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Tempe's Dry Surf Opens: Nation's First Skate Park

Tempe, Arizona – The Dry Surf Skate Board Rink opened in early June 1965 at Hayden Plaza East on Scottsdale Road, Tempe. The rink is believed to be the nation’s first skateboard park. It opened with a formal event held this past weekend at the intersection of Curry and Scottsdale roads.

Young skateboarders demonstrated various maneuvers at the new rink. The facility features a slalom course, banked curves, rolling hills, and a special trick area. Participants in the demonstration included local riders such as Tom Mullins, Harry Mullins, Don Grose, Pep Mullins, Jim Thomas, and Dave Grose. In one of the events, 15-year-old Pep Mullins showed a shoulder carry with his 8-year-old brother, Tom.

At the time of the opening, skateboard wheels were made of metal or clay, and riders typically went barefoot. The local history museum in Tempe has named its skateboard history exhibit “Dry Surf” in tribute to this early local innovation in skateboarding. A clipping from the Arizona Republic dated June 7, 1965, documented the event and helped preserve the history of the nation’s first skate board rink.

Source: Tempe History Museum

Source Type: Community

Source Location: Tempe

Aug 29, 2025 at 7:13 PM

Community