Security guards at La Habra’s public skatepark are slated to disappear July 1 as Orange County’s most northern municipality heads into a rocky budget.
Because expenditures outpaced tax revenues, La Habra City Council members had to make some cuts to the new 2024-2025 budget – including programs like CPR classes, a reduction in movies shown at the park during summer and a reduction in splash pad staffing.
“The proposed $182.8 million overall municipal budget, which includes a $62 million proposed General Fund budget, is balanced; however, the proposed General Fund budget includes a number of budget and service cuts that are being recommended in order to keep expenditures within available projected revenues,” reads the budget’s executive summary.
City staff recommended La Habra City Council members make $6.3 million in cuts – slightly more than 10% of the general fund.
Last year, city officials moved to keep the security guard for $80,000 at the skatepark to enforce helmet laws and help shield the city against legal liabilities.
The on-site security was originally hired in 2020 to enforce social distancing at the skatepark.
Since then, the city has noted a decrease in graffiti, drug use and fights – freeing up police officers for other areas of La Habra.
“The La Habra Police Department reports that there has been an approximate 25% reduction in calls for service to the skatepark,” according to a staff report.
Mayor Daren Nigsarian said officials might close the park if there’s an increase of vandalism and drug use reports.
“We’re saving $80,000 by not having a security guard there but if we have nothing but incidents and problems there the park may not exist,” Nigsarian said.
At a February city council meeting, Zach Price – owner of the local skate shop, Skate 88 – said La Habra was the only city actively regulating the use of safety gear.
According to a staff report, cities like La Habra, skateparks in Brea, Anaheim, Buena Park and Tustin have cameras but little to none supervision at the skateparks.
Price, who has raised the issue at several city council meetings, said the enforcement impedes the “freedom and spirit of skating culture,” but that other unspecified safety measures should still be taken at a city council meeting on Feb. 20.
“We are the ones being more strict, but for all the good reasons,” said Councilwoman Rose Espinoza at a city council meeting on June 17.
Last year, city officials cited legal liability issues when they reauthorized security at the skatepark.
[Read: La Habra Keeps Security Guard at Skatepark to Enforce Helmet Rules]
Signs posted at the park reads “skate at your own risk” statement, which is how other OC skateparks get out of having patrolling security, according to a staff report that gathered data from nearby skateparks.
La Habra council members also overhauled some rules, including unanimously voting to end the non-electric scooter ban in the skatepark.
Food and drinks will also be permitted in the park starting July 1.
Councilman James Gomez said when the park was opened it was dedicated to the children who were told to take care of it.
“They have to police eachother and hold each other accountable,” Gomez said.
Mayor Nigsarian echoed similar sentiments.
“Respect the park, respect each other and do the right thing.”
Gigi Gradillas is a Voice of OC intern. You can reach her at Gigi.Gradillas@gmail.com. Follow her on X @gigigradillas.
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