Nyjah Huston, one of the most decorated skateboarders in history, is set to contribute to the renovation of the very skatepark where his illustrious career began. The Davis native recently captured his first Olympic medal, winning bronze in a thrilling final event in Paris, after narrowly missing the podium at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Huston, a six-time world champion and 13-time X Games gold medalist, has expressed a strong desire to be involved in the redevelopment of the skatepark in Davis, California, where he first honed his skills.
Deanne Machado, Parks Director for the City of Davis, confirmed that plans are underway to build a new skatepark at The Community Park on F Street and W. Covell Boulevard. Huston has shown interest in skating the existing park one last time before its demolition and is keen to contribute to the design of the new facility.
“He’s expressed a desire to come back and skate it before we demolish it, and to actually contribute to the design in some way,” Machado said.
The city is also keen on incorporating input from local skateboarders to ensure the new park meets the community’s needs. Surveys have already been distributed to gather feedback.
“We’re really relying on feedback from our local community of skateboarders,” Machado added.
Jack White, a local skateboarder and co-founder of the Davis Skate Park Association, is eagerly anticipating the new park, envisioning features that could help skaters progress.
“After skating this park for so long, sometimes it can get a little boring and it’s hard to progress,” White said. “There could be stair sets and something that represents the street. There could be giant pools and big bowls.”
Huston’s journey to stardom began at the Davis skatepark, and his rise to the top has become the stuff of local legend.
“There’s lots of lore and history about Nyjah skating Davis and just being so good from an early age,” White noted.
However, Huston’s path to greatness was fraught with challenges. His family faced financial difficulties, divorce, and custody battles. At one point, Huston’s mother enrolled him in the inaugural Street League Skateboarding event in Arizona with only $100 left to her name. Huston won the competition, bringing home $150,000 at just 15 years old, a victory that provided financial stability for his family.
“When we needed it the most, I made it happen,” Huston told CBS News in an interview.
Reflecting on his journey, Huston emphasized the joy and passion that skateboarding has brought to his life.
“I think the fact I was able to get through those rough moments as a kid and still come out with that much love for it, it’s the perfect example of how fun skateboarding is, and it’s really just an addiction. There is nothing else like it,” Huston said.
The City of Davis is now working to build on Huston’s legacy. The renovation project, which will be funded with local American Rescue Plan dollars, has already received approval from the city council. Contractors are currently drawing up designs, and the city aims to break ground early next year, with plans to open the new skatepark by fall 2025.
While Huston has not yet specified the extent of his involvement in the renovation, the City of Davis is eager to welcome his contributions.
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