By Staff
Melissa Cason, Franklin County Times
RED BAY- Gov. Bob Riley announced a $50,000 grant to the City of Red Bay build a skateboard park beside the city's family water park.
The City of Red Bay will construct a half-acre concrete skating surface with a variety of ramps and rails for the skateboarders to use.
"Outdoor recreation plays an important role in a community's quality of life," Riley said. "I am pleased to support construction of this skateboard park which will give people in Red Bay new access to a recreational activity."
Skateboarding has increased in popularity in Red Bay in recent years.
Currently, youths skateboard on public streets, sidewalks, parking lots and private property, Mayor Jeff Reid said.
The skateboard park will offer them a safer environment, and will be the only park of its kind in the area, Reid added.
Police Chief Pat Creel thinks the new park is a great idea for the city, and fully supports the project.
"We have a lot of kids on skateboards in town, and it would be great to have a place for them to skate," Creel said.
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) will administer the grant.
The U.S. Department of the Interior's Land and Water Conservation Fund made the funds for the grant available to the state, according to the press release.
The city has committed to provide $57,000 in funds to complete the project.