Click here to skip to main content.
scenic picture from Washington state
Subjects › Planning › Skateboard and Skatepark Information
Updated 03/2010

Skateboard Regulations and Skatepark Information

Contents

Introduction

This page contains information on skateboarding and skateparks in Washington State. Many jurisdictions regulate the use of skateboards on city streets, sidewalks, and other public property. Some communities have enacted ordinances prohibiting skateboards in downtown and other heavily traveled areas. Other common provisions of skateboard ordinances include prohibition of negligent operation, parental responsibility stipulations, and requirements to obey traffic regulations. The development of public skateparks became common in the the 1990s, with communities providing locations for skateboarding at the same time that restrictions were placed on the use of skateboards on public streets, sidewalks, and other areas. 

RCW 4.24.210 includes "skateboarding or other nonmotorized wheel-based activities, hanggliding, paragliding" as part of covered activities. Cities will not be held responsible for injuries sustained by skateboarders or inline skaters at skateboard parks operated by the city as long as: (1) a fee is not charged for use of the skateboard park; and (2) conspicuous signs are posted to warn of any known dangerous, artificial, latent conditions.

Reference Sources

  • Washington Laws, 1997 Chapter 26 [Substitute Senate Bill 5254]: An Act limiting liability of landowners for injuries to recreational users [RCW 4.24.210].  

Documents

Provisions Regulating Skateboards

Articles on Skateparks

Links to Skatepark Information