CLEARLAKE – The official grand reopening of Clearlake's newly renovated skate park will be celebrated this Saturday, and city officials hope to use the occasion to educate the young people who use the park about safety rules and requirements.

The Andy Johnson Memorial BMX/Skatepark will be celebrated from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, organizers reported at the Thursday Clearlake City Council meeting.

At about 11:15 a.m. Saturday an official dedication will be held, said Ken Savin, a member of the city's skate park committee. There will be a barbecue lunch (with donations requested), live music beginning at 2 p.m. and a raffle.

Michele Bush, another skate park committee member, said the event will feature a BMX pro who will speak to youngsters about the importance of safety equipment – such as helmets and pads.

In recent weeks City Council members have voiced concerns about compliance with skate park rules, including wearing safety equipment and honoring the rule of BMX riders and skateboarders using the park on alternate days.

Those rules will be discussed at the Saturday event, organizers said.

Failure to follow the rules will result in temporary park closures, according to an ordinance the City Council adopted Thursday.

Clearlake Police Chief Allan McClain said a limited number of free helmets will be available to park users who need them at the grand reopening.

Supervisor Jeff Smith also kicked off an effort at Thursday's meeting to raise funds to purchase helmets for those skateboarders and BMX riders who are unable to afford them.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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