Southwest Georgia Skates meets with Albany city leaders to discuss plans to build new skatepark

ALBANY, Ga. – The City of Albany is hearing out a recently established nonprofit as they work towards a solution.

CBS 44’s Brian Roche has more.

After we spoke with them Friday, Southwest Georgia Skates met with Albany city leaders to discuss plans for building a new skatepark in downtown Albany.

Recreation Director, Stephen Belk says that the department meeting with Southwest Georgia Skates and city leaders was a good step forward for building a new skatepark.

“What I heard today is from commissioners that was here, myself, among other city staff that was here; how can we do better and what we need to do for the next steps to bring it back?” said Steven Belk, Director, Albany Recreation and Parks Dept.

Alex Ranew, the founder of Southwest Georgia Skates feels optimistic that they have this dialogue with multiple city commissioners.

“It was educational for Albany commissioners, and, you know those alike that attended, and help them be more in the loop for what’s going on. I’m hoping for open and transparent communication between us both,” said Alex Ranew, SWGA Skates.

Alex brought up arguments to the city about making sure the new skatepark is located in downtown to maintain accessibility for everyone in the city…

And… hopes to keep up with city leaders to make the best decisions for the skatepark.

“I feel like it really drives the point home about how important this is to the community. I enjoyed showing them some of the comments that the community had made and some of our efforts, I feel like that was really positive,” said Ranew.

Both sides are looking optimistic that they’ll do right by local skaters.

“I just believe the city needs to work closely with South Georgia Skates, and we’re going to construct the park that way that, you know, there’s a collaborative agreement with us on what’s happening and we can communicate with the community,” said Ranew.

“I think what we found out today with the collaboration with Mr. Ranew and all the other folks that was here today, that we can work together to make sure that skate park is not only bring it back, but bring it back bigger, better….” said Belk.

Southwest Georgia Skates is suggesting for the new skatepark that it be made from concrete in order for it to last a significant amount of time.

Brian Roche reporting.

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