OCALA, FL (352today.com) – If you’re even marginally plugged in to Ocala’s crazily robust slate of municipal events, then you’ve probably heard by now that the grand opening of the Ocala Skate Park’s new expansion is this Saturday, March 28, 2026, and that it’s going to be a pretty big deal.

If you’re an old-school skateboarder who keeps tabs on skate culture, and/or the parent of a kid who’s currently wild about the sport, then you’ve probably heard, seen something online or engaged in a conversation about it, oh, every day for the past month and a half or so.

The event has shaped up to be much more than a grand opening (and, by extension, tangible evidence of the city’s commitment to providing a diverse array of recreational services and resources for its residents and visitors). There’ll be trick competitions. There’ll be multiple live-music performances. There’ll be food trucks (of course).

There’ll also be an in-person appearance by veteran professional skateboarder Rodney Mullen, who consistently innovated his own take on freestyle skating to become regarded as a godfather of modern skateboarding, which often applies the countless tricks he invented for flatland riding to skating obstacles, pools, parks and ramps. Mullen, born in Gainesville, started skating at the age of 10 and competing at the leading edge of the ’80s. He’s been active in the sport and industry for nearly half a century, from riding and founding companies to writing, appearing in video games and otherwise acting as an eminently qualified ambassador and advocate for the sport.

Flatground ollie? Thank Rodney. Kickflip? Thank Rodney. Heelflip? Yup. Darkslide? The list goes on. And on.

Mullen will appear for a meet-and-greet from noon until 2 p.m. on Saturday, before sitting in for media conference in the afternoon and then hosting a Q&A before the (sold-out) screening of the documentary film “Bones Brigade: An Autobiography” at the Marion Theatre Saturday evening.

Here’s the full schedule of events

  • 11 a.m.: Event Begins
  • 11:30 a.m.: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
  • Noon to 2 p.m.: Meet-and-Greet with Rodney Mullen
  • 12:30 to 1 p.m.: Music Performance by Field Trip
  • 1 p.m.: Street Course Competition
  • 1:30 to 2 p.m.: Music Performance by Ugly Neighbor
  • 2 p.m.: Small Bowl Competition
  • 3 p.m.: Big Bowl Competition
  • 3 to 3:30 p.m.: Music Performance by Love Kills Joy
  • 3:30 p.m.: MVP of the Day Award
  • 6 to 9 p.m.: Bones Brigade: An Autobiography Documentary (Ticketed Event at the Marion Theatre)
  • 6:30 to 7 p.m.: Q&A with Rodney Mullen (Part of the Ticketed Event at the Marion Theatre)

All of the events at the Ocala Skate Park, 517 NE Ninth St., are free and open to the public. For more information, including parking and trolley info, visit the city’s event page.