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Thursday, 20 September 2007 |
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Page 6 of 21
Bad Behavior
Some park administrators feel that the new skatepark, “their” new skatepark, has not met its promise in terms of the type of people using it. Rather than nice, middle-class boys and girls recreating enthusiastically, all they see are surly teens smoking and cursing. This situation can sometimes be the result of, or at least partly due to, preconceptions.
Discourteous individuals are often reacting to what they perceive as an initial dismissive or uncivil encounter. Park administrators and homeowners near the skatepark can be perceived by younger skaters as authoritarian figures who should be challenged, especially when their friends are present. Those who work professionally with teens understand this behavior, but unsuspecting park managers or neighbors may be unprepared for the treatment. The offending skaters may feel justified in dishing out the verbal abuse, as the skatepark has undoubtedly become their place. The conflict stems largely from clashing philosophies—the skaters believe that the intruders want to exert their norms upon the behavioral rhythm of the skatepark when they may simply want the radio turned down.
The number of incidents can fan the flames of frustration. As tempers rise and those vested in the skatepark’s health become impatient, resentment can build between the skaters and the non-skating individuals.
Policy is the first step in rectifying a particular behavior. One cannot enforce a rule that doesn’t exist. It’s valuable to have any new policy defined with skater input. Otherwise the new rule will seem to magically appear one day and be treated with the same disregard as the initial complainer. Seek a solution with the skateboarders so that there is a clear understanding what is permissible and what is not. It will be valuable to define exactly what will happen if a particular number of the infractions continue. When an agreement is reached, modify signs or post flyers in the park indicating what the new policy is and when it will take effect.
Regular and frequent inspections are vital after instituting the new policy. If the infractions occur more than the number of warnings permitted, take action to demon-strate the decisiveness of the agreement. If neither side is willing to abide by the agreement, there is little sense in making one.
As many people know who work closely with youth, negative behavior can often be successfully addressed in non-authoritative ways. A polite exchange with one or more of the skaters, especially those that present any leadership or role-model qualities, can produce results more immediately and lasting than through confronta-tional approaches.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 10 February 2008 )
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