Central Coast skate park covered with wood chips during coronavirus closure

Wood chips covering a Santa Maria skate park have irked some residents in Santa Maria.

On Tuesday, word began spreading on social media about the status of the skateboarding facility at Fletcher Park.

Holes in fencing suggest skateboarders have avoided locked gates to create their own entry during the coronavirus pandemic, a public health emergency.

One rider exited his car Tuesday afternoon only to see the wood chips, saying it killed his plans to ride.

“I wonder why golf courses can be open,” he said.

Undeterred, the man entered the park to brush away debris from a ramp so he could take a few rides, but left after a short time.

The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department spread the wood chips to prevent unauthorized use of the skate park after dealing with vandalism at the site, according to Director Alex Posada.

The skate park’s new status drew strong objections on social media.

Santa Maria is not the first city to take unique action in an attempt to stop skateboarders from congregating.

The Venice Beach skate park was covered in sand due to the COVID-19 public emergency. However, the site became a hot spot for dirt bike riders.