DETROIT – Skateboarders are complaining about not being able to use one of the best skate parks in the region.
Riverside Skatepark, by the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, is a very popular place. So popular, that non-skaters come to the park to party when the weather gets warmer.
It’s caused the park to be shut down sometimes hours before the closing time of 10 p.m.
It almost seems the ones being punished are those who are actually using the facilities for what they’re actually intended for.
Some skaters aren’t too happy about this. Especially when it’s the problems aren’t coming from them, but from outsiders who think this is the place to party.
Skateboarding at Riverside Park is a privilege for skaters Keviyan Richardson and Nick Charrette. But lately, they say they haven’t been able to use the facility like they should.
“This is everything for us. Why is it closed,” said Nick.
“I’ve been kicked out of the park early before the lights are even cut off,” said Keviyan.
The skatepark is supposed to be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., yet some skaters claim they’ve been told to leave as early as 6 p.m. On top of that, sometimes the lights aren’t even turned on when it’s dark.
“Why are there lights if they’re not gonna be turned on,” Nick asked.
The thing is a lot of people use this park as a form of therapy or an outlet for things they’re going through. When you turn out the lights or kick people out earlier than they’re supposed to - you take a lot of that away.
“Being able to go night skateboarding is sometimes a lot better to do than going out in the day. It’s less traffic. You don’t have to worry about dealing with a lot of people. And it can be more so therapeutic,” Keviyan insisted.
Yet Detroit police said there are reasons why they can shut the park down. One reason is overcrowding and partying which leaves the park trashed and in disarray.
“It’s a major blemish I think on places like skateparks. The last thing we need are people showing up, partying, drinking, leaving paraphernalia behind. Suddenly we’re not a safe place to be anymore,” Nick added.
Some wish it could be handled differently.
“If policing is done properly, In the sense of looking at who’s actually participating in the overall space or actually coming in and surveying the area on foot, rather than staying in a car and yelling get out the park, then maybe I can understand,” Keviyan suggested.