City compromises with skateboarders

Downtown ban now law, but interim skate park to open.

A new law bans skate- boarding in downtown Alpharetta, but city officials have a new understanding of the sport’s popularity. The city will open a temporary skate park at Union Hill Park.

The city will put up sig- nage for a skateboard restriction zone that includes parts of Haynes Bridge Road and Canton and Roswell streets and Marietta and Church streets. The new ordinance prohibits skate- boards and longboards on those streets, sidewalks, parking decks and surface parking lots. That sporting equipment cannot be used on rails, ramps or steps. The Alpharetta City Council approved the ordinance during a June 15 meeting. Violators could be fined up to $500 and be required to perform up to 20 hours of community service. Parents or legal guardians of minors who violate the ordinance would receive citations and be subject to the penalties.

The law has an exception and allows skateboarders ages 12 and under in the area that bans older skaters, but they must be with an adult.

Skateboarders spoke out at City Council meetings in the last several weeks and asked the city to reconsider enacting the law. Longtime skateboarder D.J. Snyder, 27, started a petition that has garnered nearly 900 signatures to build a skate park at Wills Park. City officials heard the outcry. Alpharetta plans to open a temporary skate park at Union Hill Park in July.

Assistant City Administrator James Drinkard said fiscal year 2022 would be the earliest possible time the city would open a permanent skate park, due to the coronavirus pandemic’s financial impact on the city budget.