The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Skate park opens to provide activities for teens, youth
In an effort to reinstate activities for youngsters for the summer during this novel coronavirus pandemic, the city of Vermilion has opened up its skate park from dawn to dusk every day at 5355 Devon Drive.
The park is equipped with signs urging park users to maintain a social distance of six feet and to wash their hands before and after using the park.
“The seating areas are disinfected daily,” one of the signs read. “However, due to COVID-19, it is advised that you use this facility at your own risk.”
Mayor Jim Forthofer said he spoke to the Erie County Health Department before deciding to reopen the skate park about two weeks ago.
With it ultimately up to him, Forthofer said that while playgrounds are not yet open, skate parks have less chance of surface-to-skin contact.
“Does it equate to playground equipment or not?” he asked. “I don’t know. It’s a little different. There’s no hands on the equipment.”
Forthofer said the decision also was made from observation that Vermilion’s children already have been hopping the park’s fence to skate while it was closed.
With the community pool closed for the season, the park is needed to provide an opportunity for some summer activities, he said.
“The kids need something to do,” Forthofer said.
Since the park opened up, the attendance has remained strong, but doesn’t come without its risks, he said.
“We have to accept that we can’t control everything,” Forthofer said.
“The kids need something to do. We have to accept that we can’t control everything. We’re asking them (park goers) to do the right thing.” — Mayor Jim Forthofer
“We’re asking them (park goers) to do the right thing.”