City Of Palm Bay Announces Graffiti Skate Zone Temporarily Closed
By Space Coast Daily // September 29, 2016
park owner unable to renew liability insurance
ABOVE VIDEO: Interviews with those that helped run Graffiti Skate Zone, including owner Dan Hatcher
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA –The City of Palm Bay announced on Wednesday that Graffiti Skate Zone, located adjacent to the Tony Rosa Community Center in Palm Bay, has been closed temporarily.
Graffiti Skate Zone businesses owner, Dan Hatcher, informed directors on Wednesday that he was unable to renew his liability insurance.
“It is unfortunate that we have had to close down,” said Parks and Recreation Director Fred Poppe. “We see great value in what Dan does for the park and for our community, however, safety and liability are important factors in running the skate park as a business.
We will keep working with Mr. Hatcher to find a solution, but for the time being we will have to close the park.”
The relationship between the city and Graffiti Skate Zone goes back over a decade and has been a partnership that has provided a space for recreation to residents and also allowed for significant cost savings to the city.
In exchange for running the park and keeping up with insurance requirements, Palm Bay allows Hatcher to lease the space for a minimal annual fee and provides personnel assistance in running the park and recently donated materials to assist with improvements.
“We are in communication with Hatcher regarding the park’s insurance,” explained City Manager Gregg Lynk.
“I hope we can reopen the park soon but we may have to consider other options if Mr. Hatcher is unable to meet the legal requirements for operating the park.”
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