SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A skatepark in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park has been renamed Zion Skate Plaza in honor of late skateboarder and group advocate Zion Williams-Gaines. The 20-year-old handed away in 2023 and was “known for his commitment to the sport despite having lost sight in both eyes,” the San Francisco Recreation and Parks stated in an announcement Thursday.
The SF Recreation and Park Fee unanimously permitted the renaming of Waller Road Skate Park to Zion Skate Plaza, which is situated at Waller and Stanyan streets on the japanese fringe of Golden Gate Park.
Zion Williams-Gaines (Picture by Josh Edelson/AFP through Getty Photos)
“The skate plaza’s new name will honor the profound impact Zion left on local skateboarding culture,” Rec and Parks stated.
In accordance with park officers, Zion began skateboarding on the age of 11 and joined the SF Skate Membership afterschool program. When he was an adolescent, Zion misplaced sight in his eyes because of a gunshot wound.
Zion Williams-Gaines (Picture by Josh Edelson/AFP through Getty Photos)
“Zion’s impact went far beyond the skateboarding community. He inspired anyone who has ever felt like the world was stacked against them,” Zion’s mom Charmaine Williams stated. “It’s heartwarming to see that his legacy of inclusivity and determination will live on and remind everyone that the real power of skating isn’t about what we can see, but what we feel inside.”
Rec and Parks stated Zion was a part of a gaggle that was instrumental within the 2022 renovation of what’s now Zion Skate Plaza. Earlier than passing away in his sleep in June 2023, Zion had utilized and was set to be interviewed for a management place throughout the SF Recreation and Parks.
Zion Williams-Gaines, heart, on the Waller Road Skate Park ribbon reducing ceremony on Oct. 25, 2022. (Picture: San Francisco Recreation and Parks)
“Zion was a catalyst for positive change in the community, encouraging young people to get involved in skateboarding despite any obstacles they might be facing,” SF Rec and Parks Basic Supervisor Phil Ginsburg stated. “This space exemplifies everything about him, and I’m happy to see his memory will be kept alive here.”
