The city placed sand bags throughout its new skate park, which
is still under construction and not yet open to the public, this
afternoon to deter unauthorized use after a teenager suffered a
head injury while trespassing at the new facility.
Morgan Hill
The city placed sand bags throughout its new skate park, which is still under construction and not yet open to the public, this afternoon to deter unauthorized use after a teenager suffered a head injury while trespassing at the new facility.
Police said Matthew Dokter, 18 of Morgan Hill, was knocked unconscious when he fell while skating at the park, which is not scheduled to be open for at least two more weeks.
About 7 p.m. Wednesday, dispatch received a medical call reporting that Dokter hit the back of his head on the concrete, causing head trauma that resulted in bleeding from his left ear.
Morgan Hill Police Cmdr. Joe Sampson said three other teens — two juveniles and one adult — who were skating with Dokter were cited for trespassing at the park which is located next to the Centennial Recreation Center, 171 West Edmundson Ave. They were released at the scene.
He said the skaters pulled open the temporary chain link construction fence surrounding the new park, a city-funded project, and crawled inside. At least 10 signs warning against trespassing at the park were posted on the fence, Sampson said.
Dokter was transported by ambulance to San Jose Regional Medical Center. His current condition is unknown, but Sampson characterized his injury as “head trauma.”
In response to the incident, the city’s public works department authorized the skate park contractor, R.A. Bothman, to place sand on the concrete throughout the park to make it unsuitable for skating, according to assistant city manager Brian Stott.
The sand was in place this afternoon.
City staff said until the park opens, it is a private site that the public is not yet authorized to use. It will become public city property when it is open.
When asked about potential liability concerns for the city in such an incident, Sampson said, “If you’re trespassing and you get hurt, that puts the burden on the person that’s trespassing.”
While planning the skate park, city staff considered ways to limit its liability for injuries. They determined that putting up a permanent fence, requiring the use of safety gear such as helmets, and posting signs warning of the risk associated with the park’s use would be adequate, as opposed to staffing the facility, city parks and community services director Steve Rymer said.
“We want people to understand there’s a hazard to the sport,” Rymer said. “And it’s our responsibility to provide information to people so they realize they’re at risk. We never want anyone getting hurt.”
Sampson said Dokter was not wearing a helmet when he was injured.
The city authorized costs for the sand deterrent not to exceed $3,000, according to deputy public works director Mori Struve, but he said it will likely cost less than that.
As another corrective measure, police will do patrol checks at the park to prevent trespassing, Sampson said.
Stott added, “We hope (Dokter) is okay.”
