Skaters at the Len Moore Skate Park in Chula Vista can now do a kick flip at no cost.
The move to eliminate the $25 annual membership cost and a $2 to $5 charge came July 1 in a decision to attract more guests to the skate park.
“We have seen our numbers decline over the years, so this is kind of our effort to make sure the community is getting the most use out of the park, which is what it is here for,” said Sara Provence, unit director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of South County.
In order to skate for free, the only requirements are that riders must bring a signed waiver and a helmet.
The waiver outlines the rules and regulations of the park and needs to be signed by a parent or guardian if a rider is 18 and under. Skaters over the age of 18 can sign the waiver themselves.
Provence said getting skaters to wear a helmet has been tough but the club remains committed to the safety of its guests.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of South County operates the park at 1301 Oleander Ave. in combination with the city of Chula Vista.
Since the park has not charged riders, there has been an immediate impact.
“That same week we already saw our numbers increase,” Provence said.
Provence said attendance has nearly doubled since the policy went into effect. She said on any given day there about 40 people who use the park, as opposed to the less than 20 that normally get in paying a fee.
Provence said there are also plans in the coming months to improve the skate shop, where riders can buy or rent skate accessories. The club also plans on bringing in concessions as a source of revenue.
The park is closed Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. and open on the weekends from noon to 6 p.m.
The Len Moore skate park is designed for both street and competitive skaters.
