A skateboard park in Columbiana is closer to becoming a reality.

Councilmember Tom Seale cast the lone &8220;no&8221; vote on April 4 when the Columbiana City Council approved a resolution to construct a skateboard park on the condition that a resident-formed committee raise funds for the project.

The park is proposed to be located near fire and rescue facilities behind city hall.

Seale based his objection upon lack of a safe and secure location, repair and maintenance, inadequate parking and liability to the city.

He expressed concern that the park would be located where emergency vehicles come and go.

Under the resolution, the city agrees to match cash contributions raised by a locally formed committee on a one-to-one basis up to $35,000 cash and in kind services for construction of the park.

Once the committee raises $10,000, the city will authorize the mayor to apply to the Shelby County Commission for a grant to be used in construction of the skateboard park.

Once a total of $70,000 has been received from all sources, the city will begin construction of the facility, but will not commit to more than 80 percent the total moneys received unless approved by a majority vote of the council.

The city must also match funds raised in less than eight months from the date the committee raises $10,000.

Mayor Allan Lowe told a young member of the audience the park will be a good thing if people take care of it, but not if people get hurt and sue.

Ruby Caldwell, one of the parent supporters of the park said, &8220;I think it was wonderful&8221; of the vote. She said she wanted Seale to be on board with the project too and to show him that the &8220;people are going to do it.&8221;

She said parents, &8220;Don&8217;t want our children to leave town. I&8217;m fighting to have something good for our children in Columbiana. I&8217;m speaking for parents.&8221;

Lowe said the city&8217;s money is all allocated, but he said he felt the city could come up with its $35,000 match from a mix of sources