Board in hand, destination in mind, skateboarders are ready to skate down the streets, displaying well-practiced skills and tricks. The only problem is that skateboarding in State College is restricted on and off campus.

"We've had some problems with areas like the new seating in front of Pattee. Those areas have been damaged by skateboards and inline skates," said Paul Ruskin, a representative from Penn State's Office of Physical Plant. "It is expensive to have to repair things like that."

Penn State has a $10,000 budget to repair vandalism, which is not really a lot, Ruskin said. OPP is looking for tools and design features that are resistant to the damage, he said. The restrictions on skating, however, havn't affected businesses selling skateboards in State College.

"Kids still skate anyway," said Mike Kipp, an employee at Appalachian Ski & Outdoor, 123 S. Allen St.

An alternative has been provided where people can skate legally. The Centre Community Skate Park, located at Tussey Mountain, is a place skaters can show off their skills. Theresa Cummins is co-president of the Centre Community Skatepark Steering Commitee, the organization that runs the park.

"It's a pretty big skate park," she said, adding that with 15,000 square foot slabs, ramps, a half-pipe, grind rails and a dirt wall, the park attracts a large number of skateboarders, she said.

The park has received donations from celebrities, Cummins said. Tony Hawk, a renowned professional skateboarder, has signed and donated a board. In addition, Jesse Fritsch, a local professional skater, also donated boards and equipment for a future clinic. He also recruited his friends to donate, she said.

Nate McConnaughey (junior-advertising) goes to Tussey with the Penn State Skateboard Club. On Wednesdays, admission to the park is free. The skaters have set up a program to volunteer on Wednesdays and give lessons to young children that come to the park in search of improving their skills.

"I think its great what the club is doing now," McConnaughey said.

As for the limited variety of locations to attend, "Tussey is OK, but a park can only be fun for so long," he said. "I definitely feel limited."

Other members of the club seem to be unhappy with the lack of places to skate. Matt Konchak (sophomore-engineering) understands how skating on sidewalks in State College can be destructive, but he is hoping for an on-campus facility.

"I find that it's a pain because the only place is Tussey and you have to pay. Also, its kind of a haul," he said.

Organizers at the Tussey skate park agree.

"I wish it were closer to State College," Cummins said.

McConnaughey also hopes for a facility to be built by the university. A park costs $13,000 or $800 for a mini ramp, he said. "How hard would it be?"

"I think if the town would support and finance something, then that would be good," Kipp said. "Then they wouldn't have to worry about kids being in the street."

McConnaughey said part of the problem is the negative label given to skateboarders.

"Skateboarding should not be seen as a criminal act," he said.