Zeke M. Pierce Skatepark

02/14 - 09/16

After being introduced to this unused space in the middle of a parking structure, I knew that it had much more potential. Vivid images of a skatepark stood before me, one amenity my hometown of Vail, Colorado lacked. The next year of my life was spent convincing the town council of Vail that this was a necessary addition.

Thankfully I had a wonderful small team beside me of public works employees and local skaters who held the same determination. I designed a concept of the skatepark which I presented to the town council to show what was possible. Through many more council meetings, we were able to secure $1.6 million for the building of the skatepark in unanimous decision.

This project really meant a lot to me. Dedicated to my good friend who passed away in a mountain biking accident a couple years before, this skatepark was meant to a remembrance of what really makes a life worthwhile: kind souls and genuine friendships. A skatepark brings together people of all backgrounds to a common healthy environment. They've always been a home for me and many of my friends, including Zeke. To me, this was the one thing Vail was missing.

Design and Manufacturing

We hired California Skateparks as the builders, and I worked alongside them to design an area that everyone would enjoy. The design was driven by the skaters who were actually going to ride it, through community design meetings we held. In the end, this project came together by the community, for the community.

Original concept design taken to the town council to prove viability.

Community feedback meeting containing people of all ages and backgrounds. This open space allowed for everyone to draw or voice their dream skatepark features, ultimately having a say in how the skatepark would be made.

Refined design made alongside California Skateparks, from community feedback.