I know skateboard moms may not have all the answers for the city council but I am sure with their involvement we can get many issue resolved and get started toward building more public skateparks in our country.

 

May 26th, 2006

Rain, Rain, Rain, We have scheduled the concrete pour every few days, but rain has shut down the pour. Again, today we had it scheduled for tomorrow but the concrete companies are closing for the holiday weekend. So, we have it scheduled for next Wednesday. Wish us luck.

 

 

May 31st, 2006

We poured concrete today. The skateparks is a little over 3200 sq ft. Once the sealer is in place we will be able to use the skateparks newest addition. We also plan to add ramps, stairs, rails, a quarter pipe and concrete curbs to the site this summer in phase two of the project. In phase three of the project we are planning to put in a concrete bowl. Hopefully next summer if we can acquire the funding. Special thanks to all the people who helped make this day possible. This is the only skatepark in Benton County and remember it is a free use facility.

 

Here are a few pictures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 10th, 2006

We put in the rails today and placed two parking curbs at the skatepark today. The safety helmets and pads arrived this week also. Special thanks to Tim Swike of Snotboards for helping us get our helmets at wholesale cost and Linda Pettyman of Climax MFG. for helping us get the knee and elbow pads at wholesale price also. We were able to use the funds the Benton County Skatepark Association raised to purchase the ramps and rails for the skatepark and the safety equipment  Special thanks to all the people who help us raise these funds. Remember this safety equipment is available to all skateboarders that use the park that do not have their own.

 

June 12th, 2006

We added a quarter pipe and a ramp today to the site. They are homemade but they will have to suffice until we can start Phase Two of the project. In Phase Two we are still planning to install concrete ramps at one end of the site and a quarter pipe at the other. We are also discussing placing a spine and a half wall on the site for more advance skaters. In Phase Three of the site we are planning to add a kidney shaped bowl.

 

June 25th, 2006

Some of the parents (moms) and a few of the kids got together and did a little landscaping around the skatepark.

They added mulch as a cushion area around the site, which was supplied by Bob Keast and some small plants as accents to give it a finishing touch. The plants (89) were supplied by my mom. Below are a few pictures of the completed skatepark. The final skatepark size at this time is a little over 3200 sqft.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 16th, 2006

After church a bunch of the kids got together at the skatepark and worked on ramps and an inclinded rail for the skatepark. Since the first stage of the skatepark has been completed use of the park has increased greatly. Most of the kids like the fact Bob has a a swimming pool at the resort. After a few hours of skating we all jump in the pool for a while and cool off. Then we hit the concrete again. It makes for a super fun day.

 

July 22nd, 2006

More landscaping was completed today. Bob felt the site needed to be dressed up a little more so it does not look so much like an industrial site and looks more like a resort.

 

 

Click image to see a larger version

 

Here is a link to Bob's website.

 

 

 

Below is a copy of the Loss Control Guidelines from the Tennessee Municipal League. This is the reason why we are having issues getting a park built here in Camden. #4 on the list states supervision is recommended. This is a small town and there is not enough funding to staff a skatepark in our area.

 

                   TML Risk Management Pool - Loss Control Department

 

                                  LOSS CONTROL GUIDELINES

 

                                 PUBLIC SKATEBOARD AREAS

 

 

1.       The skateboard parks, ramps, and/or "areas" must be designed and constructed with a priority commitment to reduce the risk of injury to participants and users, and to reduce the liability exposure to both the municipality and the users.  The purpose of the skateboard park, ramp, or "area" should be to give skaters a safer alternative to skating on streets, sidewalks, and in parking lots.

 

2.       The area should be designed per appropriate safety standards.  All design specifications, assembly instructions, and maintenance/operations recommendations from the developer, engineer, and/or manufacturer must be retained on file.

 

3.       The skateboard area must be completely enclosed by a fence at least eight (8) feet in height.  It is preferable that the fence be located at least eight (8) feet from the edge of the skating surface to allow for a hazard-free "fall zone" before reaching the fence.  The fence should provide for adequate protection for spectators from flying boards and/or falling skaters, and should also help protect the skaters from interference and distractions by spectators and passers-by.  In the hazard-free "fall zone," an appropriate impact attenuating material (e.g. pea gravel, loose sand, mulch, etc.) should be maintained at depths of 6 - 9 inches for a distance of at least six (6) feet around the entire perimeter of the skating surface.

 

4.       The skateboard parks and/or ramps should be supervised by trained personnel whenever open to the public.  Skateboard "areas" that simply provide a relatively flat skating surface (without ramps, bowls or other graded surfaces) within a secured, fenced area do not necessarily have to be supervised full-time.  Supervisory employees must be trained regarding all safety rules and procedures, operational procedures, management requirements, etc.  All training and orientation given skateboard area employees must be documented and retained on file.

 

5.       For skateboard parks, ramps or other graded areas, there must be a documented daily visual check by the employees on duty for any visible hazards or repair needs.  These inspections should be documented and retained on file.

 

6.       For flat skateboard "areas," there must be a documented complete inspection performed by the maintenance supervisor at least once monthly;  included in all inspections should be any walking or standing surfaces, fencing, steps, hand rails, spectator areas, etc.

 

7.       All maintenance and repair work should be documented as to type of maintenance performed, the name of the employee performing the work, and the date completed.

 

8.       All users of the skateboard park, ramp or other graded areas, must complete a facility registration card.  The user, and both of his/her legal guardians (if a minor), must read and complete the warning and waiver provided by the city.

 

9.       Safety equipment must be worn at all times while using the facility.  This equipment shall include, but not be limited to, the following:  appropriate skateboard, helmet, knee and elbow pads, gloves and wrist supports, and proper shoes.  The skateboard supervisors (employees) may prohibit skaters from using the park if their equipment is not deemed satisfactory.

 

10.     In skateboard parks, ramps or other graded areas, the skateboard supervisors (employees) must be stationed such that the entire area may be viewed and monitored for rules violations.

 

11.     In skateboard parks, ramps, other graded areas or secured flat surface areas, the number of people allowed in the area should be limited to minimize injuries resulting from collisions.  The Recreation Director should determine the patron limit based upon the size of the skateboard area, the number of employees on duty, seasonal demand, etc.

 

12.     The rules governing the use of the skateboard park or "area" must be prominently posted.  Skateboard runs should be labeled clearly as to degree of difficulty.  The park should retain the right to revoke skating privileges of participants who are rowdy or who otherwise do not abide by the rules.

 

13.     In skateboard parks, ramps or other graded areas, skateboard supervisors (employees) should be certified in Red Cross First Aid and an appropriate first aid kit should be readily available on site.  Appropriate police and ambulance phone numbers, as well as ready access to a telephone, should be maintained.  An adequate emergency plan must be developed for the skateboard operation and should be appropriately communicated to all employees.

 

14.     A complete accident report should be filed by the skateboard employee on duty following any accident or injury occurring at the skateboard area.  This documentation should include:  (1) the date;  (2) the time of day;  (3) the injured person's name, address and phone number(s);  (4) the name of the injured person's parent or guardian, if a minor child;  (5) the names and phone numbers of any witnesses;  and (6) a complete description of the events and circumstances surrounding the accident or injury.  These accident reports should be retained on file.

 

Any additional recommendations made by the developer or manufacturer of the city's skateboard park or area which place further restrictions or guidelines upon the supervision and operation of the skateboard area shall be followed.

 

While there may be a considerable risk exposure associated with the operation of a city's skateboard park or area, much of the risk can be reduced through proper supervision and maintenance.  All skateboard area employees should be given an orientation training program to familiarize them with the operational standards of the skateboard park, as well as the maintenance requirements, safety standards, and rules of the skateboard park.  This training should be fully documented and retained on file for each employee.

 

The TML Pool does not represent that these recommendations identify and address all of the unsafe or hazardous conditions associated with the operation of the skateboard area, nor do we represent that implementing our recommendations is the best possible solution and that no injury or financial loss will occur if they are followed. It is our opinion that implementing the recommendations should reduce the potential for accidents.

 

Rev 9/95

 

 

Below is the Tennessee Law that enables a city, county or state facility to allow public access without libility.

 

Tennessee law's intent is to protect the owner, lessor, municipality, builders, manufacturers, etc. from liability in designated recreation areas.

Tennessee Code

TITLE 11

NATURAL AREAS AND RECREATION

 

CHAPTER 10

LEASE OF RECREATIONAL LANDS TO STATE - LIABILITY OF LESSOR

11-10-101. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) "Charge" means the amount of money asked in return for an invitation to enter or go upon the land;

(2) "Conservation easement" means a conservation easement as defined in § 66-9-303(1);

(3) "Land" includes, but is not limited to, roads, water, watercourses, private ways and buildings, structures and machinery or equipment thereon when attached to the realty;

(4) "Owner" includes, but is not limited to, tenant, lessee, occupant or person in control of the premises;

(5) "Public use easement" means a public use easement as defined in § 11-13-102; and

(6) "Recreational purposes" includes, but is not limited to, any one (1) or any combination of the following: hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, hiking, pleasure driving, nature study, water skiing, winter sports, and visiting, viewing or enjoying historical, archaeological, scenic or scientific sites, or otherwise using land for purposes of the user.

[Acts 1967, ch. 246, § 3; T.C.A., § 11-1301; Acts 1982, ch. 554, § 1.]

11-10-102. Land leased to political entity for recreational purposes - Duty of care - Warnings.

(a) Unless otherwise agreed in writing, an owner of land leased to the state or any agency thereof, or any county or municipality or agency thereof, for recreational purposes, owes no duty of care to keep that land safe for entry or use by others or to give warning to persons entering or going upon such land of any dangerous or hazardous conditions, uses, structures or activities thereon.

(b) An owner who leases land to the state or any agency thereof, or any county or municipality or agency thereof, for recreational purposes, shall not by giving such lease:

(1) Extend any assurance to any person using the land that the premises are safe for any purpose;

(2) Confer upon such persons the legal status of an invitee or licensee to whom a duty of care is owed; or

(3) Assume responsibility for or incur liability for any injury to a person or property caused by an act or omission of a person who enters upon the leased land.

(c) The provisions of this section apply whether the person entering upon the leased land is an invitee, licensee, trespasser or otherwise.

[Acts 1967, ch. 246, § 1; T.C.A., § 11-1302.]

 

11-10-103. Land subject to conservation or public use easement - Duty of care - Warnings.

(a) An owner of any land, which is subject to a conservation easement or public use easement, granted to or acquired and held by the state or any agency thereof, owes no duty of care to keep that land safe for entry or use by others or to give warning to any person entering or going upon such land of any dangerous or hazardous conditions, uses, structures or activities thereon.

(b) An owner of land which is subject to an easement granted to or acquired and held by the state or any agency thereof, shall not, by granting such easement:

(1) Warrant by implication that the real property included in the easement is safe for any purpose;

(2) Confer upon any person the legal status of an invitee or licensee to whom a duty of care is owed; or

(3) Assume responsibility for or incur liability for any injury to any person or property caused by an act or omission of any person who enters upon the land subject to such easement.

(c) The provisions of this section apply whether the person entering upon the land subject to such easement is an invitee, licensee, trespasser or otherwise.

[Acts 1982, ch. 554, § 2.]

 

11-10-102. Land leased to political entity for recreational purposes - Duty of care - Warnings.

(a) Unless otherwise agreed in writing, an owner of land leased to the state or any agency thereof, or any county or municipality or agency thereof, for recreational purposes, owes no duty of care to keep that land safe for entry or use by others or to give warning to persons entering or going upon such land of any dangerous or hazardous conditions, uses, structures or activities thereon.

(b) An owner who leases land to the state or any agency thereof, or any county or municipality or agency thereof, for recreational purposes, shall not by giving such lease:

(1) Extend any assurance to any person using the land that the premises are safe for any purpose;

(2) Confer upon such persons the legal status of an invitee or licensee to whom a duty of care is owed; or

(3) Assume responsibility for or incur liability for any injury to a person or property caused by an act or omission of a person who enters upon the leased land.

(c) The provisions of this section apply whether the person entering upon the leased land is an invitee, licensee, trespasser or otherwise.

[Acts 1967, ch. 246, § 1; T.C.A., § 11-1302.]

11-10-104. Certain existing liabilities unaffected.

(a) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as limiting in any way any liability which otherwise exists:

(1) For willful or malicious failure to guard or warn against a dangerous or hazardous condition, use, structure, or activity; or

(2) For injury suffered in any case where the owner of land charges the person or persons who enter or go on the land other than the amount, if any, paid to the owner of the land by the state or any agency thereof, or any county or municipality or agency thereof.

(b) Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to create a duty of care or ground of liability for injury to person or property, and nothing in this chapter shall limit in any way the obligation of a person entering upon or using the land of another for recreational purposes to exercise due care in such person's use of such land and in such person's activities thereon.

[Acts 1967, ch. 246, § 2; T.C.A., §§ 11-1303, 11-10-103.]

11-10-105. Conservation easements - No duty of care, warning, etc.

(a) An owner of any land, which is subject to a conservation easement, whether such easement contains or does not contain a public use clause granted to or acquired and held by the state or any agency thereof, or any county or municipality or agency thereof, or an owner of any land, which is subject to a public use easement, granted to or acquired and held by the state or any agency thereof, owes no duty of care to keep that land safe for entry or use by others or to give warning to any person entering or going upon such land of any dangerous or hazardous conditions, uses, structures or activities thereon.

(b) An owner of land which is subject to a conservation easement, whether such easement contains or does not contain a public use clause, granted to or acquired and held by the state or any agency thereof, or any county or municipality or agency thereof, or an owner of land which is subject to a public use easement granted to or acquired and held by the state or any agency thereof, shall not, by granting such easement:

(1) Warrant by implication that the real property included in the easement is safe for any purpose;

(2) Confer upon any person the legal status of an invitee or licensee to whom a duty of care is owed; or

(3) Assume responsibility for or incur liability for any injury to any person or property caused by an act or omission of any person who enters upon the land subject to such easement.

(c) The provisions of this section apply whether the person entering upon the land subject to such easement is an invitee, licensee, trespasser or otherwise.

[Acts 1988, ch. 965, §§ 1, 2; 1990, ch. 781, § 1.]

 

 

55-52-105. Child bicycle safety rules and regulations.

With regard to any bicycle operated over any highway, street or sidewalk, it is unlawful:

(1) For any person under sixteen (16) years of age to operate or be a passenger on a bicycle unless at all times when so engaged such person wears a protective bicycle helmet of good fit fastened securely upon the head with the straps of the helmet;

(2) For any person to be a passenger on a bicycle unless, with respect to any person who weighs fewer than forty pounds (40 lbs.), or is less than forty inches (40") in height, the person can be and is properly seated in and adequately secured to a restraining seat;

(3) For any parent or legal guardian of a person below twelve (12) years of age to knowingly permit such person to operate or be a passenger on a bicycle in violation of subdivision (1) or (2); and

(4) To rent or lease any bicycle to or for the use of any person under sixteen (16) years of age unless:

(A) The person is in possession of a protective bicycle helmet of good fit at the time of such rental or lease; or

(B) The rental or lease includes a protective bicycle helmet of good fit, and the person intends to wear the helmet, as required by subdivision (1), at all times while operating or being a passenger on the bicycle.

[Acts 1993, ch. 399, § 6; 1998, ch. 684, § 2; 2000, ch. 916, § 5.]

 

 

Links to groups that are assisting in the development of our skatepark:

http://www.skatersforpublicskateparks.org/

http://www.skateparkcoalition.org/