County ban nothing new to Ball State

Ordinance passed that prohibits skateboarding on county property

The ordinance implemented earlier this month banning skateboards on county property has not affected Ball State's policy regarding the wheeled boards.

Associate director of public safety Robert Fey said the university is continuing to enforce the policy as it always has.

"The problem (regarding skateboarding) we have had here at Ball State is mostly from the youth in the community," Fey said.

In the fall, individuals caught skateboarding on campus can be cited with a $25 fine, which increases to $35 if not paid within 10 days. Both fines have increased since last year.

Patty Lackey, with the county commissioner's office, said the cost for those caught skateboarding on county property would "be up to the judge."

The confiscation of skateboards on campus is not frequent, totaling maybe two to three a year, Fey said.

Director of facilities management Thomas Smith said skateboards damage limestone capstones, entrances to buildings, handrails and benches.

Smith estimated the damage from skateboarders to be more than $100,000, up $40,000 from five or six years ago.

"It's primarily the under carriages of the skateboards that are doing the damage," Smith said.

Although Tuhey Park has a designated area for skateboarders, Smith said he does not think it will make a difference in how many people use skateboards on campus.

"I don't put too much faith in the new park," Smith said.

Fey said the park is helping to keep skateboarders off campus, because now they have a reserved area to ride.

"I think the skate park at Tuhey has had a very positive impact on the campus," Fey said.

Medical director Kent Bullis said the health center treated two injuries last year; however, some injuries go unreported.

Lawrence Cistrelli, director of risk management and insured benefit programs, said many skaters do not report injures because they fear receiving a citation.

"We're going to continue to cite and discourage (skateboarding)," Cistrelli said. "We don't want people to engage in any dangerous risks that put them in risk of hurting themselves and any other innocent passersby."

Cistrelli said people who wanted to sue the university for a skateboarding accident might have a difficult time, because the act is prohibited in the county and on campus.

"Skateboarding assumes full risks," Cistrelli said.


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