FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE #2011-04

Subject :

City of Lake Forest Prohibits BMX Bikes at Etnies Skatepark to Address Concerns Over Liability

Contact :

Debra Rose, Deputy City Manager/Director of Management Services    
949-461-3414
drose@lakeforestca.gov

The City of Lake Forest has prohibited BMX bike use at the Etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest as of Thursday, July 7, 2011.

Opened in December 2003, the Etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest was designed and constructed for skateboarding activity only. Although BMX bikes have been allowed at the Etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest since 2004, recent concerns over liability, insurability, and governmental immunity have prompted the City to prohibit BMX bikes for the foreseeable future. When these concerns may be resolved is unknown at this time.   

Etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest is the result of a public-private partnership between the City of Lake Forest and etnies, a manufacturer of skateboard shoes and clothing, headquartered in Lake Forest. Lake Forest is proud to offer this amenity to local residents and the broader Orange County community, and is currently funding a 13,000 square foot expansion of the 40,000 square foot facility, which will make the existing park one of the largest in the world. The expansion design came together with input from more than 200 community members who attended public workshops, and is designed for skaters of all ages and skill levels. Expansion highlights include building a mini-bowl, erecting a street run, and constructing a cradle. The City is planning a grand opening event on Saturday, August 20, to celebrate the expansion.  

The City of Lake Forest, California, is a suburban community of 78,000 located in south Orange County.