Ken Wormhoudt Skate Park at Mike Fox Park’s boasts a divine mix of street skating, pipes, and bowls that make it a must-shred-destination for locals and Valley-folk alike. Prior to the grand opening of local-legend Zach Wormhoudt’s impeccably designed 15,000 square foot skatepark– he’s designed over 100 skateparks around the globe! – Mike Fox’s picnic area and 4 tennis courts were rarely used.

The park itself was hardly visited; save for the occasional transient. Today, the $1.3 million facility, hugging a gentle and picturesque curve of the San Lorenzo River, is packed by newbies and vicious shredders every single day. Many skaters, some from as far away as Europe, make the pilgrimage to downtown Santa Cruz, just to ride the park’s rails, bowls, and stairs, and try to conquer the first full pipe in Northern California.

The park is named after Zach Wormhoudt’s dad Ken, who designed and built the world’s first public skate park – legendary Derby Park— in Santa Cruz County in 1974. Zach took over the Mike Fox Park project when Ken passed away. Ultimately, the biggest challenge Zach faced was constructing the 16-foot-tall full pipe. It was an engineering feat and a true work of art, crafted it in a way that mimics an ocean wave. It’s not just about the pipe though.

The well-maintained and carefully cared for bowls and a wide array of street skating features elevate Ken Wormhoudt Skate Park into the upper echelon of skating destinations.