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Who Was Mark Hubbard?
Mark “Monk” Hubbard was a skateboarder, artist, skatepark builder, and founder of Grindline Skateparks. He was born in West Seattle in 1970 and received his first skateboard in 1975 for his fifth birthday. He started building ramps and DIY skate spots in his driveway and around the city, and was involved in the Burnside Skatepark project in Portland. He founded Grindline Skateparks in 2000, and went on to design and construct hundreds of skateparks across the world, including in Israel, Okinawa, Denmark, and on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Some consider him to be the originator of the modern skatepark design. He also had a vision of a skatepark highway system that would connect major cities with skateable routes. He died on June 8, 2018, at his home in West Seattle. He was 47 years old. The cause of his death has not been released. He is survived by his wife and three children.
How Did Mark Hubbard Impact the Skateboarding Community?
Mark Hubbard was a legend in the skateboarding community, not only for his skills and style, but also for his dedication and service to the culture. He believed in creating skateboarding paradises for everyone, regardless of their location, background, or ability. He was known for his generosity, creativity, and passion, and for inspiring others to follow their dreams and build their own skateparks. He was respected and loved by many skaters, from pros to amateurs, and from veterans to newcomers. He was also a mentor and a friend to many of his employees and collaborators, who considered him as a family member. He left behind a legacy of concrete and steel that will continue to challenge and delight generations of skaters.
How Did Mark Hubbard’s Death Affect the Skateboarding World?
Mark Hubbard’s death was a shock and a tragedy for the skateboarding world. Many skaters, friends, and fans expressed their grief and condolences on social media, and shared their memories and stories of him. Some of his closest friends and colleagues organized a memorial service for him at the Delridge Skatepark, one of the parks he built in his hometown. Hundreds of people attended the service, which included speeches, music, art, and skating. Many also paid tribute to him by visiting and skating at his parks, and by donating to a GoFundMe page that was set up to ease the financial burden of his loss. His death also raised awareness of the importance and value of skateparks, and of the need to support and protect the people who build them. Mark Hubbard’s death was a loss for the skateboarding world, but his spirit and his work will live on forever.
