Tony Hawk and Mark McMorris attended the unveiling of the Smithers Skate Park expansion on May 29, 2025, aiming to highlight the significance of skateboarding in the remote community of Smithers, British Columbia, which has a population of around 5,000. The two sports icons praised the local community for their remarkable effort in raising $1.8 million to expand the street park and add a new bowl for skateboarders next to the Yellowhead Highway, a major route connecting Winnipeg to the West Coast.

Hawk, a skateboarding legend, expressed his admiration for the unique situation of the event. "I don’t go to many grand openings, to be honest, but this seemed like a really unique situation," he stated. He emphasized the importance of providing facilities for skateboarding in remote areas, indicating that skateboarding remains a legitimate choice for youth in these communities.

Mark McMorris, a celebrated Canadian snowboarder and a three-time Olympic slopestyle bronze medallist, shared his personal connection to skateboarding. He reminisced about how his first board was a skateboard and how important it has been in fostering friendships and community for him. "I can just only imagine what it would be like if Tony Hawk came to Regina to open a skate park when I was a kid," said McMorris, highlighting the potential inspiration this event could provide for local youth.

The Smithers Skate Park expansion consisted of a $1.2 million street park and an additional $600,000 for the bowl, according to Christy Sawchuck, vice-chair of the Smithers Skate Park Society. Sawchuck, affectionately known as "Rad-Mom" due to her passion for skateboarding, pointed out that the community had to rely on their own resources since local municipalities could not fund such projects. She acknowledged the role of local non-profits and businesses in supporting the initiative through significant donations and services.

McMorris mentioned that the Power To Give Foundation had reached out to him, leading him to connect with Hawk for the event. He expressed the importance of Hawk’s involvement, referring to him as a figure who is "larger than life" in the skateboarding world. Hawk's own project in the United States aims to construct parks for underserved communities, aligning perfectly with the vision behind the Smithers project.

"To see this in Canada makes me feel inspired. I hope that the city takes pride in a project like this," Hawk commented. He acknowledged the challenges faced when establishing such facilities, particularly the stigmas associated with skateboarding as a sport. Hawk expressed his strong belief that skate parks can be transformative for communities, stating that they could play a significant role in enhancing local culture and saving lives.

Looking ahead, more improvements for the Smithers Skate Park are planned, including the addition of a beginner-friendly pump track, lighting, and accessible washrooms. Admission to the park remains free, which Sawchuck emphasized as crucial for providing unstructured play opportunities for all demographics. She noted that not every family has the means to participate in expensive recreational sports, making the skate park an accessible option for everyone.

Sawchuck also highlighted the strategic location of the park along Highway 16, suggesting that it could serve as a rest stop for traveling families. Many travelers from the Lower Mainland, the United States, and those heading to Alaska could stop at the park to relax, enjoy food, and let their pets stretch their legs.

The successful expansion of the Smithers Skate Park represents a significant community effort and showcases the potential for skateboarding to foster connectivity, enjoyment, and inclusivity in small towns.