A unique skate park located in Malakoff, located at the City Park, offers a great way for local skaters to have a productive and safe place to go.

Tom and Estella Lyon, who lost their son in 2003, wanted to spread awareness through his love of skateboarding by dedicating this park to his memory.

"God has placed it upon our hearts to dedicate a skate park in the memory of our son, Jacob Ronald Ward (an avid skateboarder), and others who have lost their lives or have been effected by the powerful influence and abuse of drugs or alcohol. Jake died at the age of 18 but because of his faith in Christ, we are at peace. He left us way too soon, as do so many others from this prevailing influence and abuse.

This Skate Park is located in, and operated by, The City of Malakoff, Texas. It is in the City Park next to the Community Center off Highway 198. This highly visible park will be a safe drug/alcohol free gathering place for the kids of our community." These beautiful words can be found on the FB group entitled Jakes Skate Park.

According to the Athens Daily Review in an article written on the opening of the park in May 2010 said, "This was, however, the inspiration they needed to make their dream of honoring Jake a reality."

The Lyon's, along with loving donations received by many businesses and individuals in the community allowed this project to come to a completion after numerous bumps in the road.

This 4,800 sq. ft. Skate Park features two styles, a plaza and a transition, which is considered a "flow park."

http://www.athensreview.com/news/local_news/malakoff-skate-park-a-memorial/article_0a28fb77-3671-516e-8b65-ba125e1a1a87.html

http://www.athensreview.com/news/slideshow-jake-s-skate-park-in-malakoff-celebrates-rd-anniversary/collection_426886ab-9092-562c-8c5b-2d6fed49fb49.html

https://kvne.com/event/jakes-skate-park-fall-event-featuring-brian-sumner-second-pro-skater-zac-archuleta/