We ended up with an informal policy and set time limits where different users could use the park at different times. The time limitations didn't work because the regulations could not be enforced, said Schenk. The problem with sharing the park with bikers, say skateboarders, is that bicycles ruin the skate park. Bikes are made of hardened steel and when they crash they smash the cement. Pegs on front and rear tires and handlebars gouge the smooth sections and scrape large pieces out of the metal coping lining the park.
Bikes are also larger and heavier and pose significantly larger risks when collisions occur.
Plus, bike tires collect gravel and disperse it in the park making smooth travel difficult. The Sun Valley Skate Park in Washoe County is one area hit particularly hard by bike use and and user conflict. Superintendent for Washoe County Parks and Recreation Doug Mullens said that signs posting usage and safety requirements have been repeatedly torn down. We had a meeting. Wagener said that he doesn't want to blame the bikers for skate park deterioration.