Skateboarders at Slayter Creek Park in Anna, Texas, got the surprise of a lifetime Tuesday when Tony Hawk, one of the most influential figures in skateboarding history, made an unannounced visit to the local skatepark, about 45 minutes north of Dallas.
Hawk arrived without fanfare, hopping on his board alongside stunned teens and young adults who initially mistook the helmeted skater in signature Vans for just another park regular. Word quickly spread through the park and nearby neighborhood that the “Birdman” himself was skating in Anna — not for a publicity stunt or official event, but seemingly just for the love of the sport. City officials confirmed the visit was entirely unplanned, with no prior contact or invitation from the city.
Staff at the nearby recreation center noticed a growing crowd and soon realized the man at the center of the excitement was Hawk. The skateboarding icon spent nearly an hour at the park, chatting with skaters, offering pointers, and posing for selfies before quietly leaving. By day’s end, shaky phone videos of Hawk cruising ramps and catching air were circulating on social media, with local teens sharing clips of the unexpected visit.
“Tony. FREAKING. Hawk. The birdman himself stopped by Slayter Creek Park skatepark and shredded. Memories were made 
legend status CONFIRMED,” the City of Anna Government posted online, acknowledging the impromptu session. “We’re not screaming. You’re screaming.”
While the modest skatepark at Slayter Creek has become a hub for young athletes in the fast-growing Collin County community, many residents have pushed for expansions and upgrades. Hawk’s visit, though unofficial, could draw attention to their efforts.
Hawk, known for landing the first documented 900 in 1999 and propelling skateboarding into the mainstream with his hit video game series “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater,” shared a reel on Facebook captioned, “Morning workout where the stars at night are big and bright… and can cause wheelbite.”
Reports indicate Hawk’s stop was not entirely random — he knew someone involved in building the park and had promised to drop by if ever in the area. For Anna’s skaters, the reason behind Hawk’s visit matters less than the moment itself.