OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The City of Ocala is renowned for being a haven for one’s mind and body with all of its recreational activities, and on Aug. 28, 2025, the municipality added to its quality of life with the expansion of its skate park, with a groundbreaking ceremony in concert with the Ocala Metro Chamber of Commerce.

The project should be completed in about six months.

City of Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano recounted about how he grew up skateboarding, had been living in Citrus County, and was always looking for a skate park. There was one on US 441 that he used to frequent, with its own unique character.

“It was like this huge half pipe that was built out of plywood, and you really did take your life in your hands every time you went down there. It was coming apart. What a blessing it is to have this here today. It’s awesome to see the kids and the families out here being active, and really just enjoying the community. I’m really proud of our city council. They don’t have an easy job. They get beat up a lot for the work that they do. They do a great job, and they’re great stewards of our money, and they put the money in the right place, and this is a great example of that, how they work with staff to give something back…and make a positive difference.”

City dignitaries christened the event in grand style, wearing hardhats, shoveling earth in a symbolic gesture of where ground will be broken, and will soon be frequented by those who will intrepidly take on the challenge presented by ramps, bowls, ledges, banks, handrails, stairs, and half pipes.

‘We’re so excited about breaking ground today,” said Ire Bethea, Sr. Ocala City Council president pro tempore. “Young people and old people alike love getting on these boards and skating. This is going to be the place to be. Citizens enjoy. Hopefully, the city is going to make this a great place to play.”