Tempe, Arizona – The Dry Surf Skate Board Rink opened in early June 1965 at Hayden Plaza East on Scottsdale Road, Tempe. The rink is believed to be the nation’s first skateboard park. It opened with a formal event held this past weekend at the intersection of Curry and Scottsdale roads.

Young skateboarders demonstrated various maneuvers at the new rink. The facility features a slalom course, banked curves, rolling hills, and a special trick area. Participants in the demonstration included local riders such as Tom Mullins, Harry Mullins, Don Grose, Pep Mullins, Jim Thomas, and Dave Grose. In one of the events, 15-year-old Pep Mullins showed a shoulder carry with his 8-year-old brother, Tom.

At the time of the opening, skateboard wheels were made of metal or clay, and riders typically went barefoot. The local history museum in Tempe has named its skateboard history exhibit “Dry Surf” in tribute to this early local innovation in skateboarding. A clipping from the Arizona Republic dated June 7, 1965, documented the event and helped preserve the history of the nation’s first skate board rink.

Source: Tempe History Museum

Source Type: Community

Source Location: Tempe

Scottsdale, AZ

https://www.facebook.com/928218319333912/posts/1218603936962014

BearCat Pull for Special Olympics Arizona in Tempe

Tempe police and Scottsdale police are hosting the BearCat Pull, a fundraiser for Special Olympics Arizona, on April 4, 2026, at the Tempe/APS Joint Fire Training Center, where teams will pull a BearCat 50 feet for bragging rights and prizes; registration is at STBCP.givesmart.com and spectators are welcome.

Camp Cory Unveils Summer 2026 Staff Highlights

Penn Yan, N.Y.—YMCA Camp Cory released its Summer 2026 staff highlights, introducing three new team members—Marc Castellet Julve, a first-year senior counselor from Castellón, Spain; May Rusling, a ninth-year junior counselor from Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Eduardo Muñoz, a Mexican high-rope specialist—while noting returning staff across roles.

BISSELL Pet Foundation Sponsoring Adoptions in Maricopa County

Maricopa County dogs six months and older will have their adoption fees sponsored by the BISSELL Pet Foundation from March 5-8, with puppies available for a $150 adoption fee, at the East Shelter in Mesa, the West Shelter in Phoenix and the Everyday Adoption Center in Scottsdale (inside PetSmart).

Scottsdale CC alum shares three tips for aspiring entrepreneurs

Scottsdale Community College alumnus Michael Spangenberg, CEO and co-founder of State Forty Eight and the State Forty Eight Foundation, offered three tips for aspiring entrepreneurs, per a Maricopa Community Colleges report.

Arizona small businesses boosted by college partnerships, grants

A Maricopa Community Colleges report says small businesses statewide strengthen communities and drive growth, illustrated by Scottsdale Community College alum Mike Spangenberg, co-founder of State Forty Eight, whose foundation helps small businesses thrive through collaboration and grants.

ASU Alumni Celebrate Baseball at Scottsdale Stadium Event

ASU hosts alumni baseball game with a ceremonial first pitch and special hat giveaways.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Prepares for WM Phoenix Open

Phoenix airport prepares WM Open travelers with PGA shop and tournament updates.

MaricopaReady Secures TPC Scottsdale Event

MaricopaReady monitored TPC Scottsdale event for emergency preparedness.

Arcadia: Phoenix’s Historic Citrus Neighborhood Revived

Arcadia: historic Phoenix neighborhood prized for its orchards, schools, and community vibe.

Maricopa Teams Ensure Safety at Waste Management Open

Maricopa officials ensure safety and smooth operations at the Waste Management Open.