[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1726-E1727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       A TRIBUTE TO KEN WOURMHOUDT FATHER OF THE SKATEBOARD PARK

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 1997

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man 
devoted to landscape architecture and children. Ken Wourmhoudt was a 
sport's visionary, creating large outside sculptural forms used as 
skateboard parks. Ken befriended children and defended skateboarders 
from detractors, a true friend to his community. It is my privilege to 
be speaking of this man's accomplishments today.
  Ken Wourmhoudt, a licensed architect by trade, worked hard to keep an 
open dialog between the community and the skateboarders. He appreciated 
the children's love of the sport and often spoke on their behalf.
  His passion for the skateboard parks began in 1978 when he designed 
Derby Park in

[[Page E1727]]

Santa Cruz. He relied on the skateboarders' experience to guide him 
through the design process, to build the best possible park for them. 
Derby Park is still enjoyed by many skateboarders throughout Santa Cruz 
and beyond.
  His love for the skateboard parks was only rivaled by his 
appreciation for the arts. His artistry showed in skate projects in 
communities such as Napa, Milpitas, and Pleasanton. This devotion went 
well beyond the skate parks. He served 8 years on the Santa Cruz County 
Cultural Council and two terms on the Santa Cruz City Arts Commission. 
He promoted public art on Pacific Avenue and helped with the 
installations.
  Ken traveled the country sharing his expertise and love of the 
skateboard parks. These visits helped other communities build parks and 
taught the communities successful new techniques to keep the lines of 
communication open with the community.
  Ken will be missed by all those he encountered and inspired. He is 
survived by his wife Mardi, a Santa Cruz supervisor, a daughter Lisa, 
and three sons, Zachary, Jonathan, and Jacob. Zachary is a landscape 
artist and will continue in his father's footsteps, building skateboard 
parks for all to enjoy.

                          ____________________