Skateboarding and community involvement were major aspects of Kirk Robinson’s life, and the city of Mercer Island will re-dedicate the local skate park in his memory on July 28.

The ceremony will honor Robinson and his family and take place at 5 p.m. at the Mercerdale Park skate spot, which will now bear the moniker of “Kirk Robinson Skate Park.” Robinson passed away on Oct. 4, 2019, at the age of 42 from stage four metastatic melanoma.

At its April 5 meeting, city council unanimously voted to rename the skate park and appropriated $5,500 for the design and installation of new signage, which will include information about Robinson and his legacy.

In her report at the July 19 council meeting, City Manager Jessi Bon said the city is honored to spotlight Robinson at the skate park.

“He was just an amazing person and a huge contributor to both the Mercer Island and Bothell communities,” she said. A city press release noted that he is remembered for his love of family and much more.

The longtime Mercer Island resident served as a volunteer firefighter on the Island, was a member of the Bothell Fire Department, was committed to community service and helping others and built houses during missions to Mexico for families in need. Gary Robinson said his son was a compassionate and relentless difference-maker.

“As you can imagine, this is an emotional event for Lori and I,” Gary told the council at the April 5 meeting. “We want to express our appreciation to the city council for honoring Kirk in this way. Kirk was a true Mercer Islander and he loved this Island. Kirk would have been truly pleased to see skateboarding finally getting its share of attention.”