TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. - The older, loafer- and khaki-wearing Tybee Island residents looked square at the skateboarders clad in hoodies, trucker hats and longer hair with a promise.

Look, the residents said, we're not against skateboarding. We're just not sure that possibly spending $225,000 on a public skate park is best for the island.

But the island - and the area - need a skate park to give young folks something to do, to keep skaters off the street and to take them away from drugs and alcohol, supporters argue.

So it went during a Tybee Island City Council meeting this week that probably was the most attended ever, Mayor Jason Buelterman said. About 200 people made the council chamber standing-room only.

Skaters came from all over Chatham County, with one from Effingham County, to argue their case during the civil hour-and-a-half meeting. City Manager Diane Schleicher walked around the room like a talk show host handing the microphone to those who wanted to talk. The majority of those who spoke were in favor of the park. But for them the issue stops there.

For opponents, led by the new Tybee Island Residents and Property Owners Association, the issue is fiscal responsibility and whether the council will listen to young people, mostly from outside Tybee, or residents.

"They are going to listen to us here or they are going to listen to us in the next election," Tybee resident Ron Calloway said after the meeting.

The city has $225,000 budgeted for the proposed park. But a definitive location hasn't been chosen.

Skate park supporters' ages ranged from less than 10 years old to well into the mid-30s.

Wilmington Island resident Megan Garrison says she comes to Tybee to surf but says most skating has to take place in the streets.

"You could save kids' lives or their arms and legs (from injury) or dents in your car with the skate park," she said.

Tybee property owner Erik Alstad agreed that there are few physical activities on the island.

"We've spent more than that on swing sets," he said. "It's time to spend the money on the older kids and young adults."

Actually, Tybee business owner Amy Gaster said, it's time to spend money on economic development, upgrading beach bathrooms or fixing beach hazards. A state agency recently prioritized 11 issues for the island, and they didn't include a skate park.

Ms. Gaster submitted a letter from the Tybee Island Tourism Council that stated "a skate park does not carry a broad enough appeal to justify the cost of the project."