Before adjourning Feb. 5, the Deltona City Commission acted to honor an athlete whose youthful prowess attracted the admiration of the young and old alike. Despite his physical ability in days gone by, Eddie Rios is near death after a battle with cancer. Realizing time is of the essence, and the need to act “sooner rather than later,” the commission voted unanimously to rechristen the Lake Butler Skate Park the Eddie Rios Skate Park.
“The skatepark has always been and will continue to be an invaluable community asset for those seeking outdoor and challenging themselves,” Wayne Keller, a friend of Rios, told The Beacon.
FLYING WITHOUT WINGS — Eddie Rios, then 17, shows his aerial skills at Rockaway, New York, challenging other youngsters to develop and sharpen their riding and performing ability.
The commission’s action evoked cheers and applause from friends and other supporters of Rios, a BMX enthusiast and champion who is terminally ill with pancreatic cancer.
The Eddie Rios Skate Park is located at 301 Courtland Blvd. in Deltona.
Rios, 53, and his family moved to Deltona from New York in 2015. Rios made a name for himself known for his aerobatic skills on bicycles and his ability to teach and mentor the younger set devoted to the sport.
STANDING SOLIDLY FOR EDDIE — Friends of BMX champion Eddie Rios join with the Deltona City Commission moments after the governing body votes to rename a park in his honor. From left are Rene Sansom, Dominic Sansom, Renee Childs, A.J. Egle, Mayor Santiago Avila Jr., Nick Hosier, Jason Medina, Wayne Keller, City Commissioners Dana McCool and Maritza Avila-Vazquez, Vice Mayor Jody Lee Storozuk, Justin Sansom, and City Commissioner Troy Shimkus.
