Ride on

MILTON — Bikers can use the Steve Morgan Skate Park at the Guy Thompson Community Center at 5629 Byrom St. in Milton for the time being thanks to city council. The council had been in discussion about whether to allow BMX bikers access to the skate park at previous council meetings. Up until this July 19 vote only skate boarders have had access to the skate park.

In a 7 to 1 vote, council has allowed bikers a set time to use the park on a trial basis.

Councilman Alan Lowery said a trial basis allows rules to be adjusted as needed.

Councilman Jeff Snow thanked the council for researching the matter and making this decision.

“This is a great thing for Milton,” Snow said. 

Milton City Police Chief Tony Tindell said that there would be an officer on patrol around the park during specific hours to make sure bikers are abiding by the designated times. He said that while there are cameras installed at the park, vandalism perpetrated by skateboarders, he said, has rendered them inoperable. The MPD is searching for whoever is responsible, he said. Tindell asked for everyone to be respectful of the park and the rules.

“If you see anything happening at the park, please contact us,” he said.

The council said that if the vandalism continues it may be necessary to close the park until the perpetrators are caught.

More details about the times and rules for the BMX use of the skate park will come soon, according to city officials. The next city council meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 6. The meetings are open to the public.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Ride on