Oceanside, CA – On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the City of Oceanside celebrated the grand opening of an expanded skate spot at John Landes Park in the Tri City neighborhood. Nearly 300 people attended the event that featured skaters of all ages and abilities trying out the newest skate spot in Oceanside. The Poseiden Foundation helped organize the event, including flying in professional skaters from around the world to conduct free skate demos and clinics for youth.
The City originally hosted three outreach meetings to determine the most desired amenities in a new skate spot. The previous skate area featured limited ramps and equipment showing their age. Professional skaters Cody McEntire and Julia Brueckler, also an Olympic skater, led the public workshops. 290 people provided input, both in-person and through an online survey.
The renovated skate spot is 7,500 square feet and the project totaled $487,624. The City allocated $125,000 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to design a new skate spot. The project also used $285,520 in grant funding received from the State of California through Proposition 68.
“Skating is an integral part of the culture that makes Oceanside special,” said Manuel Gonzalez, Oceanside Director of Parks and Recreation.
“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.”
The Mayor and City Councilmembers cut the celebratory ribbon, and the Mayor received a skate deck signed by skaters and the American Ramp Company staff that designed and constructed the skate spot. The Offices of Congressman Mike Levin, State Senator Catherine Blakespear, and Assembly Member Laurie Davies had representatives in attendance, along with County Supervisor Jim Desmond who joined the ceremony.
The City provided pizza and refreshments for the crowd, and hosted arts and crafts stations for youth. The Poseiden Foundation distributed free skating gear and helped coordinate a skate session with the pros. Professional skaters Jen O’Brien, World Champion and Skating Hall of Fame inductee; Andres Chong-qui, SBEC Wheels; Necu Videla, Sentir Skateboards and Olympian on the Argentinian National Team; Ronnie Toms, Etnies Flow Rider; and Isabelle Fried spent time with youth in the new skate spot. Videla flew in from Mexico and Chong-qui visited from Ecuador for the event.
