UPDATE: Mark Hubbard, founder of Grindline Skateparks has died

UPDATE: Mark Hubbard, founder of Grindline Skateparks has died
GoFundMe page set up and memorial service planned at West Seattle skatepark

Mark Hubbard, at the site of the skatepark on Delridge Way SW in 2011.

File photo by Patrick Robinson

 

 

Sat, 06/16/2018

Update June 16

A legend in skateboarding,, Mark Hubbard passed away on June 9 prompting a wave of grief and shock in the tightly knit community around skateboarding. A GoFundMe page was set up to ease the financial burden of his loss and was nearly 1/3 of the way to the $100,000 goal. Thrasher Magazine posted a video and comments on it reflect how strongly people felt about his skills as a skateboarder, builder, and skateboard park visionary. A public memorial service is being organized now for June 22, from 2 to 6pm at one of the parks built by his company, the Delridge Skatepark at 414 SW Genesee St, Seattle, WA 98106.

Original Post June 10

Mark Hubbard, who founded Grindline Skateparks in West Seattle has died. He was 47 years old.

Westside Seattle profiled the company in 2011 as they were building a skatepark on Delridge Way SW. It was a homecoming of sorts for Hubbard and company who built a worldwide enterprise. The company with humble beginnings went on to build two dozen skateparks in Washington state plus some in Minnesota, Texas, Oregon, and outside the U.S in  Israel, Okinawa, Denmark and more. 

Hubbard began his career by building plywood ramps and was one of those responsible for building the first unauthorized skating bowl under the Schmitz Park Bridge in 1990. He started skateboarding when he was five years old in 1975. "When I was six I had like three boards" he said.

"The first ramp I ever built was in 1984 on 38th and Charlestown in my driveway. It was an eight foot quarter pipe. But then I built ramps all over the city even up in Everett."

The cause of his death was not released but he died at his home in West Seattle. Hubbard is survived by his wife and three children.

Robinson Papers
West Seattle Herald

Comments

Submitted by Shannon broderick (not verified) on Mon, 06/11/2018 - 2:19am

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Awe man, rest in skaters paradise Mark..kickin it Old Skool in heaven now.

Submitted by Alejo Meneese (not verified) on Tue, 06/12/2018 - 8:34am

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Hubbs was always a clairvoyant, forward-thinking, out of this world kind of dude. My heart hurts right now 2000 miles away. Milwaukee has mad love for you Mark, RIP big man!!!!!

Submitted by Charles C. (not verified) on Wed, 06/13/2018 - 12:30am

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His skatepark construction company called "Grindline" has built over 55 million dollars worth of skateparks worldwide since 2001. That is over 300 skateparks. Mark was 48. He has inspired many people to do great things . He will not be forgotten and is greatly missed.

Submitted by buddy nichols (not verified) on Wed, 06/13/2018 - 11:28am

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Mark was a great guy- he dedicated his life to service for the community. At every park he built he donated so much of his time and energy beyond what the budget allowed. He is an inspiration and will be sorely missed by the skateboard world and beyond.

Submitted by Mike Stamnes… (not verified) on Sat, 06/16/2018 - 8:23pm

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Scott always spoke so very highly of you..I will be forever grateful for your passion and love you and your crew put in to creating the beautiful tribute to Scott after his passing.
Surely they are together and in God's hands. Peace and love to you.

Submitted by Elrie Dodson (not verified) on Sat, 06/16/2018 - 8:56pm

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I will miss you Mark, you have been a good friend for decades. My prayers are with you. Much love E.

Submitted by Rich McCalmon (not verified) on Sun, 06/24/2018 - 9:38am

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May the four winds blow you safely home, Monk. The home made bowls/ ramps, parks that manifested from his mind, heart, and soul and being the one to gather and lead a tribe of characters so crazy and varied to make that vision reality is one of the high water marks of human civilization. You wind up laughing more than crying when you think back on the life and times of this cat. Future Primitive.

Submitted by Suzanne Mowat (not verified) on Sun, 06/24/2018 - 12:21pm

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My partner is Roy Wonder. Every time I get together with him we go on trips
around Washington and we always go to see the local Grindline Skatepark-
I realized after awhile these were works of art- congratulations to Mark who
was an artist who shared- there are so few so egoless. So very sorry, he truly
was someone who will be missed. Much love to his family. xo s.