Tony Hawk Surprises Community with Skate Park Expansion in Smithers, B.C.

SMITHERS, B.C. — Skateboarding icon Tony Hawk made a surprise appearance in the small mountain town of Smithers, British Columbia, on Thursday to honor the expansion of the local skate park. The event drew a crowd as the community celebrated the completion of a nearly $1 million project.

Hawk, known for revolutionizing skateboarding and bringing the sport to the mainstream, engaged with fans through social media before his arrival. “Hey, what’s up Smithers? It’s Tony Hawk. Someone told me there’s a skate demo happening at your new park? That’s pretty cool, I may have to check it out,” he said in a video posted online.

According to Jake Daly of the Smithers Skate Park Society, plans for Hawk’s visit had been in the works for several months. “We’ve never had this many people here,” Daly remarked. Many fans traveled long distances, some over five hours, to see the legendary skateboarder perform. “They’ve skipped school, skipped work and can you blame them?”

Daly reflected on how the new skate park has energized the community and expressed his surprise at Hawk’s participation. “The whole community is fired up,” he added, recognizing the event’s significance.

The Smithers Skate Park, first opened in 1996, was the first dedicated skate park north of Kamloops and has seen a major transformation in recent years. The expansion includes new features like an eight-foot bowl, improved lighting, seating, and updated signage.

Hawk, who is also an avid snowboarder, voiced his appreciation for the scenic views in Smithers, expressing a desire to return soon. He emphasized the importance of skate parks in fostering community connection. “When I started skating, it was my salvation,” he explained. “That’s where I found my belonging, my sense of community and ultimately my sense of purpose.”

He praised the town’s efforts in upgrading the skate park, calling it “a world-class park in a relatively small town.” Hawk did not accept any payment for the visit, viewing it as part of his mission to promote skateboarding and make it more accessible.

As part of the celebration, Hawk showcased his skills to an enthusiastic crowd, joined by other professional skateboarders, generating excitement among residents and skateboard enthusiasts alike.