Skateboarders, Bikers Damage Harris Pavilion

Mayor Harry J. (Hal) Parrish ll has asked the local police department to increase enforcement in regards to skateboarders and bikers at the Harris Pavilion and Old Town parking deck. 

"There's been some damage done to the pavilion by skateboarders and bikers, the mayor said at Monday evening's council meeting. "And we would like to prevent that from happening."

Several council members and the mayor say they are concerned about the safety issue as more and more skateboarders and bikers head outdoors for warmer weather.

Council Member Steve Randolph said skateboarding is not illegal and is a wonderful sport, but damaging property and putting people in danger is illegal.

He said the community has built a skateboarding park next to Osbourn High School on Prince William Street, and that is where the youth in the community should go to skateboard.

The mayor said bikers are heading over to the VRE parking deck after school to "ride down the deck in a spiral fashion" at the same time commuters are leaving the deck, presenting a major safety concern.

The mayor is asking for the public's help, particularly from families and parents,  to assist police with their enforcement efforts. More details are expected to be made available by local police in the near future.