BY PEPPER FISHER
Sequim – The Sequim City Council on Monday approved the official renaming of the skate park at Carrie Blake Park.
The park will now be known as the “MarkeMark Simpson Skatepark” in honor of Mark Simpson, a former professional skateboarder and dedicated advocate for the skateboarding community in Sequim. Mark played a pivotal role in revitalizing the skate park, launching fundraising efforts, securing local business support, and fostering a welcoming, safe environment for local kids. His leadership extended beyond the park through his nonprofit, Sequim Youth Skate Park, and his service with local organizations and mentoring young people.
Simpson, who passed away in April of last year at the age of 52, got his first skateboard sponsorship at the age of 14. As a world class skateboarder, he moved from Oregon to Seattle in the 90s, and eventually relocated to Sequim in the 2000s.
In 2014, Simpson and a group of like-minded board enthusiasts started the Sequim Youth Skatepark Foundation, holding contests and skatepark jams to raise money for the Foundation.
Today the Foundation has raised just about $16,000 and is a huge part of Sequim Skatepark Rebuild efforts with the City of Sequim.