We got the following statement from Etnies today regarding the city of Lake Forest’s recent decision to ban BMX from their public skatepark:
“etnies found out that the City of Lake Forest banned BMX at the skatepark yesterday. The etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest is managed and run by the City of Lake Forest, not by etnies or etnies personnel. This decision was made by the City of Lake Forest, completely outside of the control and without the consent of etnies, and we are following up with the City of Lake Forest to see if this decision could be overturned.
The etnies brand is not in favor of this decision and etnies continues to support BMX by sponsoring team riders, putting on pro team tours, supporting rider training facility’s like The Bakery, and building BMX specific product. etnies has supported BMX since 1995, and the brand was one of the first shoe companies in the action sports community to embrace BMX by providing footwear to meet their specific needs.” -Etnies
Mike "Hucker" Clark riding in a pro BMX contest at the Etnies skatepark in November, 2009. Photo by Fat.
Here is an article from a local Lake Forest news site that talks more about this and interviews a local BMX shop owner in Lake Forest.
Below is the official press release from the city of Lake Forest that was posted on the park’s Web site…
Press Release:
City of Lake Forest Prohibits BMX Bikes at Etnies Skatepark to Address Concerns Over Liability
The City of Lake Forest has prohibited BMX bike use at the Etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest as of Thursday, July 7, 2011.
Opened in December 2003, the Etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest was designed and constructed for skateboarding activity only. Although BMX bikes have been allowed at the Etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest since 2004, recent concerns over liability, insurability, and governmental immunity have prompted the City to prohibit BMX bikes for the foreseeable future. When these concerns may be resolved is unknown at this time.
Etnies Skatepark of Lake Forest is the result of a public-private partnership between the City of Lake Forest and etnies, a manufacturer of skateboard shoes and clothing, headquartered in Lake Forest. Lake Forest is proud to offer this amenity to local residents and the broader Orange County community, and is currently funding a 13,000 square foot expansion of the 40,000 square foot facility, which will make the existing park one of the largest in the world. The expansion design came together with input from more than 200 community members who attended public workshops, and is designed for skaters of all ages and skill levels. Expansion highlights include building a mini-bowl, erecting a street run, and constructing a cradle. The City is planning a grand opening event on Saturday, August 20, to celebrate the expansion.
The City of Lake Forest, California, is a suburban community of 78,000 located in south Orange County.
