Less than two years ago Bob Richardson told a crowd gathered at Meeks Park in Blairsville that a skate park would be built in Blue Ridge thanks to the motivation of Sydnie Jones.
Richardson was then the pastor of Blue Ridge First Baptist Church. He was speaking to Jones’ family and friends who had gathered to remember her as the intersection where she lost her life was being dedicated in her memory.
He told how Sydnie, who had attended a regular Bible study at the church, had been pushing him to research and create a skate ministry. “I just want to do something for the Lord,” she had told him.
Richardson made his comments September 14, 2021.
Since then the idea has grown past the doors of Blue Ridge First Baptist. Now, Highland Outdoor Ministry (HOM) will host the grand opening of Syd’s Place this Saturday, May 6.
Under the leadership of Austin Leach, HOM is designed to create a common ground for local churches to minster together and become a central hub for other ministry outlets. “We want to have the churches come alongside us and help us,” Leach, director of HOM, said last week.
Leach told how Syd’s Place is more than just the skate park that bears her name. That original idea, “kinda blew up,” Leach said, to become “let’s have something for everyone here.”
Planning began with the ideas no skate park existed in the area and the need for a place that would be free for kids.
Now that the skate park will be opened, a basketball court will soon be completed and the future includes an area for volleyball, corn hole and other outdoor games.
Syd’s Place will anchor a place for cookouts and youth worship nights. It will also be a hub for an annual calendar filled with activities such as camping trips, rock rappelling and rafting trips.
At the heart of all the activities and plans is sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with young people.
“Kids just aren’t coming to church,” Leach said. Syd’s Place will be a place to “come to them with the gospel.”
The park creates a place where kids are, “coming here because they want to be here,” Leach said. And when they come, they are going to hear the gospel.
Young people will be given the opportunity to attend devotion times and other ministry activities. Leach believes the park will be a place to “build relationships between them and the gospel.”
“I have no doubt the Lord will use this ministry in a big way,” Leach said.
Saturday’s grand opening begins at noon and continues until 3 pm. with open skating. An open house follows from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. followed by a Welcome HOM event from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Sydnie’s Sunset Fun Run and Skate begins at 5 p.m. and continues until 8 p.m.
Food trucks and live music will be on hand from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., with winners announced at 8 p.m.
Leach urged other churches and the community to “come help us in investing in these youth.”