The “Godfather of Modern Street Skating” is coming to Ocala this Saturday to headline a massive grand opening celebration for the newly expanded skate park.
Rodney Mullen will be the guest of honor at the Ocala Skate Park Expansion Grand Opening this Saturday, March 28. The city first announced Mullen’s attendance several weeks ago.
The festivities, hosted in partnership with The Boardr, will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park located at 517 NE Ninth St.
The grand opening marks the completion of a significant project that broke ground last August, adding more than 6,000 square feet of new riding surface to the existing facility.
Built by the Platform Group, LLC, the new section features a competition-sized bowl, a classic “snake run,” and designated zones for beginner and intermediate riders.
The expansion has been complete for the last several weeks, with skaterboarders having previewed the new facilities.
On Monday, the city advised that some of the visitors to the park had added wax to various surfaces at the park.
“Please do not alter the surfaces of the skate park. Adding wax or additional features to the skate park without city approval is not allowed and can damage the protective coating or cause harm to others using the area,” reads a statement from the city. “If you feel the skate park needs maintenance or improvements, please reach out to the City Recreation and Parks Department so we can address it properly and keep the park safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
On Saturday, the day’s activities will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a meet-and-greet with Mullen, trick competitions, giveaways, food trucks, and live music.
In addition to the skating action, the event will feature a live art installation where five local artists will paint unfinished skate decks on site to be inducted into the City of Ocala’s permanent art collection.
The celebration will continue into the evening at the historic Marion Theatre in downtown Ocala with a free screening of the documentary Bones Brigade: An Autobiography. This session runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and includes a question-and-answer session with Mullen starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by the film at 7 p.m.
For more information on the event or the facility improvements, residents can visit the Ocala Skate Park online.