Skaters in Anna, Texas got the thrill of a lifetime Tuesday when skateboarding legend Tony Hawk made an unannounced appearance at Slayter Creek Park’s skatepark, roughly 45 minutes north of Dallas.
Hawk, widely regarded as the most influential figure in the sport’s history, arrived without notice and began skating alongside surprised teens and young adults who initially couldn’t believe what they were seeing. Within minutes, word spread through the park and surrounding neighborhood that the Tony Hawk was on-site—and not for a publicity stunt or official event, but seemingly just to ride.
City officials later confirmed Hawk’s visit was completely unplanned. He had not been invited, nor had any advance contact with the city. Staff at the nearby recreation center reportedly did a double take when they noticed a crowd gathering around a man in a helmet and signature Vans—only to realize it was the Birdman himself.
The surprise visit sparked excitement not only among local skaters but also among city leaders, who quickly arrived at the scene to witness the impromptu session. Hawk reportedly spent nearly an hour at the park, chatting with skaters, giving a few pointers, and posing for selfies before quietly leaving the way he came.
The skatepark at Slayter Creek Park, while modest compared to larger metro facilities, has become a gathering place for young athletes in the fast-growing Collin County community. Many residents have advocated for expansions and upgrades—and Hawk’s visit, though unofficial, may end up drawing attention to their cause.
By the end of the day, clips of Hawk’s visit were already circulating on social media, with local teens sharing shaky phone videos of him cruising across the ramps and catching air. The City of Anna shared a brief post acknowledging the visit, calling it “a legendary day for our skatepark and our city.”
Officials say there are no plans for a formal event, but the unexpected stop has already left a lasting impression on the community—and possibly set the stage for more recognition of small-town skate scenes.
As for why Hawk chose Anna, that remains unclear. But for local skaters, it’s a moment they’ll never forget.
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