Newport News, VA Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

Section 29-34 sits in Article II of Chapter 29, the general regulations governing every city park, square, beach, golf course and recreational facility under the department of parks and recreation's control, per § 29-20(a). Two rules apply: a skateboarder may ride only where the director has designated an area for it, and inside that designated area a helmet must be worn. Riding a board anywhere else in a park, including sidewalks, courts, plazas or parking lots not marked for skating, is unlawful, and so is skating in a designated area without a helmet.

"Director" means the director of parks and recreation or his authorized representative, per § 29-20(b). Because § 29-34 sets no penalty of its own, the article's general penalty at § 29-21 controls: any violation of the article, except as otherwise specifically provided, is a Class 4 misdemeanor. Beyond the criminal charge, Park Rangers can escalate enforcement under § 29-22 by issuing a written no trespassing notice barring the violator from one or more recreational facilities: sixty days for a first offense, six months for a second, and twelve months for a third or subsequent offense.

A person cited can appeal and apply for reinstatement under procedures the director sets, and returning to the facility during the notice period exposes the violator to a separate trespassing charge under § 28-30.