A contract for the proposed expansion of the Ocala Skate Park is coming up for a final vote next week, with plans calling for the addition of two “bowls,” a snake run, a beginner’s area, and a paved walking path.
An agreement with Platform Group, LLC, for design and build services for the expansion of the Ocala Skate Park will come before the Ocala City Council for a vote during its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, March 4.
The $884,561 agreement, which includes a 10% contingency of $88,457 for a total expenditure of $973,018, would cover all phases of design and construction of the park’s expansion.
According to state corporate records, Platform Group, LLC, is a Tampa-based company registered to Ryan Clements, Rob Meronek, and Juan Porrata.
A conceptual summary provided by the group suggests that the design would include “nods to the local area, incorporating palm trees and local artwork that reflects the vibrant culture of Ocala.”
“Creating strong connections to existing features is a crucial aspect of design, as it allows for the integration of new elements into the existing context, while complementing and enhancing their surroundings,” reads a statement from the company’s conceptual summary.
If approved, a timeline for the project suggests the group would begin construction in the coming weeks, with a final completion for the expansion estimated sometime in late 2025.
Construction on the Ocala Skate Park began in 2018 and the city held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the park in May of 2019.
The park was the first official skate park endorsed by the city of Ocala within city limits. It was in the works for years, much like the plans for expansion.
The city created the park with skateboarders, rollerbladers, and BMX bicyclists in mind, citing a boom in the industry in the past three decades.
The $410,000 street course was the first phase of a larger plan which called for the snake run, larger bowl, lighting, pavilion and other necessary amenities to fill out the park.
Now, the city will look for Platform Group to perform the next four phases of the project.
The Ocala City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of every month at Ocala City Hall (110 SE Watula Avenue) at 4 p.m.