Construction is now underway in New Meadows, Idaho, on the Mehen Memorial Skatepark — a tribute to Rory and Sara Mehen, who were tragically murdered in October 2022. The project, long envisioned by the couple, is now becoming reality as community members come together to build a lasting symbol of remembrance and healing.

“That’s kind of what they’re doing right now, prepping the ground to get ready to bring in the concrete,” said Preston Woods, a close friend of Rory Mehen and board chairman of the New Meadows Skate Park nonprofit founded by Rory shortly before his death. “It’s kind of overwhelming to be here and very, very exciting.”

Located between the town’s K–12 school and a new youth center set to open this summer, the skatepark is a passion project that Rory and Sara once dreamed of. “Rory loves skateboarding, and he knew how good it is for kids to have a place to go skateboard,” Woods said.

“This is such a testimony to what happens when a community goes through a tragedy and then finds a way to redeem it by doing something amazing,” said New Meadows Mayor Julie Good.

The skatepark will be a “world-class” facility, Woods said, adding, “There'll be a little something for everyone.”

For Mayor Good, the location and purpose are both deeply meaningful: “It's amazing to be able to remember two very awesome people with a project that's going to go on and impact our community for so many years and our children and our grandchildren.”

Woods echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the park’s role in helping the town heal. “It's meant a lot to our entire community, friends and family. It's just been a way to help us all heal from the tragedy. And yeah, it feels really good knowing that they're looking down on us and watching it happen.”

With an expected opening in the fall, the project has raised approximately $560,000 of its $600,000 goal. Fundraising efforts are ongoing to close the remaining $40,000 gap.

The Mehen Memorial Skatepark is more than just a recreational space — it’s a community-built legacy rooted in resilience, loss, and love. Rory and Sara Mehen were deeply involved in local youth initiatives, and this project brings their vision to life in the heart of New Meadows.

Placed strategically between the school and youth center, the skatepark aims to provide a safe, inclusive place for local kids and teens — one that fosters not just skating, but community building and emotional healing.

The $600,000 project, led by volunteers and donors, represents one of the town’s most ambitious public efforts in recent years. For New Meadows, this is not just construction — it's a powerful gesture of hope, memory, and a promise to future generations.

Originally reported by Abby Davis in KTVB 7.