Ruben Pier Memorial skatepark

The Ruben Pier Memorial Skatepark, located at 4819 North Everglade Avenue in Odessa, Texas, is a 10,500-square-foot facility that serves as a landmark for the West Texas action sports community. This project was designed by New Line Skateparks and built by SPA Skateparks in 2009. The park was dedicated to the memory of 16-year-old Ruben "Kasper" Pier, whose parents were instrumental in lobbying for a safe, state-of-the-art space for local youth to ride.

The design is a unique "thematic hybrid" that pays homage to the region’s rich history in the oil industry. It features a distinctive oil pump jack theme, where the geometry of traditional skate obstacles is modified to mimic the iconic machinery found throughout West Texas. The facility is split between a technical street plaza and a versatile transition zone. The plaza includes "floating" banks, granite-capped hubba ledges, flat rails, and manual pads, while the transition area features a large multi-depth bowl with sections at 5, 6, and 7 feet, complete with bike-peg-proof metal detailing.

Constructed using high-strength, poured-in-place concrete, the park was engineered to handle the flat landscape and unique drainage challenges of the Permian Basin. SPA Skateparks developed a specialized drainage field to effectively manage storm water run-off in an area with minimal municipal drainage infrastructure. The site is situated within Sherwood Park and features professional-grade lighting that remains on until 10:00 pm, as well as integrated shade structures to provide relief from the intense West Texas sun. Today, the Ruben Pier Memorial Skatepark is celebrated for its site-specific artistry and its role as a premier destination for families and riders traveling through the region.