Skater’s Point closed because of drug use and inappropriate behavior

Illegal drug use and inappropriate behavior by those using Skater’s Point on Santa Barbara’s waterfront forced the city to close the facility, effective Tuesday.

Officials with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department said they’ve received a growing number of complaints after an escalation of inappropriate and unsafe behavior.

The most recent incident happened Sunday, June 30, when police and park rangers were forced to close the park for an hour after people spotted skaters doing drugs and lobbing water balloons at traffic on Cabrillo Boulevard.

Balloons were also thrown into outdoor exhibits at the Arts and Crafts Show.

City staffers told the group to leave, but they refused and threatened the city employees and bystanders.

Skater’s Point will remain closed through July Fourth, except for scheduled programs such as skate camp.

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