Aw. Little skater kids, so young and innocent, just looking for that next great ollie.

How bad can they be? Very bad, says one Southern California city. So bad that such alleged skater behavior as threatening people, throwing water balloons into traffic and even drug use have prompted authorities to temporarily shut down a skate park just as summer is starting to peak:

Eek.

The city of Santa Barbara says no skate park for you, at least at Skater's Point on Cabrillo Boulevard, at least through the July 4.


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That's because, according to a statement from the city, skaters have been out-of-control:

Most recently, on Sunday June 30, 2013 the skate park was closed for one hour by the Park Rangers assisted by Police following observations of illegal drug use, skaters lobbing water balloons into traffic on Cabrillo Boulevard and into Arts and Crafts Show art exhibits, failure to cease behaviors and leave the facility when directed by City staff, and verbal and physical threats made towards staff and members of the public.

Credit: Brian Erzen for LA Weekly

Credit: Brian Erzen for LA Weekly

City parks officials got the police involved, and they're closing the place down through the holiday. Skate camp and “scheduled programs” are excluded, according to the city.

Sounds like a little punishment for some naughty skaters out there. But there's always Friday.

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