Law Would Allow Skateboarding Bans

A new law that would allow bans on skateboarding on public and private land in the city has won tentative approval from the City Council.

The ordinance, expected to be approved Tuesday, regulates the use of skateboards, roller-skates and similar recreational items.

Private-property owners as well as the city could ban such activity in parking lots or certain public areas.

Violators would face fines of $75 for the first offense, $100 for the second and $150 for the third.

The Police Department has received a growing number of calls and complaints from the public, school district and business owners about property damage and concerns about liability, officials said.

Several students from El Dorado High School attending the council meeting said there was a shortage of places in the city to skateboard and suggested that a skateboard park be built.