Angry locals slam ‘crazy’ decision to fill skate parks in Sandringham, Beaumaris, Highett and Elsternwick
Angry locals say an extreme step to help stop the spread of coronavirus could end up putting teens at risk in Beaumaris, Sandringham, Elsternwick and Highett. Here’s why.
Inner South
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Parents fear a “crazy” move to stop rebel skaters in Bayside parks will force teens onto the streets.
On Monday Bayside Council started filling skate parks with gravel in a drastic bid to stop
groups of skaters flouting coronavirus restrictions.
The move followed a request from Bayside police to act immediately to prevent people breaching social distancing rules at closed skate parks in Beaumaris, Sandringham, Elsternwick and Highett.
Residents slammed the decision on social media saying it was “crazy” and “ridiculous’’ and could lead to teens taking their boards to the streets.
“Will this not create other problems with the kids simply finding somewhere else to skate that may not be as safe,” Craig Marshall posted.
Ilonka Roode said the skaters were “not the ones transmitting the virus”.
“These are all kids home schooling, staying home wanting some social interaction with a friend,” she posted.
Others criticised the council for its actions when less extreme measures had worked during the first lockdown.
“Surprised council hasn’t taped (skate parks) off. This worked well in lockdown 1,” Malcolm Baird posted.
“I reckon the kids think they can use these areas because they aren’t fenced/taped off.”
Sergeant Lance Crawshaw said Bayside Police had been flooded with reports about large number of young people meeting up at skate parks.
“To my knowledge no one has been charged or fined in Bayside in regards to breaching restrictions at local skate parks, but we do get lots of complaints from the public about it,” Sgt Crawshaw said.
“Officers from our special COVID response units go out but the kids run off as soon as they see them.”
Bayside Council planned to fill skate parks at Donald MacDonald Reserve in Beaumaris, Peterson Reserve in Highett Road, Elsternwick Park and Royal Ave Reserve in Sandringham.
“While we acknowledge the importance of physical exercise during the COVID-19 lock down, our first priority is the health and safety of our community,” Mayor Clarke Martin said.
The council’s youth services team was developing alternative skate programs that could be done at home, he said.
Victorian Skateboarding Association president Bernie Griffiths said the group supported the State Government’s decision to close skate parks.
“If Bayside Council choose to reinforce that message by filling skate parks with gravel that’s a council decision.
“Skate boarding will always happen outside of parks; we urge all skate boarders to wear masks, follow social distancing guidelines and be mindful that they are sharing the space with other pedestrians.
“We ask they are respectful of other users, especially the elderly.”
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