New Skate Park Opens in El Paso Honoring Local Skater’s Legacy

What began as a dream rooted in remembrance has become reality. El Paso County recently unveiled the Lizbeth Avila Skate Park at Estrella Park (14590 Greg Drive), honoring the memory of 22-year-old Lizbeth Avila, who tragically passed away in 2021 after a skateboarding accident (kfoxtv.com). The local skating community gathered Thursday evening for a ribbon-cutting ceremony that doubled as a celebration of skate culture, resilience, and community.

Pro Skaters Brandon Turner and Kanten Russell Celebrate El Paso Skate Park

Two heavy hitters in the world of skateboarding, Brandon Turner and Kanten Russell, traveled to El Paso to help dedicate the new park and celebrate Lizbeth’s impact on the local scene. Both skaters are legends in their own right and brought a powerful energy to the event, underscoring how deeply skateboarding binds communities across generations and backgrounds.

Brandon Turner, known for his explosive street style and resilience, has become an icon not only for his athleticism but also for his inspiring story of recovery and redemption. His presence at the ribbon cutting served as a beacon of hope for young skaters navigating life both on and off the board.

Kanten Russell, a former pro turned skatepark designer, has helped build dozens of parks across the country. His attendance was particularly meaningful, as he represents the bridge between skating's creative rebellion and its institutional recognition. His career is proof that skateboarding can grow into something generational, influential, and transformative, especially when it's rooted in purpose.

How Skateboarding Has Flourished in Black and Brown Communities

Skateboarding and roller skating have long flourished within Black and Brown communities, where the culture is about more than sport. It is about identity, expression, and liberation. As historian Drake Hoffmann reflects, Black skaters have shaped skate culture through bold creativity and community organizing, all while facing historical barriers (aaihs.org).

From the iconic “Soul Nights” at segregated rinks to the footwork of jam-skating and the DIY energy of street skating, these communities transformed skate spaces into zones of style, joy, and resistance. Skating is freedom in motion, a place where movement says what words sometimes can’t.

Why Skating Is Thriving in El Paso and the Southwest

In places like El Paso, skating is more than a pastime. It is a lifeline. As Black and Brown skaters carve space in a sport that hasn’t always seen them, they’re creating inclusive, vibrant communities. Artists and organizers like Mala Muñoz and Kat Collado have highlighted how skating offers a break from social pressures, a space for joy, and a platform for building collective power (refinery29.com).

The Southwest’s vast landscapes and year-round sunshine make it the perfect backdrop for this movement, while its rich cultural history adds flavor to every kickflip, spin, and grind.

Lizbeth Avila Skate Park Becomes a New Community Hub in El Paso

The Lizbeth Avila Skate Park is more than just a new recreational facility. It is a symbol of growth, love, and collective energy. Whether you’re lacing up for the first time or hitting your hundredth trick, the park is open to all. It stands not just as a tribute, but as a promise that everyone deserves a safe, empowering place to skate.

And thanks to the presence of skateboarding legends and the ongoing efforts of the local community, that promise is now reality.