About 300 community members came out to celebrate and try an expanded John Landes Park skating area in Oceanside on March 25.
The grand opening of the 7,500-square-foot facility drew skaters of all ages and abilities, including youths for demos and clinics by professionals. North County-based nonprofit Poseiden Foundation helped organize the launch.
The renovated John Landes Skatepark, which first opened in 2003, cost $487,624 and is the culmination of community meetings and grants, according to a news release about the opening. Professional skaters Cody McEntire and Olympian Julia Brueckler led three public workshops to determine the expanded spot’s amenities.
Oceanside Parks and Recreation Director Manuel Gonzalez said the facility and others like it are a key part of the city’s culture.
“Skating is an integral part of the culture that makes Oceanside special,” he said in the city’s news release. “We have some amazing skate parks and we tried to balance the need to create a unique experience for advanced skaters with elements that would also appeal to youth and beginners.”
A $125,000 Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development went toward designing the new skate spot, in addition to a $285,520 grant through the state’s Proposition 68 parks and water bond, which was approved by voters in 2018.
Elected officials such as Oceanside’s City Council, Mayor Esther Sanchez and county Supervisor Jim Desmond were on hand for the opening, in addition to representatives for state Assemblywoman Laurie Davies (R-74th District), state Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D-38th District) and Congressman Mike Levin (D-49th District).
Pro skaters were also there to spend time with youths trying out the new facility — world champion and Skating Hall of Fame inductee Jen O’Brien; Andres Chong-qui, SBEC Wheels; Olympian and Argentinian National Team member Necu Videla, Sentir Skateboards; Ronnie Toms, Etnies Flow Rider; and Isabelle Fried.
The John Landes Skatepark is located at the north end of John Landes Park at 4215 Lewis St.
Other park amenities have seen renovations in the past few years as well. The John Landes Community Center reopened in August 2023.
