OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A much anticipated project may be completed in time for Christmas.

The Ocala City Council has approved an agreement with Platform Group, LLC for design-build services for the Ocala Skate Park Expansion ProjectThe contract, valued at $884,561, includes a 10% contingency of $88,457, bringing the total expenditure to $973,018. The approval was granted during the council’s meeting on March 4, 2025.

To fund the project, the council also adopted a budget resolution amending the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget. This adjustment transfers $473,018 from the general fund reserve for projects, while the remaining $500,000 will come from the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency funds.

Currently, the Ocala Skate Park spans 10,000 square feet. The expansion will add an additional 5,000 square feet, enhancing the park’s features and appeal.

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“The expansion will include an intermediate bowl, a larger bowl, a snake run, and the last phase will be a beginners’ area,” said Gregory Davis, City of Ocala public information officer.

The City of Ocala’s team met with the project’s construction team on March 5. The construction team has until June 9, 2025, to finalize the design. Once approved, construction will begin, with an estimated completion time of six to seven months. Based on the current timeline, the expansion is expected to be finished by mid-December, Davis said.

While construction is underway, the city aims to keep most of the skate park open. However, there may be brief periods when the entire park needs to be closed to complete certain phases of the project.

“We’re super excited to finally get it started, and hopefully, everyone will enjoy it soon,” Davis added.

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