Skateboarders will soon have a place to practice their sport.

It appears the city is one major step closer to building a skating park.

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. presented a recommendation drafted by Parks and Recreation Director Elton Reece to the City Council Monday night that called for $60,000 in the initial stages.

The first phase of the plan would be to build a basic park, and additions would be made to it for the next two years. Each installment would cost $60,000.

The proposed location is at Bloch Park where the swimming pools used to be.

The money would come from the $122,444 in oil leasing appropriations.

Each council member and the mayor received equal shares of the money, and Perkins proposed each person give $6,000 each to cover the cost.

A motion was passed by the council 6-2 that each person would give as much as he or she saw fit to contribute to the project.

Perkins committed his entire share, meaning the total money raised could potentially be $48,000.

Earlier this year, a skateboard enthusiast approached the council concerning the need for such a facility.

In Selma – as in many cities its size – there are limited activities for the younger citizens. Recreational facilities, such as the proposed skateboard park, provide a great place for young people to practice their sport of choice.

Many communities throughout the United States have similar facilities. In fact, there are more than 2,000 such parks across the country – in cities ranging from Bay Minette, Ala., to Portsmouth, N.H.

A big thank you to the mayor, Parks and Recreation director and city council for making the park a reality.