ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A plan to rebuild the Albany Skate Park took another step forward this week, but city leaders did not reach a full resolution after a tense exchange between two commissioners.

At the City Commission meeting on Tuesday, July 7, City of Albany Recreation and Parks Department Director Steven Belk asked the Albany City Commission to allocate $500,000 from SPLOST 8 toward development of the Albany Skate Park.

Belk told commissioners the project has been discussed multiple times in recreation meetings and is now being brought before the commission for formal action.

“This morning, Mayor, I’m here to respectfully request an allocation of $500,000 from SLPOST 8...to the development of the Albany skate park,” Belk said.

During the discussion, commissioners asked whether a site has been identified and whether other locations have been considered. Belk said multiple locations have been discussed, but the leading option remains the original downtown site — the area where the skate park has historically been located.

Commissioners also raised concerns about property ownership, noting there is a portion of land tied to the site that the city does not currently own. Belk said the city and ADICA plan to prepare a memorandum of agreement regarding use of the property and development of the facility, which would be presented to the commission at a later date.

Several commissioners argued it is important to answer key questions about ownership, including whether the city should pursue purchasing the property or consider a long-term lease before moving forward with construction.

The skate park discussion has gained momentum in recent months following demolition of the Riverfront skate park during construction related to the Oglethorpe Bridge project. Community advocates, including members of Southwest Georgia Skate, have previously told WALB they want the skate park rebuilt downtown and have said they have identified potential grants and donations to support the project.

Mayor Bo Dorough referenced prior public input from skaters and community advocates who have urged the city to keep the skate park in its current downtown area, rather than relocating it.

The commission discussed previous alternatives that have been floated, including Tift Park and other areas near the riverfront. Mayor Dorough said advocates have been consistent in pushing back on moving it away from downtown.

Commissioners also pointed to previous evaluations indicating the downtown location could still work for a new skate park and may reduce costs.

One commissioner noted existing concrete at the site could allow builders to construct on top of it, potentially saving money. Belk also said a skate park professional who revisited the site recently advocated for the location, citing the foundation, visibility and history of the area.

While commissioners debated next steps, a disagreement broke out between Commissioner Diana Brown and Commissioner Chad Warbington during discussion of ADICA’s previous role tied to the skate park property.

The exchange escalated, prompting the mayor to call a five-minute recess at Tuesday’s meeting.

Commissioners indicated they want staff to research options and return with answers about property ownership and legal agreements before the city makes a final commitment on the project’s long-term plan.

Belk said the proposed MOU between the city and ADICA will be presented at a later date.

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