Skateboard Park at Johnnie Sims ParkSteve Jones - Councilman Place Five
Skateboard Park at Johnnie Sims Park
After many years a project that I have long wanted to see has come to fruition! The skateboard park was not a popular idea during past administrations, but it was finally recognized that while we had developed activities and infrastructure for a majority of the youths in our community, this segment had been ignored. The result? A popular sport/activity that was being conducted without proper location and supervision that was leading to numerous complaints and property damage in the community. With the support of a receptive Mayor/Council, committed staff members from public works, parks and recreation, local and area businesses, and a local individual with a dream, we opened for dry runs our new Skateboard Park on September 1, 2006.
The response? Overwhelmingly positive! There are pictures below of the park progress from start to near finish, and the park is fully functional and of very high quality. We owe a tremendous debt to the following people and businesses that donated work, time, and materials to bring this project to life. John (Blond John) McElroy, Reynolds Concrete, David Wilson Masonry, Swift Supply, Councilman Jeff Silvers of Orange Beach, Harold Samples, Chuck Hamilton, Mark Acreman, Ernie Smith.
At this writing, I am very pleased to report that a mistake was corrected in early August 2008. It was brought to my attention that there was a charge being levied for residents to use the Skate Park. What Council intended to do was charge non residents a nominal fee of $3.00 to get a day pass for the park, but something was lost in the communication and all users were being charged that fee. I talked with Mayor Duke, Parks and Recreation Director Harold Samples, and John McElroy about eliminating the charge for not only local residents, but also Orange Beach and pretty much Baldwin Countians. They were supportive, and with no need to return to the Council for a vote, we made the change effective immediately. All are welcome during hours of operation, and all we ask is for users to respect the park, and wear safety equipment. Further, we are designing a "Member Card" to be distributed to those users that they can display proudly. Veteran users of the Skate Park will have "ownership" if you will, as they have taken good care of their park.
It is noteworthy to mention that the above mentioned property damage and complaints from the community regarding skating and skateboarding have all but disappeared, thanks to the good stewardship the users have exercised and the network of communication in the community from Proprietor John McElroy. I credit him with the success of the park and good mentorship of the children and young adults that have come to use and promote the Gulf Shores Skate Park.
