In the past,

the park has only been available to skateboarders and in-line rollerbladers.

Concerns for the safety of participants and possible damage to the equipment

had kept the Recreation Department from allowing BMX bikes in the past.

"We had some concerns. Primarily, for the safety of the participants.

However, our research indicates that use of BMX bikes on this equipment

is no more dangerous than use with skateboards or rollerblades" said

Jim O'Connell, athletic coordinator for the Peachtree City Parks and Recreation

Department.

"Secondly,

we were concerned about the possible damage to the equipment. Once again,

our research indicates that bikes do not cause more damage than skateboards

or rollerblades. In the end, we decided that there is a group that want

this type of use for the skatepark, and we hope to accommodate them."

The plan is

to set aside two days a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, for the BMX bikers.

They will be given priority on those days, though skateboarders and rollerbladers

will still be allowed to use the park on those days if space allows. "One

of the problems in doing this is that, since this is a relatively small

park, there is a danger of the bikers and skateboarders/rollerbladers

interfering with each other. We hope that this plan will avoid that problem."

O'Connell said. "After a month or so, we'll look at the numbers and

see if we need to make any changes."

The park has

a monitor on duty during all hours that the park is open who is there

to enforce the park rules.

There is already

a BMX bike track at Shakerag Knoll near the skatepark. However, the "trick

riding" that some BMX bikers like to do is different than the "track

riding" that is done at the track.

"When

we were originally asked about allowing the BMX bikes at the skatepark,

our first response was 'that's what the track is for.' But we have had

a number of requests for this, and we are now seeing that the two activities

are completely different," said O'Connell.

Those who wish

to use the skatepark, whether on a skateboard, rollerblades or bike, need

to obtain a park pass from the recreation department. Participants must

be Fayette County residents, and there is a one-time fee of $5 for the

pass. County residents can also obtain a one-week pass for out-of-county

visitors for $3. For more information, contact the Peachtree City Parks

and Recreation Department at (770) 631-2542.

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