Godly skaters

Man hopes skaters get a spiritual alternative

Frances Phillips
Features Editor
Published February 19, 2005 10:51 PM CST

A Christian flag hangs above Bill Mohler's head as he hammers nails into skateboard ramps in his Tennessee Street warehouse.

With a well-read Bible resting nearby on his desk, each new ramp brings Mohler closer to his goal ­ to allow local skateboarders an opportunity to practice their sport in a safe, Christian, environment in Bartow County.

In 1997, Mohler founded his non-profit, faith-based organization Heaven Skates in Woodstock, and he recently moved to Cartersville so his organization could flourish.

"No I don't skate. It's too risky for these old bones," Mohler said jokingly. "I started Heaven Skates because eight years ago in Woodstock, two kids got hit by cars [while skateboarding], and one suffered brain injuries and the other died. I wanted to help skateboarders find a safe place to skate after that."

After founding Heaven Skates, the organization soon worked closely with Woodstock Baptist Church. During the week, Mohler, a carpenter and builder by trade, would set up his handmade skateboard ramps in the church's parking lot. Once youth discovered the church's new ministry, its parking lots were full of skateboarders.

Mohler can be reached at (404) 312-0726 or by e-mail at .