It just so happens to be illegal to skateboard on Ball State University campus. It also just so happens that Ball State University campus is a great place to skateboard.
Skateboarding in all its forms is banned, with the penalty of a $30 fine and confiscation of the board. This is somewhat understandable because trick skateboarding (and biking) on concrete surface, i.e. ledges, walls, stairs, can cause quite a bit of damage. Damage that costs money and takes time to repair. Damage that, if isn’t repaired, makes it look like we don’t have respect for our school or ourselves. And yet, people still do it.
Skateboarding as transportation, that is to say long boarding, is not damaging. But is still banned.
So as far as I can tell, both sides are suffering from a lack of understanding. Skateboarders doing tricks, waxing and grinding, need to understanding the damage they are causing to the university, property we all own, and how it makes us look. City officials, and university police, should understand that specific boards are used only for transportation, and can’t even be used to do damage.
Be awesome to and respect each other… and yourself please.
-Tim
