Skateboarding rolls into mainstream

Some say Bloomington has a skateboarding dilemma. The activity is resurfacing as a mainstream sport. But, with its growing popularity, some who participate in the sport say they are having a hard time finding places to skate where they won't get into trouble.\n"Bloomington has great skating but the worst attitudes," said Tony Allenson, lounging on a couch in True Skateboards, 430 E. Kirkwood Ave.\nAs skateboarding makes a comeback nationwide, it's also on the rise in Bloomington, said Dave Herr, co-owner of True Skateboards. \n"It laid low for a couple of years, but is definitely coming back nationwide," he said. \nFellow owner Rick Olsen said its comeback is evident in the popularity of the X-Games and by a barrage of video games and apparel being sold today.\nFrom another couch, Allenson's friend, Jacob Sattinger, said, "if people get to know us as human beings, they might like us a little more."\nBut some local business owners say skateboarding can cause thousands of dollars in property damage. \nAlthough skateboarding's popularity and visibility are increasing around Bloomington, the same laws and restrictions to the sport still apply. \nAccording to the decades-old city ordinances, skateboarding is prohibited on the following streets: Kirkwood Avenue from the Sample Gates to College Avenue; and from Fourth Street to Seventh Street on both College Avenue and Walnut Street. \nAlthough skating on any city street is restricted, boards may be ridden on sidewalks as long as they're used for transportation only; performing tricks is prohibited. Violators can be issued a $10 fine.\nMany local business owners support the ordinance, asserting it helps prevent property damage. Property damage attributed to skateboarders has spurred many local businesses to ban skating on their premises. \nDr. Dennis Morrison, CEO of the Center for Behavioral Health, said he is concerned with the damage caused to fixtures outside the Center, including concrete benches and limestone structures . \n"I can't deny it's a sport," he said. "Just watch the X-Games. But when I put a sign out that says 'Don't skate here,' they should respect that." \nMorrison also said the skaters don't leave and stay away, but often return within the same week. \nPolice said skateboarders returning to prohibited spots are problematic, adding that they empathize with business owners. \n"It's like someone coming to your home and damaging your porch or your car," said Bloomington Police Lt. Jim Ratcliff. \nIUPD Lt. Jerry Minger said skateboarders sometimes question why they are being forced to leave a spot. \n"Their typical response is 'Why are you telling me what to do?'" Minger said.\nSkateboarders said they feel passionately about the issue and are merely venting about an aggravating situation. \n"When you get kicked out of 30 spots a day, then by the time you get to the 29th one, it gets a little frustrating," said Indianapolis native Dallas Bailey.\nPlans have been in the works to build a multi-functional sports facility with a skate park on Kinser Pike. Olsen and Herr are working with Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department in creating the park. But it may be more than a year before the construction process is under way, said Cheryll Elmore, Parks and Recreation Business manager.\nUntil then, Bloomington skaters have a few options. Ellettsville has an indoor skate park. But Monroe County Dispatcher Loretta Bohall said few people attend the park because of its business hours. The park may open only when an adult attendant is present. Because attendants are volunteers, the park is rarely open. \nRatcliff says people can skate on any sidewalk that isn't restricted or anywhere they get permission. \nSome business owners and skaters have reached agreements for skating on private property. Sattinger and Allenson, locally sponsored by Super Villain brand, have taken steps in that direction. They worked out a deal with Ann St. John to repaint the curb they skate outside her business complex on West First Street.\nSt. John says as long as they repair their damage, she doesn't mind.\nThere is a design meeting for the park on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 5:30 in the park's city conference room for anyone who would like to attend and possibly contribute to the design of the park.