A fence is coming down and plants are going up at Ottawa's skateboard park.

The chain link fence around the park, which is at Jackson and Canal streets, is coming down to make way for shrubs, bushes and other plants, said City Parks Commissioner Wayne Eichelkraut.

The fence was in place to prevent youngsters from taking their bicycles into the park and riding at the same time as skateboarders — a risky practice. However, Eichelkraut said the fence had become ineffective, as bicycles were thrown over the top of the fence. He noted city officials have talked with park users and they understand the hazard of the practice and like the landscaping plan.

In addition, Eichelkraut said the fence is an "eyesore" and catches blowing paper and other litter, as well as giving the impression of a cage. Landscaping is to begin in about a month.

During the past decade the park has been open, the city has shuttered the park a couple times because of vandalism, including damage to the fence. The cost of replacing the fence more than once has cost the city upwards of $1,000.