Last week members of Palmerton Borough Council indicated they are upset about damages being done in the borough park by skateboarders. They have good reason to be.

Some council members said they would consider some type of skateboarding ordinance. That ordinance likely would prohibit skateboarding in the park.Palmerton's park is beautiful. It has a gazebo, a great playground, is well-maintained, and is utilized well for concerts, people choosing to eat their lunch in an outdoor setting, and for recreational purposes.Our other communities have gorgeous parks and the respective borough leaders are equally proud of them. It's unfortunate that any vandalism occurs - graffiti is a prime example - let alone having things ruined, presumably unintentionally, by skateboarders.Palmerton should adopt a skateboard ordinance banning them from the borough park. In fact, any borough that doesn't have a specific location for skateboarding should make sure they aren't being used on the park paths where they can injure others. The skateboarders can be dangerous, especially to young children playing in the park or to senior citizens out for a walk.Skateboarding is a popular activity among our youth. Lansford borough created a park area specifically for skateboarding, and it is used heavily. One great positive is that it keeps the skateboards out of the regular parks.Meanwhile, Palmerton and other councils should give serious consideration to that skateboarding ordinance. It would make the parks safer.But then the councils should also look at giving the skateboarders another option to enjoy their activitiy.By Ron Gowerrgower@tnonline.com