Skaters will be faced with a series of new rules and a security officer at the Watauga County Skate Park beginning this week.

Some of the new rules include prohibiting skating in the parking lot, making sure skaters wear helmets and other protective padding, prohibiting the use of profanity, and prohibiting food and drinks from the park.

Director of Watauga County Parks and Recreation, Stephen Poulos said one of the main reasons Watauga County Commissioners decided to implement regulations at the skate park was to make sure skaters were wearing the proper safety equipment.

Poulos said a security guard will be on hand during operating hours for the skate park.

Poulos explained skaters must also register with the park in order to skate there, and went on to say, “It’s free.  They can come by here at the office and sign up or it we’re not open, the security guard out there will have the forms.”

Poulos said that skaters only need to register once.

The regulations will take effect this Friday.