The parks board in Mishawaka is considering banning skateboards at the city’s parks in an effort to reduce damage to the parks, but area skaters say the move will just force them into the city’s streets.

A public meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, in the community room at the Battell Community Center, 904 N. Main St., Mishawaka. On the table is a proposal to ban skateboards, longboards and inline rollerskates at Battell Park, Beutter Park, Central Park, Crawford Park, Kamm Island, Kate’s Garden, Lincoln Park and Merrifield Park in Mishawaka.

The ban wouldn’t apply to the Riverwalk and bicycles, including BMX bikes, would still be allowed. Because it would be a park rule rather than a city ordinance, violations wouldn’t result in fines.

After the meeting on Tuesday, the parks board will make a decision at a future meeting.

If the parks do impose a ban, skaters told the South Bend Tribune that they would be forced to do tricks in the street, risking their own lives.

Instead of a ban, 19-year-old Aaron Waid told the South Bend Tribune that Mishawaka should have a skatepark so that people using skateboards and BMX bicycles can do tricks in a safe area away specifically designated for them.

Read more about a potential skatepark in Mishawaka in the full story from the South Bend Tribune.