Reports of criminal damage, vandalism, bullying and antisocial behaviour are creating an unpleasant and potentially dangerous environment at Norton and Malton Skate Park.
Ryan Swain, one of the people who manage the facility, says everyone has had enough.
He told YorkMix Radio that the minority who cause trouble should remember the CCTV cameras are recording incidents so the police can follow them up.
Ryan added that it’s the behaviour of a small number of individuals is affecting an entire community.
To those responsible he said: “We know who you are. You are clearly visible on CCTV.”
Trouble has included the surface of the skate ramps being vandalised, with someone pulling off the covering.
Litter, smashed glass and fishing tackle are being left around the skatepark.
Fishing lines and especially barbed hooks pose a danger to the children and skateboarders who use the park, as well as dogs. They could also damage the scooters and BMX bikes.
Ryan said: “They’re actually ripping up the surface of the ramps, tearing them off, and damaging the equipment and apparatus, which obviously cost a lot of money.
“A whole group of us campaigned and fought tooth and nail to keep that facility and keep it going for young people.”
He added: “However, I will just say that there is more people using the facility now than it’s ever had in its history, and using it for the right reasons.
“But this select group of young people are obviously having a sort of detrimental impact on the park’s future and things, and it’s a real shame.”
Working alongside Norton-on-Derwent Town Council and North Yorkshire Police, Ryan said there will now be a much firmer zero-tolerance approach to criminal damage, threatening behaviour and persistent antisocial behaviour.
Ryan told the Sunday Late Show with David Dunning: “It’s a wonderful part of town, and it’s just a shame because the last few years we thought we were moving forwards, but this year it seems to have been like it feels like we’re moving back a little bit.
“So we’re just trying to nip it in the bud and and progressively keep going and moving forwards and trying to inspire loads of young people to basically respect what they’ve got and use it correctly.
“But this group of people they need to be aware that this behaviour won’t be tolerated.”
You can listen to the full interview with Ryan by going to YorkMix Radio Listen Again and selecting David Dunning.