In a thrilling and unforgettable moment for British Columbia’s northern skateboarding community, skateboarding icon Tony Hawk and Canadian Olympic snowboarder Mark McMorris were on hand in Smithers, B.C., to officially open the town’s expanded skateboard park—a major development that promises to energize youth recreation and action sports in the region.
The event drew hundreds of fans, young skaters, and community members to the newly transformed Chandler Park Skatepark, where both Hawk and McMorris not only cut the ceremonial ribbon but also showed off their skills on the new ramps and rails, thrilling the crowd and inspiring the next generation of boarders.
> “Skateboarding has always been about community and creativity,” said Tony Hawk. “It’s incredible to see a town like Smithers embrace that energy and give young people a place to grow, learn, and push their limits.”
The skatepark expansion, made possible through a mix of community fundraising, provincial grants, and support from the Tony Hawk Foundation and McMorris Foundation, is part of a broader push to improve recreational infrastructure in rural Canadian towns. The upgraded facility includes modern features such as advanced concrete bowls, a flow section, street-style obstacles, and safer surfaces for skaters of all skill levels.
Mark McMorris, a long-time advocate for youth sports and active living, spoke passionately about the importance of giving back to smaller communities.
> “This park is more than just a place to skate. It’s a hub for positivity, self-expression, and belonging,” McMorris said. “I’m proud to be part of something that helps build that foundation for youth in Smithers.”
The event also featured live music, food vendors, youth skate clinics, and community art displays—turning the day into a full-blown celebration of skate culture in the Bulkley Valley. Local officials and volunteers were recognized for their efforts to bring the multi-year project to life, with many noting how the initiative reflects Smithers’ growing commitment to supporting mental and physical well-being through sport.
Mayor Gladys Atrill praised the partnership between global sports figures and local leaders.
> “To have legends like Tony Hawk and Mark McMorris here is a dream come true,” she said. “It shows what’s possible when a small community dares to think big. This skatepark will serve our youth for decades to come.”
The visit from Hawk and McMorris also provided an opportunity for mentorship. Both stars took time to speak with local youth, offer skateboarding tips, and share stories about their own early days in sport—moments that left many aspiring athletes in awe.
Smithers’ skatepark expansion comes at a time when interest in skateboarding and alternative sports is rising sharply across Canada, especially following the inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympics. Advocates hope that the visibility of events like this will encourage more rural towns to invest in inclusive, accessible recreational spaces.
As the sun set on a day filled with tricks, cheers, and celebration, the message was clear: small-town dreams can make big impacts—especially when world-class athletes help lead the way.
Swifteradio.com
