Rodney Mullen Headlines Ocala Skate Park Grand Reopening This Saturday
The man who invented the kickflip is coming home.
Rodney Mullen -- widely known as "The Godfather of Modern Street Skating" -- grew up in Gainesville, just 40 miles north of Ocala. This Saturday, March 28, he returns to his home region to headline the grand reopening celebration of the newly expanded Ocala Skate Park. The all-day event is free and open to the public.
If you know anything about skateboarding, you know Mullen's name. He invented the flatground ollie, the kickflip, the heelflip, the 360 kickflip, and The Impossible -- essentially the entire foundation of modern street skating. He won 34 of 35 freestyle contests he entered, the most dominant competitive streak in skateboarding history. He co-founded World Industries and was inducted into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame in 2013.
And on Saturday, he'll be right here in Ocala.
What's New: The Phase 2 Expansion
The celebration marks the completion of Phase 2 of the Ocala Skate Park, a $973,018 investment funded through the city's general fund ($473K) and Community Redevelopment Agency ($500K). Groundbreaking took place on August 28, 2025, and the finished product adds more than 6,000 square feet of new terrain, bringing the park's total footprint to approximately 16,215 square feet.
New features include:
- Competition-sized bowl -- built to regulation specs
- Snake run -- a flowing, banked channel connecting sections of the park
- Beginner area -- dedicated space for newer skaters to learn without dodging advanced riders
- Intermediate area -- a stepping stone between beginner terrain and the full park
- New street course -- rails, ledges, and obstacles for technical skating
- Upgraded spectator amenities -- better seating and viewing areas for families
The expansion was designed and built by Platform Group, the design/build division of The Boardr, one of the most respected names in competitive skateboarding infrastructure.
The park is located at 517 NE 9th Street in Ocala, adjacent to Tuscawilla Park.
Full Event Schedule -- Saturday, March 28
Daytime at the Skate Park (11 AM - 4 PM)
| Time | What's Happening |
|---|---|
| 11:00 AM | Event begins -- live music, food trucks |
| 11:30 AM | Ribbon-cutting ceremony (Rodney Mullen speaks) |
| 12:00 PM | Meet-and-greet with Rodney Mullen |
| 1:00 PM | Cash for Tricks -- new street course |
| 2:00 PM | Cash for Tricks -- small bowl |
| 3:00 PM | Cash for Tricks -- big bowl |
| 3:30 PM | MVP award ceremony |
The Cash for Tricks sessions offer $750 in total prize money, with $100 going to the MVP of each contest and a $250 MVP of the Day award.
Evening at Marion Theatre (6 - 9 PM)
| Time | What's Happening |
|---|---|
| 6:00 PM | Doors open at Marion Theatre, 50 S. Magnolia Ave |
| 6:30 - 7:00 PM | Q&A session with Rodney Mullen |
| 7:00 PM | Free screening of Bones Brigade: An Autobiography (PG) |
Bones Brigade documents the rise of the legendary Powell Peralta skate team in the 1980s, featuring Mullen prominently alongside Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, and Lance Mountain. The film is rated PG and appropriate for all ages.
Important: The evening event at the Reilly Arts Center / Marion Theatre requires a separate RSVP. Plan ahead if you want to attend both portions of the day.
Pro Skaters in Attendance
Beyond Mullen, several professional skaters are confirmed for the event:
- Felipe Gustavo -- Brazilian-American pro known for precise technical skating
- Jake Ilardi -- competition circuit standout
- Devin Bagnoli -- rising pro talent
- Jax Effs -- crowd favorite
- More skaters TBA
The meet-and-greet with Mullen begins at noon, so arrive early if you want face time with a living legend.
Getting There
- Address: 517 NE 9th Street, Ocala, FL 34470 (near Tuscawilla Park)
- Cost: FREE admission, all day
- Parking: Street parking available in the surrounding neighborhood; arrive early for closest spots
- Evening venue: Marion Theatre, 50 S. Magnolia Ave, Ocala (separate RSVP required)
- Event link: See all March 28 events
Presented by the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks in partnership with The Boardr.
Sources
- Ocala News: Ocala Skate Park Celebrating Expansion with Rodney Mullen This Weekend
- City of Ocala Recreation and Parks press release
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