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Memorial skatepark
As the solid black skateboard glided along the walls and turns of the smooth fresh concrete, they watched in silence as Odessa’s new skate park was dedicated.
The new facility at Sherwood Park officially opened Saturday after a wet July pushed the planned opening back.
For most of the kids and skating enthusiasts decked out in their designer baseball caps, baggy cargo-pants and plaid hoodies, the new skate park was a long wait that finally arrived. But for the family of Ruben Pier, the moment was emotionally bittersweet.
In 2003, 16-year-old Pier, known as “Kasper” for his very light skin, was killed after he was hit by a car while he was skateboarding at the intersection of 16th Street and Golder Avenue. Since then, his parents, Jamie and Susana Pier, pushed the city to build a local skate park. After many meetings and proposals to the city, Ruben Pier Memorial Skate Park became a reality.
Along with hundreds of aspiring skaters young and old, the Pier Family came to Sherwood Park for the official opening.
“It’s an emotional moment for the whole family,” Matt Powell, Ruben Pier’s uncle said. “His memory will live on forever here.”
Susana Pier couldn’t hold the tears misting from her eyes as she thanked the crowd.
“I’m very grateful for everyone who contributed,” she said. “Ruben was my joy.”
Following the dedication and ribbon cutting, the fraternity of skaters joined the Pier Family at the skating bowl to watch Jamie Pier release his son’s skateboard. The same skateboard with the broken tip Ruben Pier was riding the night he died.
For his family, it was only fitting, that even in spirit, Ruben Pier got the first ride.
“(In) my mind, he’d be the first one to skate it,” Jamie Pier said. “You know he’s there.”
To salute their fallen brother, the new park patrons slapped their boards to the ground in applause.
“It was very emotional, and very special,” Susana Pier said. “It really means a lot to me. I can see my son in every kid, every skater.”
When all was said and done, the concrete playground was full of ageless dreamers learning all the maneuvers that come with the popular sport.
Even 12-year-old Austin Muniz, a new fan in the skateboarding genre took a shot at new skills.
“I’ve been waiting for this,” he said. “I’m trying to do (all) the tricks.”
Later that night, they were in costume collecting candy celebrating Halloween weekend, but until it was time to scare and tell jokes, the skaters spent their Halloween skating and honoring the boy they called, “Kasper.”
