Zeke M. Pierce skatepark

The Zeke M. Pierce Skatepark, located in Vail, Colorado, was built in 2015 in memory of Zeke Pierce, a local youth who tragically lost his life in a mountain biking accident in 2013. The skatepark was part of a broader initiative to establish a permanent skate facility in Vail, an idea that had been in discussion for years but faced significant obstacles, including space limitations and funding challenges. The park was designed and built by California Skateparks, renowned for their work on high-quality skateboarding facilities. The unique location of the park, between parking structures in the Lionshead area, presented significant design challenges, but the result is a creative use of space that includes street elements, ramps, bowls, and rails.

The project was approved by the Vail Town Council in 2015, with the town committing approximately $1.7 million to its construction. The design process was highly collaborative, incorporating input from local skaters during public meetings, ensuring that the final layout met the needs of the community. The park’s distinctive design and the incorporation of four colorful murals by artist Valerie Theberge make it a standout feature of Vail. These murals, placed at the stair towers surrounding the skatepark, were inspired by the artistic styles that Zeke enjoyed.

The skatepark has become a hub for the local skating community, offering free public access and hosting youth clinics during the summer. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Zeke Pierce and a symbol of the close-knit Vail community, which rallied together to make the skatepark a reality. The park is open from dawn to 11 PM, offering a safe and engaging space for skaters of all levels​.

Photos courtesy of Californiaskateparks