ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - When the Riverfront skate park was demolished to make room for the Oglethorpe Bridge construction, a group of Albany residents approached the city commission with one goal in mind: To bring back the Albany skate park.

Southwest Georgia Skate is a non-profit organization that was formed within the last three months with the goal of rebuilding the Albany Skate Park in the heart of downtown.

“I care so much about this. I’m not gonna rest until it’s done, honestly. I might look a little tired because I’ve been losing sleep over this, man. I want to get this skate park back,” said Alex Ranew, co-founder of Southwest Georgia Skate.

They have received numerous donations, identified over $300,000 in grants they are eligible for, and contacted leading skatepark design companies to receive quotes on pricing.

“I believe we can find a spot, find a place, and really just get them a skate park that is far better than what they had,” said Chad Warbington, Albany City Commissioner.

Southwest Georgia Skate told WALB that they want a unique, one-of-a-kind skate park that draws out-of-town skaters into the city. The group has been working with Grindline, a professional skate park design company that has built hundreds of skateparks in Los Angeles and Israel.

“People are willing to drive to view a skate park, a place that is aesthetically pleasing. That’s something we need for tourism in Albany, we are heavily lacking that right now,” said Ranew

City commissioners have mentioned the possibility of rebuilding the skatepark in a different location, like Tift Park. Other skaters worry that rebuilding the skate park at Tift Park would create safety concerns.

“As a woman, I would not feel safe skating in that type of area. There’s no visibility, not a whole lot of lighting, and there isn’t as much foot traffic as there is downtown,” said Sam Lashley, a skater.

But the skaters want to keep it in the downtown area on the east side of the river.

“We’re gonna make sure this becomes an anchor for the community, attracts people from the region. So now you’re talking economic development and all the different benefits that go into making Albany the good life city again,” said Adam Inyang, an Albany resident.

City Commissioner Chad Warbington says he believes the commission will be meeting with Southwest Georgia Skate in the coming weeks to discuss the project.

To sign the petition to rebuild the skate park, click here.

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