Fox Lake to crack down on skateboarders

Fox Lake plans to crack down on skateboarding in Lakeland Plaza and designated areas near downtown.

Skateboarding on private property without the owner's consent will also be outlawed under an ordinance the village is considering that would include penalties ranging from $10 and $20 fines to community service for violators. Fines would escalate for repeat offenders.

Although "No Skateboarding" signs are posted in the plaza, the village currently lacks any ordinance directly addressing skateboarding.

"We have shooed skateboarders out of Lakeland Plaza 173 times since Jan. 1, 2009," said Police Chief Mike Behan. "This ordinance will give us the teeth to actually do something and write tickets."

Village Administrator Nancy Schuerr cited property damage and public safety issues as reasons for the new ordinance.

"Skateboards chip cement on curbs and steps, and damage buildings, railings and walls," Schuerr said. "Brochures can be passed out to kids so they know where they are and are not allowed to skate."

Village officials acknowledged the importance of a public awareness campaign to ensure skateboarders and their families are aware of the penalties and the location of prohibited areas.

Skateboarders are encouraged to visit the Adeline Geo-Karis Skate Park behind the village fire station near the Fox Lake Metra station.

Village Trustee Nancy Koske defended the proposed ordinance because of the skate park's proximity to what will become skate-free zones.

Since the majority of would-be offenders are youths, the village wants to make sure it isn't issuing meaningless tickets. Fox Lake wants to protect its property, she said.

"The money from the fines would probably be coming from the parents, so why not try community service?" asked Trustee Jon Mumford. "It might mean a lot more to the kids if they have to spend a Saturday scrubbing off black marks or repairing damages."

The ordinance will be ready for a vote at the June 11 meeting.