As the major expansion of the Ocala Skate Park rises from the ground, city officials are inviting local artists to leave their mark on the celebration through a live painting initiative.
Ocala Recreation and Parks has officially opened applications for the Skate Deck Design and Live Painting Project, which will see five artists paint unfinished skate decks on-site during the expansion’s grand opening in 2026.
The project, which broke ground last August, is currently on track for completion next month. To celebrate the milestone, the selected artists will be asked to create artwork live during the opening festivities.
The finished decks will be inducted into the City of Ocala’s permanent art collection and displayed at various locations across town. Each selected artist will also receive a $250 honorarium.
Applicants must be 18 years or older and reside or work in Marion County or the surrounding Central Florida region. Submissions must be original, family-friendly, and free of branded content.
There is no cost to apply. The deadline to submit a portfolio is Sunday, Feb. 15. For more information or to apply, visit the city’s public art webpage.
The call for artists comes as construction at the site, located at 517 NE 9th Street, makes significant headway. Recent overhead images reveal the distinct outlines of the new facility, with crews from Platform Group, LLC actively shaping the terrain.
Wooden forms and rebar are currently tracing the curves of what will soon be more than 6,000 square feet of new riding surface.
The excavation phase has revealed the clear path of the snake run and the deep footprint of a competition-sized bowl, marking a major shift from earth-moving to structural definition.
Once the concrete is poured, the expansion will feature designated zones for beginner and intermediate riders, along with improved amenities for spectators. The final design is set to incorporate local flair, including palm trees and city-inspired artwork.