San Rafael, CA – Following a successful pilot program, Marin County Parks is officially opening the McInnis Skatepark in San Rafael to nonmotorized scooters during all hours of operation beginning March 15. The expansion of hours comes in response to growing use of nonmotorized scooters over the past several years, mostly by younger children, and teamwork from an alliance of skatepark users.
“Since our pilot program started three years ago, our rangers typically were asking 30 to 50 scooter riders to stop using the skatepark at 1 p.m., often leaving only a handful of skateboarders,” said Parks Superintendent Max Korten. “There was growing interest in allowing scooter riders more access to the facility, so we developed a new program.”
Nonmotorized scooters were first welcomed at the skatepark in 2012. Since October 2014, Parks officials have held meetings about an official policy change following public requests for more access for nonmotorized scooter users. With public involvement from skateboarders, inline skaters and nonmotorized scooter riders, Parks staff created a skatepark ambassador program, developed etiquette guidelines, posted new signage and designated one area of the skatepark for beginners.
Following unanimous approval by the Marin County Board of Supervisors, nonmotorized scooters officially were permitted to use the skatepark from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily plus all hours on Wednesdays beginning in August 2014. The first meeting of the ambassador program took place in January 2015.
“It was a great success,” Korten said of the first meeting. “We went into it with the goal of resolving user conflicts, creating an open dialog and seeking solutions that would work for everybody. I was especially impressed by the thoughtful, constructive ideas offered by the young people participating in the meetings.”
The skatepark, part of the 450-acre regional McInnis Park, is open for use by skateboarders, inline skaters and nonmotorized scooter riders (no bicyclists). The park is at 310 Smith Ranch Road in San Rafael.
Next meeting of McInnis Skatepark ambassador program will take place Sunday, March 29, at the skatepark from 10 a.m. to noon. Call 415-446-4423 or email
mkorten@marincounty.org if you or your child is interested in becoming an ambassador.