The late Sydnie Jones’ dream of a skate park in Blue Ridge is coming to life and will be ready this coming summer season.
Jones, a 2020 Fannin County graduate who died from injuries she received in a car crash in January of this year, was persistent in pursuit of First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge Pastor Bob Richardson developing a skate ministry.
That ministry has now come to fruition and is being called Highland Outdoor Ministry and will also consist of other sports.
The mission is to “reach the youth of our community with the Gospel of Jesus, to unite the area churches in ministry and fellowship, and to encourage all involved in the ministry to see the wonders of God in creation and in the Bible.”
After receiving their permit from the City of Blue Ridge to build just a couple weeks ago, the church has begun preparing the site, which is the parking lot across from the church.
The ministry will officially launch next month with the skate park and pavilion expected to open in the summer. The structure will be 100 feet by 40 feet and will also include a multi-purpose court.
To add to the excitement of the ministry, professional skateboarder Jud Heald, who came to accept Jesus following an accident, will be assisting with the project, and Richardson hopes to have other professional skateboarders at the grand opening such as Tony Hawk and Ryan Sheckler, who are associated with Heald.
Richardson said the idea of a skate ministry sparked as a result of his son moving to Colorado and becoming involved in such an effort, and once Jones heard of the ministry, she was set on holding Richardson accountable for the implementation.
However, it wasn’t until after Jones’ accident occurred that Richardson said his wife reminded him that he had to get on the ball.
The ministry has already received large donations to help defray costs, but more are always appreciated. The ministry is a registered 501c3 nonprofit.
Visit their website www.highlandom.org or email highlandoutdoorministry@gmail.com to get involved.