Owensboro, KY Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

Sec. 17-14 defines the downtown area precisely: its northern boundary is the water's edge of the Ohio River, its southern boundary is the back of curb on the north side of Third Street, its western boundary is the back of curb on the west side of Poplar Street, and its eastern boundary is the back of curb on the east side of Clay Street. Within that zone, subsection (2) makes it unlawful for any person to use, operate or be upon roller skates, inline skates, a skateboard, a coaster or other similar device on publicly owned property, civic space, or right-of-way.

Subsection (3) separately bars riding a bicycle on a downtown sidewalk or other surface not designated for that use, so the ordinance covers wheeled recreation broadly, not just skateboards. Law enforcement officers and city or other government employees performing official duties are exempt under subsection (4). The ordinance, enacted by Ord. No. 28-2012 effective May 1, 2012, was adopted to protect pedestrians and civic space in Owensboro's riverfront core, which includes Smothers Park and the Owensboro Convention Center area. Violations are enforced through citation and are punished under the section's own penalty clause rather than the general noise or nuisance chapters.