The Bloomington City Council should be embarrassed for even considering such an ordinance as banning skateboarding from public parking lots. But the council not only considered it; it will vote on the issue Wednesday, the IDS reported Friday.\nKids have been skating in public parking lots for decades. Has there been some recent rash of vandalism, damaged property or trips to the hospital? No.\nIn fact, Bloomington has no such reports at all, the IDS reported.\nBut this is not to say there isn't a problem. There is. It has nothing to do with broken windows, dented fenders or scraped curbs, though.\nIt has to do with the simple, naive stigma attached to those who skate. Whether it's the baggy pants, the incessant loitering or the alternative hairstyles, skateboarders have always been categorized as trouble. But in reality, if there is any trouble, it is only a result of the lack of support and understanding these people receive from the community.\nSkateboarding is no different than basketball, soccer or even frisbee -- which also tends to be played in parking lots. The city needs to see past this stereotype, and stop taking things away from these citizens. If they are indeed determined to ban skateboarding in public areas such as parking lots, they need to provide an alternative skating location, such as a skate park. It is a simple process, much like building a basketball court. And those are common enough.\nBloomington often prides itself on its accepting, nurturing and supportive atmosphere. It has been hailed as one of the greatest intellectual climates in the country. Yet the city is reluctant to tolerate youngsters tearing up its perfectly yellow curbs. It seems strange such a community would be so willing to strip itself of an element that adds to its character and creativity.\nMaybe practicing good government would help alleviate the situation. It would help if the city would work closely with the skateboarding community, soliciting its advice and reaching a compromise or alternative.\nIf the city can't appreciate the time, energy and talent that goes into skateboarding, it might help if a representative learns how to successfully land a 360 radial kickflip. Then maybe the city will rethink its decision to ban skateboarding in public parking lots or get around to building that skate park.
Staff Vote: 13-2
