Parent or legal guardian may be fined $25 for first offense and a maximum of $100 for a subsequent offense
By John Tredrea
Hopewell Township is strictly enforcing its posted regulation that all users of the Hopewell Skate Park wear helmets.
The park, which opened in April 2005, is located between the township municipal services and public works buildings, off Pennington-Washington Crossing Road. The popular facility has ramps for skateboarders and inline skaters. A sign at the entrance states that users of the park must wear helmets for safety. However, some users have failed to comply with this rule. No serious injuries have been reported from the park.
Township Administrator and Engineer Paul Pogorzelski said at Monday night’s Township Committee meeting that the rule requiring helmets is being strictly enforced.
The park is easily seen from windows of the municipal services building. If a user of the park is seen without a helmet, a township employee goes out and informs the user that a helmet is required. If that is not sufficient, a police officer goes out and, as Mr. Pogorzelski put it, informs the skater "of the importance of using a helmet."
The parent or legal guardian may be fined $25 for first offense and a maximum of $100 for a subsequent offense, according to township police Lt. Lance Maloney.
"We have not issued any summonses at the park, only warnings thus far," said police Chief George Meyer Tuesday.

