“The spacing between each set of rungs attached to the turnstile’s rotor (movable section) is too wide,” said city engineer Melody Rocco. “It’s so wide that two skaters can access the turnstile at one time Also, a skater with a bike can walk right through.”
“We ordered what we thought would work,” she added.
Rocco said that the city is looking at ways to fix the turnstiles by modifying the existing rotating section or ordering a new turnstile. It could take up to two months to remedy the situation. Quotes on costs are still being worked out, she said.
Meanwhile, a new thumbprint scanning system, which eventually will be attached to the turnstiles, is expected to arrive next week. It will not be activated until the turnstile situation is remedied, Rocco said.
After the scanner is installed in the park’s turnstiles, skaters will have to press their thumbprint against it, allowing the scanner to read it, recognize it and unlock the gate. Skaters will not have park access unless they, or their parents, have filled out a waiver, and had their photo and fingerprints taken.
For those who misbehave, privileges will be revoked for a few days or more, depending on the seriousness of the incident, Senior Recreation Supervisor Greg Sundberg said.
Local skaters will get plenty of notice about when to sign up for the security measures, Sundberg added. A city employee will come to the park and take information from the skaters on a laptop.
“We thought about issuing ID cards, but kids could transfer them back and forth,” Sundberg said. “We wanted a little accountability, so the scanner seemed best.”
“We want the park to be a safe place for kids,” Sundberg added. “We’re not changing the rules — just adding security.”
Security fencing around the facility’s bathroom has already been installed. A wrought iron fence with a curved top surrounds the park.
Another recent problem is that bike riders like to use the skate ramps during the same time that skateboarders do.
“Our big issue is that bikes mixing with skateboards could be a dangerous combination,” Sundberg said. “They’re really not allowed inside the fence.”
Meanwhile, some, but not all skaters have expressed reluctance to participate in the thumbprinting process.
“No one wants to be printed, but if it stops crime, it’s OK with me,” said Chris Hurst.
Those who frequent the park, such as Hurst, 21, and David Carmer, 14, said they appreciate the “smooth surface” and layout of ramps.
They give Poway’s facility a high score because it is well-maintained and basically, “fun to skate,” Hurst said.
Carmer, however, differs from Hurst’s viewpoint in that the new restrictions, “feel like we’ll be in jail.”
One unidentified skater said that city officials have typically been concerned that skateboarders “ruin the streets” and other parts of the community.
He was not surprised about the announcement about the new security, he said.
He and others wondered about privacy issues, such as would the city share the thumbprint data with the local deputies.
“I see no situation with minors that we would do that,” Sundberg said. “It could be different with those 18 and over.”
The city is now formulating regulations that will govern the thumbprint data, he added.
The park, located on the corner of Civic Center and Tarascan drives, has free admission and is adjacent to the sheriff’s station and Poway Library.
