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Jaxon Statzell (Arch’09) has designed world-class skateparks across the globe, including for the Paris and Tokyo Olympic Games, as well as the X Games. His work blends architectural training, artistic and sculptural design and his own experience as a skater to create spaces that cultivate creativity and community. With nearly two decades of professional experience, Statzell is now bringing this work to his hometown — Evergreen, Colorado.Ìý

What was your relationship with skateboarding growing up?Ìý

Admittedly, I got into skateboarding in middle school for the image and was pretty much a poser in the clothes and shoes, but I quickly became obsessed with learning to skate. In high school, my basketball coach gave me an ultimatum: give up skateboarding or keep playing. I chose skateboarding. After that, I’d shovel and towel-dry the driveway just so I could skate in the winter. My dad would drive me and my friends all over the state to different skateparks. Once I got my driver’s license, I even drove to Arizona to explore more parks.Ìý

What kind of skateboarding community existed at ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä when you were a student?Ìý

There was a great community of skateboarders at ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä. Satellite Boardshop in Boulder, which is still there today, was a great hub to meet other skaters. I would skate all around campus, but doing tricks was off-limits.Ìý

Was skatepark design always an interest of yours?Ìý

I went through school focused on traditional architecture, but skatepark design was in the back of my mind. Skateboarding was always my passion, but I never imagined it could become my profession.Ìý

What does it mean to take things full circle and return to Evergreen?Ìý

It means so much, and it’s honestly so much fun. Earlier in my career, I would’ve been stressed and insecure about designing for my hometown. Now, I feel prepared and overwhelmed with gratitude. More than anything, I am trying to soak it all in and enjoy the process.Ìý

What are some of the most important lessons skateboarding has taught you?Ìý

Skateboarding requires so much failure before ever learning even the most basic tricks. A kickflip takes hundreds, if not thousands, of attempts before ever landing even one. It taught me a lot of perseverance and grit. I also love that it’s simultaneously an individual artistic expression and a social activity — winning doesn’t require anyone else to lose.

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Photo courtesy Jaxon Statzell