Penticton

A skateboard event planned for the Penticton Youth Park July 12 has raised some concern at City Hall.

Plan B, a professional skateboard group, will be performing at the park July 12 to promote the sport and lifestyle.

However, the group’s decision not to wear helmets during the event has some city officials concerned about the message they will send to impressionable young skaters.

Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture, John Kirbyson, says the City’s request that Plan B officially “book” the park - a process which requires completing paperwork for insurance and an agreement stating all riders will wear helmets - has been refused.

“We have asked for their cooperation in promoting the message that helmets save lives and help ensure that a brain injury doesn’t interfere with the bright future our young people have. While experienced riders may have a reduced chance of injury, the youth who copy them are at risk without the proper safety gear,” says Kirbyson.

He says he is disappointed in the groups’ decision.

“We had hoped that as professional athletes they would recognize the value of helmets and the potential they have to carry a strong message. We have done some great work with our ambassador program promoting helmet use and I’m worried that they may undo some of the message,” says Kirbyson.

He says the City can’t prevent the group from using the park as the bylaw making helmet use mandatory doesn’t come into effect until next year.

Kirbyson says the group’s refusal to officially book the park will have an impact on the quality of the event.

“If they made it an official event through the city, we’d be able to help out with things such as washroom access, concessions, stands for the spectators and electrical connections for music,” says Kirbyson.

He says the City would still be willing to support the event, if the group promised to wear helmets.

Freeride the Board Shop in Penticton is sponsoring the event. Shop owner, Robert Burnett, says this is a very exciting event for such a small city.

“This group is only making two stops in Canada and we are one of them. Some of the best skateboarders in North America will be showing off their tricks,” says Burnett.

He says many of the riders have an ‘old school’ attitude towards helmets.

“These are guys who have been riding for 15, 20 years without ever wearing a helmet. They aren’t used to them,” says Burnett.

He says the riders also avoid wearing helmets for another reason: money.

“These riders travel with a photographer and filmer. If they are photographed and published wearing, say, a certain sponsor’s hat, they receive a ‘photo incentive,’” says Burnett.

He says once the helmet bylaw is passed, he will fully support it.

“Once it’s law, then every participant in any event like this which we sponsor will have to wear a helmet, but until then, anyone can go ride in the park without a helmet,” says Burnett.

No one from Plan B could be reached for comment.