Deputy supports skatepark construction
Deputy Blake Buchanan of the Macon County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) made a generous donation toward the skatepark project spearheaded by Sk828 Franklin and the Town of Franklin. On Wednesday, Sept. 7, Buchanan presented a cash donation of $1,200 to Tim Shaw of Sk828 and Ryan Seymour and Malachi Lannon of Burnpile Skate Shop.
“The very minute I heard about the mission of Sk828, I thought it was an excellent idea,” said Buchanan. “Ever since this project started, it hit home for me. When I met these guys, I explained why I think skateboarding is as much a sport as the guys out at the ballfields. I’m ready to see our community invest in these athletes because them getting out and having something productive to do is a direct correlation to what they choose to do beyond their youth.”
Buchanan is a Franklin native who grew up skateboarding around town. At a young age, he claims to have quickly formed a negative opinion of law enforcement because his only interaction with officers was when they were running him and his friends off for skating. Fast forward to his professional career, and Buchanan is a strong advocate for fostering a positive relationship between the skating community and local law enforcement.
Tim Shaw, organizer of Sk828, the local group dedicated to raising money toward the construction of a skatepark in town, is thankful for the support of people like Buchanan. “We all want to have a free, safe, legal place for skaters,” said Shaw. “Anytime that law enforcement and skaters get together, it’s great for the community.”
With growing interest in skateboarding, many are in favor of a designated area in town for people of all ages, but especially the youth to use. The Town of Franklin has designated a portion of Sunnyside Park (the Whitmire property) for the skatepark and contributed $15,000 in design fees. The county has pledged $35,000 toward the project. Construction of the park is estimated to cost $260,000-$280,000.
“If the community can get behind this project and provide a safe place, a fun place for these kids – where they don’t have to use their imaginations about how to use a stairway or handrails as a make-shift skatepark – it’s going to be beneficial,” said Buchanan. “It could potentially steer them away from the lifestyle I barely missed. It is by sheer luck I didn’t get into crime and instead got into crime-fighting.”
After 10 years in law enforcement, Buchanan is now a full-time instructor traveling across North America working with officers in the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and other state or federal agencies. He recently hosted a local firearms safety course where the combined tuition for the class totaled $1,200. He donated all proceeds to the construction of the new skatepark.
“Simply put, I’m a huge supporter of skateboarders. I think they’re misunderstood, and I think the hobby is misunderstood,” said Buchanan. “I’m excited to see the community recognize how valuable a skatepark would be to the youth.”
Sk828’s goal is to raise $30,000 for the skatepark construction. The group has hosted multiple fundraising efforts and is optimistic about meeting their goal by the end of this year. A recent partnership with the owners of Hot Spot has lit a fire under its members and for the next $10,000 raised, Hot Spot will match it with an additional $10,000. The next fundraiser for the skatepark will take place in late October.
Shaw reaffirms his excitement and urges the community to show their support for the project. “We have the potential to raise $20,000 in just this one-day event.”
Stay up to date with Sk828 by liking their Facebook page, “Sk828 Franklin” or consider donating to the project on their GoFundMe page of the same name.
